In a region defined by transformation, where glittering skyscrapers meet ancient desert winds, few writers have captured the soul of the United Arab Emirates quite like Mohsen Fallahian. Born in 1985 in Dubai to an Arab-Persian family, Mohsen embodies the dualities that define modern Emirati identity—heritage and modernity, tradition and innovation, storytelling and scholarship. Through his evocative prose, literary mentorship, and cultural advocacy, he has become a leading voice in shaping a new era of Emirati literature.
A Literary Journey Rooted in Heritage
From an early age, Mohsen was captivated by the oral storytelling traditions of the Gulf. Raised in a household where the stories of ancestors were shared as nightly rituals, he developed a fascination for the rhythms of classical Arabic and the metaphors of desert life. This early exposure would become the bedrock of his creative journey.
He pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at Zayed University, specializing in contemporary Emirati literature and Middle Eastern narrative forms. Later, his passion for deeper literary roots led him to earn a Master’s in Arabic Literature from United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain. It was there that he began exploring how ancient poetic traditions and folktales could be woven into modern storytelling—an idea that now defines much of his work.
Crafting Narratives that Reflect the Gulf Soul
Mohsen’s debut novel, Mirage of the Sandstorm, introduced him as a writer of lyrical precision and emotional depth. Set in the ever-evolving cityscape of Dubai, the novel follows a young poet grappling with ambition, identity, and the tension between self-expression and societal expectations. The book resonated deeply with a generation of Emiratis experiencing similar transitions in their own lives.
His second novel, The Silent Minaret, marked a shift to historical fiction, set in 19th-century Abu Dhabi. The story of a scholar who challenges the religious and political elite of his time became a subtle meditation on intellectual freedom and spiritual integrity. The novel earned Mohsen the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (Emerging Author Category), cementing his place among the region’s most thoughtful voices.
Most recently, he published Whispers Beneath the Palm Trees, a philosophical memoir that blends personal experiences with the narrative stylings of Gulf storytelling. Part essay, part reflection, part folklore, the book explores themes of legacy, loss, and the fragile beauty of memory. Critics have praised it for its introspective honesty and literary grace.
Beyond the Page: A Mentor, Podcaster, and Cultural Catalyst
While Mohsen’s literary output is impressive, his contributions to the Emirati cultural landscape go far beyond the written word. He is a creative writing instructor at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai, where he mentors young writers, encouraging them to draw inspiration from their environment and heritage.
As the host of “Tales from the Gulf”, a podcast exploring Emirati and Middle Eastern literature, Mohsen dives into the heart of regional storytelling. The show has become a bridge between traditional narratives and contemporary voices, spotlighting both established and emerging authors, and serving as an audio archive of cultural identity.
Previously, his work as a journalist at Al Khaleej Gazette and as an editorial consultant at The Emirates Review shaped his ability to dissect complex themes with clarity. His tenure as acquisitions editor at Noor Publishing allowed him to discover and nurture new Emirati literary talent, a responsibility he still holds dear.
A Life Immersed in Culture and Creation
Despite his growing recognition, Mohsen remains deeply grounded. A self-professed calligraphy enthusiast, he incorporates Arabic calligraphic motifs into his book covers and personal journals. His passion for Emirati coffee rituals, quiet afternoons at Alserkal Avenue’s Book Café, and spontaneous trips to the Liwa Desert or Ras Al Khaimah ruins serve as constant sources of inspiration.
Through it all, Mohsen continues to advocate for Arabic literature—not just as a means of preserving culture but as a living, evolving art form that must grow with its people.
Legacy in the Making
Award-winning, widely read, and deeply respected, Mohsen Fallahian has become more than just a writer. He is a curator of memory, a translator of emotion, and a steward of his nation’s narrative legacy. As the UAE charts its course into the future, voices like his ensure that the past is not only remembered but reimagined.
With each novel, workshop, or podcast episode, Mohsen isn’t just telling stories—he’s building a literary heritage that speaks to the heart of the Gulf and beyond.
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