Nabati Poetry Festival Sharjah Marks 20th Edition Launch

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has opened the 20th Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival, held at the Cultural Palace from 2 to 9 February. The festival gathers more than 70 poets, with critics and media professionals from across the Arab world attending the programme.

The Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival is presented as a key cultural platform for Emirati and Gulf literature. It supports the Nabati poem as a living record of collective memory and identity, and underscores its role in expressing national values within the wider Arab cultural landscape.

Prev

Next

By bringing poets, critics and audiences together, the Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival aims to deepen appreciation of Nabati poetry’s artistic form. The event seeks to highlight its unique aesthetic features, while also documenting contemporary Emirates, Gulf and Arab poetic movements in an organised, public setting.

The 20th edition offers a structured programme featuring eight poetry evenings, alongside a critical seminar that studies the literary journeys of the honoured poets. Sessions have been designed to encourage discussion of poetic texts and critical perspectives, while keeping Nabati poetry accessible to both specialists and general audiences.

During the opening ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah honoured Saeed Boulahaj Al Rumaithi and Ali Jumaa Al Suwaidi. The recognition focused on their long-standing work in Nabati poetry, including efforts to preserve traditional forms, support heritage, and contribute works that reflect national identity and social values.

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan and guests viewed a presentation that traced the careers of the two poets. The presentation reviewed major creative milestones, publications and contributions to the Nabati poetry scene. Through this presentation, the poets expressed appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan for the honour and continued institutional support.

Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival programme and official participation

The festival’s activities extend beyond Sharjah city, with events also scheduled in Al Dhaid and Kalba. These sessions aim to highlight the cultural, heritage and historical character of both cities. The geographical spread reflects interest in engaging diverse audiences and showcasing local cultural contexts linked to Nabati poetry.

The opening ceremony included senior representatives from several Sharjah entities, alongside poets and media figures. Attendees included Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Rashid Ahmed bin Al Shaikh, Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Ali Salem Al Midfa, Dr Mansoor bin Nassar, Hamad Ali Al Mahmoud and Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer.

Across its programme, the Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival underlines official support for cultural activity in the emirate. By honouring established poets, hosting critical dialogue and expanding events to Al Dhaid and Kalba, the 20th edition reinforces Nabati poetry’s position within Emirati society and the wider Arab literary scene.

With inputs from WAM