Abu dhabi: Creative Lab, the youth talent development arm of Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA), hosted a series of online creative media workshops during the spring break which introduced young students aged 9-12 to storytelling, scriptwriting, and digital content creation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative engaged 38 students from across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, offering participants an early introduction to creative media through interactive learning experiences designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
Delivered in both Arabic and English, the workshops introduced children to the foundations of storytelling while encouraging them to explore their ideas through writing, drawing, and creative discussion. The first session focused on scriptwriting and narrative development, delivered by the Creative Lab team in collaboration with Majid TV, part of Abu Dhabi Media Network. Students were introduced to the fundamentals of storytelling, including character creation, plot development, and story structure. Each participant wrote their own story in Arabic or English and presented it to their peers during the session, building confidence in both creative expression and public speaking.
The second session, delivered in collaboration with Animotion Media Group, explored storytelling for YouTube, introducing students to digital content creation and visual storytelling. Participants created illustrations and character ideas while learning how creators design engaging and responsible content for online audiences. A key focus of the session was teaching children about safe and responsible use of technology, aligning with the theme of this year's Emirati Children's Day, which emphasizes empowering children to use digital tools safely and creatively.
The workshops also coincided with the UAE's Month of Reading, reinforcing the importance of storytelling, reading, and creative writing among younger generations. During the sessions, students wrote and shared their own stories, poems, and messages of appreciation addressed to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflecting their creativity and admiration for the UAE's leadership.
Aysha Al Jneibi, Director of Talent Development at Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of introducing creative media skills at an early age to help young people discover the power of storytelling and build confidence in expressing their ideas. "Through Creative Lab, we aim to nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while giving young talent meaningful exposure to the media and creative industries," she said. By collaborating with industry partners and expanding access to learning opportunities across the emirate, the initiative aims to build a strong foundation for the next generation of storytellers and creators who will contribute to the UAE's growing creative economy.
Industry collaboration formed an important part of the program, with expert mentors from the media sector sharing their professional insights with participants. The workshops were delivered by Valeria Korotina from Animotion Media Group and Manal Al Falouji, a children's program producer and writer at Majid Channel, who guided students through the fundamentals of scriptwriting and storytelling.
Parents welcomed the initiative, highlighting the positive impact of encouraging children to engage with storytelling and writing from an early age. One parent, Hanna Mhanna, expressed her satisfaction with the workshop and its emphasis on writing in Arabic and building confidence. Another parent, Moza Al Shamsi, noted the unique and engaging nature of the workshop which sparked creative ideas in her son.
Students also expressed enthusiasm about participating in the sessions and learning how stories and characters are created. Participant Hazza Al Yalyali shared that the workshop enhanced his storytelling skills and confidence in public speaking.
By delivering the workshops online, Creative Lab expanded access to creative learning opportunities for children across the emirate, enabling participants from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra to engage with creative media education during the spring break. The initiative reflects Creative Lab's ongoing commitment to nurturing creative talent and building a sustainable pipeline of storytellers, creators, and media professionals who will contribute to the UAE's growing creative economy.
Building on the success of Creative Lab's seasonal programs, including its summer and winter media camps, these spring workshops have served as a successful pilot initiative into more digitally led opportunities.