About us
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DRIVEN BY VOLUNTEERS, POWERED BY KNOWLEDGE |
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Our Mission
From the intimate wisdom shared in majlis to the far-reaching resonance of global knowledge, we are dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and enriching the world's understanding. We cultivate a thriving community of contributors who bridge cultural divides by fostering the creation of credible and invaluable content.
From Passion to Partnership: The Wikimedians of UAE Story
User groups are the heartbeat of the Wikimedia movement, fueled by grassroots passion and the desire to democratize knowledge. They bring together individuals worldwide to collaborate on educational content, ensuring it reaches far and wide under a free and open license. And this is where our story begins:
Our journey started with a spark of curiosity, ignited by a shared passion for Arabic literature. Two members of the Emirates Literature Foundation, driven to bridge the information gap in the literary world, attended WikiArabia 2019 in Morocco. What they discovered was a revelation: the vibrant world of Wikipedia, powered by dedicated volunteers committed to free and accessible knowledge. Returning to the UAE, they recognized a stark contrast. While the spirit of open information thrived in the global Wikimedia community, it was largely absent in the local Arabic literary scene. This realization fueled their determination to create change.
This led to the launch of "Kateb Maktub," a project under the Emirates Literature Foundation, aimed at enriching Arabic content online and fostering a culture of information sharing. They provided training, engaged with educational institutions, and connected with the press to amplify the voices of Arabic authors.
As ELF sought to develop Kateb Maktub, they partnered with the existing Wikimedians of UAE User Group, which at the time included Reda, the group's advisor, and Serine, its current lead. Together, they worked to provide training, engage with educational institutions, and advance the project on Wikipedia.
Kateb Maktub soon gained recognition in the UAE and the Gulf region. Thanks to the activities carried out during that period, the initiative attracted passionate individuals like Duaa and Iyhab, both of whom were previous trainees and active participants in several User Group initiatives before joining the team.
While the Emirates Literature Foundation provided the initial support and impetus for Kateb Maktub, the Wikimedians of UAE User Group was always intended to remain a separate, volunteer-driven community open to all.
The team, now operating as the organizers of the Wikimedians of UAE User Group, secured their first grant in 2022, enabling them to implement their strategy for growth. Their objectives remain clear: Expand the reach and understanding of Wikimedia projects among diverse cultures and demographics by filling knowledge gaps and promoting awareness in the UAE and GCC.
Cultivate a diverse and inclusive community of editors and researchers from various cultural and demographic backgrounds in the UAE and GCC. Champion open access to reliable information in multiple languages, including Arabic, to empower diverse communities in the UAE and GCC.
We continue to leverage the resources and experience gained through "Kateb Maktub," while simultaneously expanding the User Group's activities through education, outreach, research, and UAE-focused projects.