Why This Dubai Library Event Has Book Lovers Talking

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-10-17

Picture this: a room full of people who actually care about short stories. Not scrolling past them on a phone—sitting together, listening, asking questions. That's what happened at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai on October 16, 2026, and it says something about where Emirati literature is heading. The library teamed up with Al Muntada Salon for an evening that felt less like a formal event and more like a conversation among friends. Two books took center stage: *The Courtyard of Strangers*, a short story collection by Aisha Sultan, and *The Years of the Maghr: A Stranger's Biography*, by Maryam Al Zarooni. Both authors were there to discuss their work and sign copies. ### A Deep Dive into *The Courtyard of Strangers* Heba Salah moderated the first discussion, which focused on Sultan's collection. The conversation dug into the stories themselves—what inspired them, how they came together, and what they reveal about everyday life in the UAE. Salah kept things moving with questions that felt genuine, not rehearsed. What stood out was how the audience leaned in. These weren't passive listeners; they were readers who came with their own interpretations. Sultan's stories explore themes of identity, belonging, and the small moments that define us. Hearing her talk about her process made the fiction feel even more real. ### Maryam Al Zarooni's *The Years of the Maghr* The second session shifted to Al Zarooni's *The Years of the Maghr: A Stranger's Biography*. This one's a biography, but it reads like a novel—full of characters and places that feel alive. Al Zarooni spoke about the research behind the book and the challenge of telling someone else's story with honesty and care. > "Literature doesn't just record history," Al Zarooni said during the discussion. "It lets us feel it." That line stuck with me. It's one thing to read facts; it's another to experience a life through someone else's eyes. That's what this book does. ### Why This Matters for Dubai's Literary Scene Events like this don't happen by accident. They're part of a bigger push to support Emirati voices and make contemporary Arabic literature more accessible. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library has been hosting more of these gatherings, and Al Muntada Salon brings a community feel that's hard to fake. For anyone in the United States who follows global literature, this is worth noting. Dubai isn't just a hub for business and tourism—it's becoming a place where stories are written, shared, and celebrated. And these two authors are proof that the scene is thriving. ### What's Next If you're curious about Emirati fiction, start with these two books. *The Courtyard of Strangers* is a great introduction to the short story form, while *The Years of the Maghr* offers a deeper dive into one person's journey. Both are available in bookstores across the UAE and online. And keep an eye on the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library's calendar. If this event is any indication, there's more where that came from.