Four Japanese writers spent nearly three weeks in the UAE during which they received the opportunity to visit diverse locations that reflect the lifestyle, social values, culture and heritage of the country. The unique experiences of the four writers in the UAE will be turned into four books in Japanese language which will be translated into various other languages, including Arabic and English.

The visit of the writers to the UAE has been made possible under the ‘Writers Exchange’ category of Dubai International Program for Writing, launched by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in October of 2013. Under Writers Exchange, two male and two female writers from the UAE and Japan are getting the opportunity to stay in each other’s countries to enable them to exchange ideas based on their respective cultures. On completion of the visits to the UAE and Japan, the writers will narrate their experience to their readers through works in Arabic or Japanese.

The Japanese writers team visited modern as well as cultural and heritage landmarks of Dubai and UAE such as  Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, Hatta Cultural Village, Liwa, Al Fahidi historical district featuring Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum, the Association of Culture and Science, Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Center, Al Bayan newspaper and Emirates Writers Union in Sharjah.

Kika Hotta, one of the writers in the team, said: “I cannot conceal my deep admiration for the remarkable harmony of modernity and tradition in Dubai and the UAE. The diverse mix of nationalities and cultures in this country is highly impressive.”

Another writer, Yumi Fuzuki, said: “What drew my attention during my stay in the UAE is that people living here are highly motivated and inspired by the culture of this place which has become a part of their daily lives.”

Kenkichi Tsurukawa, another writer in the team, said: “I’m amazed at the huge respect for individual privacy and the non-interference in others’ affairs. Having spent time in the UAE, I have been trying to evaluate the differences between the nature of people’s lives here and in Japan. I am optimistic that the rich experiences I had in this country will enable me to produce a literary work that will be much accepted and admired.”

Mokako Nakajima, the fourth writer, said: “I never expected that I will be part of such an enriching experience that would completely transform my views. The perception I had about the Middle East region is changing by the day, if not by the hour. I believe it is my duty to convey this experience to everyone when I return to Japan, and explain that this part of the world deserves much appreciation for its culture of respecting others.”

Dubai International Program for Writing is one of the creative initiatives of MBRF which contributes to enriching the intellectual and literary movement in the UAE and the Arab world. At present, the program includes two categories ­ Writers Exchange and Creative Workshops. However, there are plans to include more categories that will support young talents with the right environment and sponsorship initiatives. The program will publish their work in Arabic and other languages in order to enhance the value of Arabic writing and elevate it to international standards.