In Collaboration with Ministry of Information, Ministry of Education, Visa International, and Bahrain Writers Association BisB Celebrates Emerging Bahraini Literary Talent with “We Write in Arabic” Competition

05-December-2024

Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading provider of innovative Islamic financial solutions for simplifying money matters in the Kingdom of Bahrain, recently hosted the closing ceremony that marked the conclusion of its “We Write in Arabic” competition organised in partnership with the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Education, Visa International, and Bahrain Writers Association.

Held on the sidelines of World Arabic Language Day, the event took place on 5th December at the Royal Saray Resort in Seef where the winners and finalists were honoured for their achievements. The occasion also saw the launch of a special compilation of stories centred around the theme of “The Future of the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

The “We Write in Arabic” initiative forms part of BisB’s dedicated efforts towards advancing community development and nurturing the talents of Bahrain’s youth. By proudly championing the Arabic language and strengthening its national identity, the Bank showcases its firm commitment to preserving cultural heritage. To underscore the programme’s significance, three special episodes were produced and aired on Bahrain TV featuring the top 20 stories written by the contestants.

The competition aimed to inspire students to envision the nation’s future through the lens of technological advancement by writing short stories in their native language. Welcoming aspiring writers aged 13 to 18, it provided a platform to nurture creativity, imagination, linguistic eloquence, and innovative storytelling, all while promoting cultural and technological integration.

A total of 1,929 entries from over 100 schools were received in the initial evaluation phase, with the top 100 stories advancing to the next round. The shortlisted contestants then advanced to the next round where they worked under the guidance of mentors to refine their writing pieces. Based on rigorous selection criteria, the best 20 compositions were selected which were subsequently opened to public voting.

The closing ceremony included a keynote address in which BisB extended gratitude to the partners and supporters for their support of the initiative. The students’ creative achievements were showcased and media interactions were arranged where they could narrate their unique experiences. A special presentation also highlighted the venture’s significant milestones. The event concluded with the top 10 winners receiving awards and certificates and the launch and signing of the anthology.

Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, highlighted the initiative’s role in supporting Bahrain’s creative youth and promoting the Arabic language as a cornerstone of national identity. He noted that it provides an opportunity to discover and nurture talented individuals who will contribute to enriching Bahrain’s cultural and literary landscape.

Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, emphasised the initiative’s importance in encouraging students to engage with the Arabic language and providing them with a platform to demonstrate their literary talents. He underscored the collaborative efforts of BisB and the Ministry in ensuring the initiative’s success.

Ms. Fatema AlAlawi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BisB added, “We are immensely proud of the resounding accomplishment of this national endeavour, which celebrates our mother tongue as a pillar of our Arab identity. The participation of young Bahraini women in this contest is particularly inspiring, which is a testament to their remarkable contributions across diverse fields. This project aligns with our vision to empower women, amplify their voices, and ensure their active involvement in driving institutional and national advancement.

Dr. Rashid Najem, President of the Bahrain Writers Association, commended the initiative for raising awareness among Bahrain’s youth about the importance of the Arabic language. He emphasised its value and expressed hope for its continuation to further nurture young writing talents and strengthen their connection to the language.