"Poetry of Birds" Story Writing Competition

L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai announces the "Poetry of Birds" Story Writing Competition, inviting children between the ages 8 to 12 years old

Practical Information:

 

Language Options: English or Arabic.

Word Count: Min.500 words - Max. 1,500 words

 

Competition Launch: January 20th – 26th, 2026

Submission Deadline: February 20th, 2026

Winner Announcement: March 27th – 29th, 2026

The Competition

Welcome young storytellers, to an extraordinary journey where the magic of words meets the splendor of jewelry!

L'ÉCOLE invites children between the ages of 8 to 12 years old to participate in the "Poetry of Birds" Story Writing Competition. This unique initiative aims to explain, share, and reveal the captivating culture of jewelry through the lens of boundless imagination.

The Inspiration: "Poetry of Birds" Exhibition

Leading up to the L'ÉCOLE Festival, we encourage you to visit our current exhibition, "Poetry of Birds." Immerse yourself in a world where exquisite jewelry pieces come alive, inspired by the grace, beauty, and symbolism of birds. Let the dazzling gems, intricate designs, and fascinating stories behind each creation spark your creativity and inspire an original tale. This competition is designed to encourage observation, imaginative storytelling, and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of jewelry.

Who Can Participate?

This competition is open to young writers aged 8 to 12 years old.

Writing competition

How to Participate

1.Visit the Exhibition: Your first step is to visit the "Poetry of Birds" exhibition at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai. Take your time to explore, observe the pieces, and let their beauty ignite your imagination.

2.Write Your Story: Craft an original story inspired by your visit to the exhibition and the showcased jewelry pieces. Your story can be a fantasy, an adventure, a mystery, or anything your creative mind can conjure!

3.Submit Your Masterpiece

Please ensure your story adheres to the word count and language requirements.

Participate

What We're Looking For

Creativity: Original ideas and imaginative plots.

Observation: A clear connection to the "Poetry of Birds" exhibition and its jewelry pieces.

Storytelling: Engaging narratives, well-developed characters, and a captivating flow.

 

Prizes

The winners of the "Poetry of Birds" Story Writing Competition will receive two incredible prizes:

Group Visit to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: Embark on an unforgettable educational adventure! Winners will enjoy an engaging group visit to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, where they will:

  • Meet majestic falcons up close.
  • Learn about their cultural significance in Emirati heritage.
  • Explore the falconry museum, showcasing traditional tools and the long history of the practice.
  • Witness birds flying freely in the aviary.
  • Observe real veterinary procedures (such as feather repair or health check-ups).
  • Even have the memorable opportunity to hold a falcon for a photo (under supervision).

 

Creative Writing Workshop with the Emirates Literature Foundation: Further hone your writing skills with a bespoke creative writing workshop, presented in collaboration with the esteemed Emirates Literature Foundation. Inspired by your "Poetry of Birds" stories, this workshop will offer a series of enriching activities, which may include:

  • Ekphrastic Writing Sessions: Writing inspired by visual art.
  • Children's Story-Creation Workshops: Developing compelling narratives.
  • Flash-Fiction Challenges: Crafting short, impactful stories.
  • Myth-Making Exercises: Exploring themes of feathers, flight, and craftsmanship.
  • Unique Perspectives: Writing from a jeweler's point of view.
  • Collaborative Writing Experiences: Engaging in group storytelling. These initiatives merge literature, nature, and jewelry arts to provide a truly impactful educational and cultural experience.

Our Esteemed Judging Panel

To ensure a fair and insightful selection process, our judging panel comprises influential figures and key opinion leaders from the literary world, including experts from L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai  and the Emirates Literature Foundation. Their diverse expertise will ensure that every story is reviewed with care and appreciation.

Sophie Claudel

Sophie Claudel​

Director L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Middle East

Sara Ben Zid

Sara Ben Zid

Education Manager, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Middle East

May El Hage

May El Hage

Art Historian & Instructor, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Middle East

Dr.Afra Atiq

Dr. Afra Atiq

Scholar & Poet