International Science Fiction Short Story Competition in the UAE 2026

New Voices in Sci-Fi 2026, one of the international competitions and awards in creative writing, dedicated to science fiction short stories written in Arabic or English.

The competition offers a valuable opportunity for those interested in international literary competitions and awards for writers and emerging talents. It aims to discover new voices in creative writing and encourage participants to explore themes related to the future, space, technology, and science through original and innovative stories.

The competition is open to UAE residents of all nationalities aged 16 and above. Winners will receive cash prizes and literary development opportunities, along with a unique experience that includes a visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, opportunities to meet astronauts, and participation in Emirates LitFest 2027. This makes it a strong opportunity for those interested in international literary competitions and awards and in developing their writing careers.

The first-place winner in each age category and language will receive a range of benefits, including:

• A cash prize.
• A commemorative trophy.
• A visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
• An opportunity to meet astronauts.
• Participation in specialized creative writing workshops.
• Support to further develop the story and explore the possibility of expanding it into a longer literary work.
• Participation in Emirates Literature Festival 2027 activities.
• Recognition during the awards ceremony.
• Opportunities to showcase outstanding work and reach a wider literary audience.
• The possibility for selected stories to receive additional opportunities related to publication and literary development.

Applicants may apply for the MBRSC Short Story Award: New Voices in Sci-Fi 2026 if they:

• Are 16 years old or older.
• Are residents of the United Arab Emirates.
• Are of any nationality; the competition is open to UAE residents of all nationalities, including Arab nationalities.
• Are able to submit an original story in Arabic or English.
• Are willing to comply with all competition rules and formatting requirements.
• Submit only one story during the current competition cycle.
• Submit an original, previously unpublished work that has not been entered in another competition.
• Agree not to use artificial intelligence tools to write the story.

Entries are divided into three age categories:

• 16–21 years old
• 22–30 years old
• 31 years old and above

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