Mohsen Fallahian’s Mission to Cultivate Emirati Literature

When people hear the name Mohsen Fallahian, they might think of eloquent prose, award-winning novels, or thought-provoking essays. And they wouldn’t be wrong. But to reduce him to just a novelist would be like describing the desert by its sand alone—missing the richness of its layers, its history, its quiet power.

Mohsen is more than a writer. He’s a cultural cultivator, a mentor, a literary architect laying the foundations for a generation of Emirati voices waiting to be heard.

Writing Beyond the Page

Yes, Mohsen’s novels—Mirage of the Sandstorm, The Silent Minaret, and Whispers Beneath the Palm Trees—have earned him widespread recognition. They tell nuanced stories of identity, faith, history, and ambition, all steeped in the scents and shadows of the Gulf.

But ask anyone in the UAE’s literary scene, and they’ll tell you his real work extends far beyond his bookshelves. Mohsen’s mission isn’t just to write Emirati literature—it’s to grow it, protect it, and ensure it evolves without losing its roots.

The Mentor in the Library

One of Mohsen’s proudest commitments is his role as a creative writing instructor at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai. There, he doesn’t teach formulas or chase trends—he teaches voice. Heritage. Truth. He helps young writers explore what it means to write as an Emirati, for Emiratis, and from the Gulf.

In workshops, he asks questions like:

“What did your grandmother’s voice sound like when she told you a story?”“What part of your identity do you think the world needs to hear more of?”

These aren’t academic exercises. They’re invitations to discover selfhood through language.

Championing the Unseen and Unheard

In his former role as acquisitions editor at Noor Publishing, Mohsen scouted talent from unlikely places—small towns, cultural centers, even family majlises. He’s always believed that great literature doesn’t have to come from big names; it just needs to come from somewhere real.

He’s been a quiet champion for female Emirati writers, first-time poets, and storytellers who write in dialect or blend languages, pushing back against the idea that Arabic literature must fit into neat, academic boxes.

The Podcast That Became a Platform

His podcast, Tales from the Gulf, is another tool in his literary toolkit. Each episode features authors, scholars, historians, and everyday storytellers sharing perspectives on identity, memory, and the written word.

But more than that, the podcast acts as a living archive of modern Gulf voices. It’s not just about literature—it’s about preserving the cultural DNA of a region through stories, whether spoken or written.

Why It Matters—Now More Than Ever

In a world where literature is increasingly globalized and algorithms dictate reading lists, Mohsen insists on protecting regional authenticity. He believes that if Emiratis don’t write their own stories, others will write them for them—and they’ll get it wrong.

He often says:

“Writing is a form of cultural responsibility. Our silence is someone else’s narrative.”

This belief drives everything he does—from his carefully researched historical fiction to his Saturday morning writing circles at Alserkal Avenue.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy He’s Building

Mohsen Fallahian is not just leaving a literary legacy through his books—he’s building a future for Emirati literature itself. Through mentorship, publishing, advocacy, and storytelling, he’s nurturing a movement rooted in authenticity, pride, and artistic freedom.

So yes, he’s a novelist. But he’s also a cultivator. A lighthouse. A quiet force ensuring that the voices of the Gulf not only survive, but flourish.

Want to be part of that movement?Pick up one of Mohsen’s books. Join one of his workshops. Or simply sit beneath a palm tree, notebook in hand, and start writing.

After all, literature isn’t just written—it’s passed on.