In its endeavour to deliver top quality projects for the benefit of the Arab World, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation is currently undertaking a rigorous review of its current strategy and programmes in order to deliver them in the most efficient manner. We regret to inform you that we are not accepting new applications until further notice.

Oktub Programme

Oktub is the Arabic word for Write. Oktub Programme aims at laying the foundations of a Pan-Arab literary renaissance that will contribute to reviving the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The programme intends to nurture talented authors in the Arab world by helping them realise their dreams of publishing inspired works. It encourages writing and publishing of books by providing aspiring writers with professional and financial support.

Terms and criteria

The Foundation chooses Oktub beneficiaries based on the following criteria:

• Works should be created in standard Arabic
• Nationals of the 22 member countries of the League of Arab States are eligible to apply. These countries are: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen.
• The work should be innovative and unpublished. 
• The work should pass the panel’s assessment in terms of the topic’s value and the author’s creative skills that enrich the cultural and literary landscapes in the Arab World.

How the Programme works

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation receives applications from talented young authors through its website. Samples of their earlier work should be enclosed with the applications.

Online applications will be reviewed and sorted. Those meeting the conditions will be scrutinized by a panel of nine Arab experts. Once approved, the selected authors will enter into a binding contract that spells out their commitment to follow the panel’s suggestions and complete their work.

The Foundation will send the approved book script to the publishing house after signing a contract in which the Foundation commits to buying 1000 copies of the book.  As per the contract, participants will receive a share of the total book sales from the publishing house, including the 1000 copies that will be bought by the Foundation from the publishing house.

In addition to financial gains, authors will get the opportunity to be promoted by the Foundation in literary events and media. The Foundation will also distribute the authors’ books to libraries and schools, as an initiative to support the culture and knowledge institutions in the Arab World. 

Assessment criteria

The assessment panel comprises nine Arab experts who meet regularly to assess applications based on the following criteria:

• The subject should be innovative
• The author should convince the panel of the book’s significance and methodology
• The author’s earlier works should pass assessment by the panel
• The book should be written in standard Arabic language

Based on these criteria, the panel will judge whether the book should be published, revised or rejected.

To apply, please click here