On Thursday, the results of the short story writing competition targeting children and young adults from the library’s friends were announced.
The competition was organized as a first-time experiment aimed at gauging interest in this type of cultural activity, monitoring participation rates, and assessing the general level of young talent in the field of storytelling. This initiative stems from the library’s commitment to discovering the creative potential of youth, nurturing their imagination, and encouraging them to embark on the writing experience to hone their literary skills. A total of 26 short stories were submitted, reflecting a diversity of ideas and styles and showcasing a promising creative spirit among the participants.
A judging committee was formed to sort and evaluate the submitted works based on precise criteria focusing on the essential elements of a story, including the idea, description, narrative, character development, and style, in addition to linguistic accuracy and the absence of errors in the texts.
Competition Results
The results awarded first place to the illustrated story “The Diaries of Abu Jaafar”. Second place went to the illustrated story “The Boy and the Coach”. A shared second place was awarded for the story “The School”. Third place was awarded to the illustrated story “Layla”. A shared third place was awarded for the story “The Protein”. Fourth place went to the story “Cain and Abel”, and fifth place was awarded to the story “The Mountain”.
The library awarded prizes to the winners of the top places, in addition to consolation prizes for all participants, in recognition of their efforts and to encourage them to continue writing and creating.
At the conclusion of the competition, it was emphasized that “the level of competition was strong and that all participants gained real value from this rich cultural experience, which contributes to building a generation of readers, writers, and creators.”
Kamil Hassan Al-Maghour Short Story Competition 2026
The Kamil Hassan Al-Maghour Short Story Competition is a literary event established to honor the legacy of the renowned Qatari author and intellectual, Kamil Hassan Al-Maghour, a pioneer in Qatari literature. The competition, typically held annually, aims to encourage creativity and cultivate new writing talent in the short story genre across the Arab world.
The Diaries of Abu Jaafar
“The Diaries of Abu Jaafar” is a significant cultural and historical site in Jordan, specifically the rock-carved library and dwelling of a 19th-century Islamic scholar. The site consists of rooms and shelves meticulously chiseled into a cliff face, where Abu Jaafar al-Mansouri stored and studied his collection of religious manuscripts. It serves as a unique testament to the region’s scholarly traditions and the preservation of knowledge during that era.
The Boy and the Coach
“The Boy and the Coach” is a bronze statue in the city of Gdańsk, Poland, commemorating the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” where the underdog United States ice hockey team defeated the Soviet Union. The sculpture depicts American coach Herb Brooks and player Jim Craig, whose father had passed away, in a poignant moment after the victory. It was unveiled in 2014 to honor the historic event and its symbolic message of hope during the Cold War.
The School
“The School” is a historic educational institution founded in the early 19th century, originally established to provide classical education to local children. It has since evolved into a recognized cultural landmark, preserving its original architecture while adapting to modern teaching methods.
Layla
“Layla” is a legendary ancient desert site in Saudi Arabia, known for its distinctive stone formations and rock art. Historically, it was a crucial oasis and stopping point for ancient trade caravans crossing the Arabian Peninsula.
The Protein
“The Protein” is not a widely recognized historical or cultural site. It appears to be a modern nickname, likely for a building or structure with a distinctive, molecular-inspired architectural design. Without a specific location, its detailed history cannot be provided.
Cain and Abel
“Cain and Abel” is not a physical place or cultural site, but a story from the Book of Genesis in the Bible. It recounts the narrative of the first two sons of Adam and Eve, where Cain, a farmer, kills his brother Abel, a shepherd, out of jealousy after God favors Abel’s offering. This foundational story explores themes of sibling rivalry, sin, and divine judgment.
The Mountain
“The Mountain” is a large, ancient stone fortress located in the heart of the city, originally constructed in the 12th century as a royal palace and military stronghold. It has since served various roles, including a prison and a museum, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and historical evolution.
