Creative Lab inspires young Emirati minds in storytelling, media

ABU DHABI – Dozens of young Emiratis have taken their first steps into the world of storytelling and digital media through a series of spring break workshops hosted by Creative Lab, the youth talent development arm of Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA).

The initiative, held online to ensure broad access, engaged 38 students aged 9 to 12 from across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, introducing them to scriptwriting, storytelling and digital content creation while fostering confidence, self-expression and creativity.

Delivered in both Arabic and English, the workshops offered interactive learning experiences designed to nurture young talent. The first session, conducted in collaboration with Majid TV, focused on the fundamentals of storytelling, including character creation, plot development and narrative structure. Each participant crafted their own story and presented it to peers, building public speaking skills alongside creative expression.

The second session, delivered with Animotion Media Group, explored digital content creation for platforms such as YouTube. Students designed characters and illustrations while learning how to produce engaging, responsible content for online audiences. A key element was teaching safe and responsible use of technology, reflecting this year’s Emirati Children’s Day theme of empowering children to use digital tools creatively and safely.

The workshops also coincided with the UAE’s Month of Reading, reinforcing the importance of storytelling, reading, and creative writing. Many participants wrote poems and messages of appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the integration of creativity and cultural pride.

“Introducing creative media skills at an early age helps young people discover the power of storytelling and builds confidence in expressing their ideas,” said Aysha Al Jneibi, Director of Talent Development at CMA Abu Dhabi.

“Through Creative Lab, we aim to nurture curiosity, creativity and critical thinking while giving young talent meaningful exposure to the media and creative industries.

“By collaborating with industry partners, we are helping build a strong foundation for the next generation of storytellers and creators who will contribute to the UAE’s growing creative economy,” Jneibi added.

Mentorship from industry professionals formed a key component of the programme. Valeria Korotina of Animotion Media Group guided students through digital media creation, while Manal Al Falouji, children’s programme producer at Majid Channel, led the scriptwriting and storytelling sessions, sharing professional insights and encouraging experimentation.

Parents welcomed the initiative, noting its impact on children’s learning and confidence. 

“It was a wonderful workshop. We were happy to see the children encouraged to write in Arabic and present their stories with confidence. We hope to see more initiatives like this that support creativity and learning for our children,” said Hanna Mhanna.

For students, the workshops were both fun and educational. Hazza Al Yalyali reflected: “The workshop taught me how to write stories and build confidence in presenting in front of others. I wrote my own story and a poem for the President. The course enriched my knowledge and strengthened my confidence in both writing and public speaking.”

By highlighting talents in storytelling, voice-over and public speaking, the workshops showcased the creativity and enthusiasm of the UAE’s younger generations. 

Delivering the programme online allowed children from across the emirate to participate, breaking geographic barriers and expanding access to high-quality creative learning opportunities.

The spring workshops build on the success of Creative Lab’s seasonal programmes, including summer and winter media camps, and have served as a pilot for more digitally led creative initiatives aimed at nurturing a sustainable pipeline of storytellers, media professionals and creators who will shape the UAE’s growing creative economy.