Lamiya Siraj is a celebrated freelance writer, blogger, and novelist based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She is best known for her novels Destined to Heal Within, Desire or Guilt, and Hidden Quest, along with her non-fiction work One Step Ahead. Her passion for writing, life experiences, and creative expression have made her a recognizable name among modern-day literary voices emerging from the Gulf region.
Though she currently calls Abu Dhabi her home, Lamiya’s journey began in India, where she worked in the banking sector. She was an ex-banker at prestigious institutions like ICICI Bank and Standard Chartered Bank in Ahmedabad and Baroda, Gujarat. Her life took a turn in 2006 when she moved to Abu Dhabi to support her husband. What seemed like a routine relocation became the stepping stone to a new beginning—one that would eventually help her rediscover herself as a writer.
The Birth of a Writer
Lamiya’s entry into the writing world was not immediate or planned. She always had a habit of journaling—keeping her thoughts, emotions, and reflections in a private diary. This personal habit laid the groundwork for her eventual literary career.
It was during a period of forced rest, following a medical surgery in her mid-thirties, that Lamiya first dipped her toes into public writing. To pass the time, she wrote a light-hearted anecdote and sent it to a magazine. To her surprise, the article was accepted and published. The overwhelming encouragement from friends and family sparked a realization—she had a hidden talent for storytelling.
This initial success gave her confidence, and she began submitting more write-ups to different publications. While not every article was accepted, she treated rejections as valuable lessons. Over time, she learned that being authentic in writing and letting go of perfectionism could unlock creativity. This belief became a core principle in her work.
A Multi-Faceted Writer
Lamiya Siraj is not just a novelist; she is a versatile writer with experience across many formats. Her articles, letters, and opinion pieces have appeared in prominent newspapers and magazines in the U.A.E. and India. She gained early recognition in the “Reader’s” and “Letters” columns of Gulf News, Khaleej Times, and Friday Magazine.
Her debut article in Friday Magazine under the "Viewpoint" section was published in 2018. It was a breakthrough moment that marked her transition from a hobbyist to a professional writer. From then on, her pieces were featured almost every week, helping her build an audience and establish credibility in literary circles.
Her blogging journey also gained momentum. She created a space online to share thoughts, reflections, and short stories—each post offering something unique and personal. This helped her reach a wider audience and connect with readers from diverse backgrounds.
Novels and Published Works
Lamiya’s transition from short articles to full-length novels was a leap of faith. With stories constantly brewing in her mind, she took up writing courses and workshops to learn the craft. Her commitment and perseverance led to the creation of three well-received novels:
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Destined to Heal Within: A story of emotional strength and personal healing.
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Desire or Guilt: A gripping tale of inner conflict and human choices.
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Hidden Quest: A journey of self-exploration wrapped in mystery and drama.
In addition to her fiction work, Lamiya authored a motivational non-fiction book titled One Step Ahead, which encourages readers to keep moving forward in life, no matter the challenges they face.
Each of these books reflects her unique perspective, drawn from personal experiences, emotional understanding, and a desire to inspire her readers. Her storytelling style is simple, engaging, and relatable—qualities that resonate deeply with her audience.
Recognition and Awards
Lamiya Siraj’s work has not only touched the hearts of readers but also earned her significant accolades. She has participated in numerous anthologies, short stories, and published articles in various literary platforms. In a short span, she received several awards, certificates, and medals for her contributions to literature.
Some of the notable organizations that recognized her work include:
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NE8x Litfest
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Fanatixx Spectrum
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AwardsArc
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Firefoxx
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Applause Awards
These recognitions came from both national and international literary events, solidifying her reputation as an emerging author with immense potential. Her awards are a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication to the craft of writing.
Themes and Inspirations
Lamiya draws inspiration from real-life events, social issues, and personal experiences. Her stories often revolve around emotional resilience, personal transformation, relationships, and moral dilemmas. Whether she’s writing fiction or non-fiction, she aims to provoke thought, inspire action, and touch hearts.
As a mother, she also finds inspiration in her daughter, who remains her biggest motivation. Despite her busy schedule and writing commitments, she prioritizes spending quality time with her child, seeing motherhood as both grounding and empowering.
Writing Philosophy
Lamiya believes that writing is not just about producing words—it’s about sharing a part of oneself with the world. She often says:
"There is no point in writing anything unless you have something to say."
This guiding principle has helped her remain authentic and consistent in her work. She accepts feedback—both positive and negative—with grace and uses it to grow as a writer. She believes criticism is an essential part of improvement and embraces it with humility.
Lamiya also emphasizes that writing requires discipline, inspiration, and emotional honesty. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are deeply fulfilling when words touch lives.
Beyond Writing
Aside from her literary pursuits, Lamiya Siraj has a wide range of interests. She is passionate about:
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Reading: She reads extensively across genres, which keeps her intellectually curious and creatively stimulated.
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Travelling: Her travel experiences provide rich settings and cultural backdrops for her stories.
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Photography: With a keen eye for detail, she captures everyday moments that often spark story ideas.
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Blogging: Her blog serves as a platform for self-expression and dialogue with her readers.
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Sports: She believes in maintaining physical fitness and mental wellness through sports and outdoor activities.
These hobbies contribute to her holistic view of life, adding depth to her characters and realism to her writing.
Personal Life and Beliefs
Though she is now a published author and public figure, Lamiya prefers a grounded and humble lifestyle. She enjoys quiet moments, deep conversations, and introspection. She values emotional intelligence, kindness, and lifelong learning.
Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to follow one's passion. From being a banker in India to becoming an acclaimed writer in the UAE, Lamiya Siraj embodies the spirit of transformation.
Impact and Legacy
Lamiya’s journey is an inspiration for aspiring writers and women everywhere who seek to balance family life, personal growth, and creative ambition. She demonstrates that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, and that writing, when pursued with honesty and dedication, can open new worlds of opportunity.
Her growing readership, social media presence, and invitations to literary events and panel discussions show that her influence continues to rise. She has created a space for herself in the modern literary world, and her words continue to inspire, heal, and empower readers.
Conclusion
In a world filled with distractions and fast-paced living, Lamiya Siraj reminds us of the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and expressing our true selves. Her books are more than just stories—they are extensions of her soul, meant to connect with others in meaningful ways.
Her evolution from a private journal-keeper to an acclaimed author is a shining example of how life’s unexpected turns can lead us to our true calling. With every article, blog post, and book, Lamiya continues to leave a mark—one word at a time.
Social Media Links
1) Instagram
2) Linkedin
3) Google panel
4) Amazon books by Lamiya Siraj
5) Linktree