Khaberni - Her Highness Princess Alia Tabbaa sponsored the events of the Jordanian universities' storytellers' competition for the year 2026, which was held under the title "The Challenges Facing Arab Youth in a Changing and Fast World", organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan represented by the Division of Cultural and Social Activities, in the presence of the President of the University, Professor Dr. Muhammad Al-Majali, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Engineer Iyad Al-Qarm, and the Vice President of the University, Professor Dr. Tareq Al-Qarm, alongside several deans of colleges and members of the teaching and administrative bodies, and honorary guests Professor Sahar Malas, Professor Majdouline Abu Al-Rub, storyteller Dr. Amani Suleiman, storyteller Majda Al-Atoum, and promising student Hind Al-Dhuwaib. A judging committee also participated, including a selection of literary and cultural figures, namely Her Excellency the writer Basma Al-Nsour, His Excellency the writer Hazza' Al-Barari, and critic Dr. Subha Alqam.
The competition aims to discover emerging literary talents and develop the creative capacities of students in the field of short stories, and to enhance the presence of literature within the university environment, contributing to the support of the Jordanian and Arab cultural scene.
Her Highness praised the role played by Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan in hosting such pioneering cultural initiatives, which contribute to embedding a culture of creativity and enhancing the presence of literature in the university environment, reflecting positively on building an aware and educated generation capable of contributing to the development of the Jordanian and Arab cultural scene.
Her Highness expressed her pride in the exceptional level demonstrated by the participating students from various Jordanian universities, emphasizing the importance of supporting the young creative energies in the field of narrative writing, considering the short story an effective means to express the issues, concerns, and aspirations of youth.
And the President of the University, Professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Majali affirmed that the university's hosting of the cultural symposium under the sponsorship of Her Highness Princess Alia Tabbaa represents a source of pride and honor, praising her role in supporting culture and creativity, and fostering young talents, affirming that her presence motivates continued work and achievement.
He explained that this symposium has become an annual tradition that the university is keen to organize, believing in the importance of developing students' skills, shaping their personalities, and highlighting their creativities, noting that it coincides with the kingdom's celebrations of the Jordanian Flag Day, carrying implications of belonging, unity, and ambition.
He noted that the university continues its commitment to supporting purposeful cultural events that enhance the academic and cultural landscape, affirming that its mission extends beyond education to empowering students to innovate and participate in extracurricular activities to build an aware and qualified generation.
He also pointed out that literary criticism requires extensive knowledge and profound insight, and that such symposiums contribute to the elevation of the cultural landscape through objective discussion and proper guidance, reaffirming the university's ongoing support for activities that enhance the presence of youth in the national cultural life.
The competition witnessed wide participation from both public and private Jordanian universities, including: Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, The University of Jordan, Al-Balqa Applied University/Accredited Colleges, Hashemite University, Al-Hussein Technical University, German Jordanian University, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Mutah University, Yarmouk University, Al al-Bayt University, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Amman Arab University, Jerash University, Philadelphia University, American University/ Madaba, Zarqa University, Amman Al-Ahliyya University, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts/ Na'ur, Middle East University, Isra University, Ajloun National University, and Qadisiyah College.
The competition results reflected a remarkable diversity in participation and a distinctive creative level among students. Hidayah Fathi Ali from Hashemite University won first place for her story "Coffins of Paper," and Sand Abdel Rahman Allawi from Al-Hussein Technical University for his story "The Clock of Amman that Steals Dreams".
In second place, Sireen Wissam Abu Hishhash from the German Jordanian University won for "The Mothers-in-Law", and Fatima Hamoudah Al-Zuq from Zarqa University for "When Symbols Betrayed the Heart". The third place was shared by Hala Mohammad Al-Sawalqeh from Al-Hussein Bin Talal University for "The Last of Humanity", and Hala Mahmoud Jaber from Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan for "A Broken Machine".
The incentive prizes also included a number of students from various Jordanian universities, affirming the richness of the narrative experience and the diversity of creative visions among participants.
