Press Releases
22 Jun 2018
Announcing the winners of short story writers contest for people of determination
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the winners of the Short Story Writing Contest for the People of Determination launched at the beginning of 2018 year. The competition, which targeted schools’ and universities’ students of that category across all nationalities, was part of Phase II of the ‘Read More’ initiative. The submissions were accepted in both Arabic and English languages.
“The latest edition of the short story contest is based on public ride experience for the people of determination in various ages. It is aligned with ‘My community... A City for Everyone’ initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. It also illustrates RTA’s efforts to integrate this category in the field of knowledge and creative writing, and identify their talents in expressing topics related to their public transport mobility,” said Ms. Moaza Al Marri, Director of RTA’s Marketing and Corporate Communication.
“Launched under the context of the ‘Read More’ initiative, the 2nd Short Story contest is indicative of the scale of attention paid to the people of determination in all service, knowledge and culture-based initiatives, which reasserts the commitment to the social responsibility of RTA in this field,” she noted.
Moaza named four winning writers and stories who were: Sushanth Yelishetty (A Ride to Nowhere), Faris Palathingal (Tommy’s Dreams), Salim Mohammed (Cat and Karl), and Sheikha Saif Al Shamsi (A Strife Journey).
There were some technical conditions set for the contest such as the word count of the story for each age group: For 11 years and below (500 words), 11-14 years (1000 words), 15-17 years (1500 words), 18 years and above (2000 words).
The topics were required to be related to mobility systems, especially public transport, with the aim of encouraging and attracting additional individuals amongst the people of determination to take part in the contest. Submissions were assessed in conjunction with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
“RTA is always keen on launching initiatives compatible with its social responsibility to the community, especially the people of determination, who are a new quality addition to the community. The Short Story Contest and Read More initiative generate effective contributions in support of Dubai Government drive,” concluded the Director of RTA’s Marketing and Corporate Communication.