World Silk Road Forum Names Mohammed Bin Rashid As Inspirational Literary Figure For Poets

The World Silk Road Forum has named His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets. This honour recognises his vision in transforming Dubai into a cultural hub, bridging East and West with a modern take on the ancient Silk Road, infused with Emirati spirit.

Dubai will host the fifth Silk Road International Poetry Festival from 23rd to 29th May. This marks the first time an Arab city hosts this event. The award ceremony will be held at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library on 27th May. Approximately 50 poets, artists, and painters will participate, exploring cultural and tourist sites in Dubai and the UAE.

Media coverage of the festival will be extensive, with 20 Chinese press agencies involved, including the People's Daily. The event aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding through poetry and art. Professor Wang Fangwen highlighted Dubai's symbolic role in reviving the Silk Road spirit under Sheikh Mohammed's leadership.

Wang Fangwen stated, "We chose the UAE as the venue for this event because it represents a symbol of coexistence and peace among peoples under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan." He emphasised that Dubai exemplifies a modern city that embodies cultural exchange and economic dynamism.

Sheikh Mohammed is celebrated for his contributions to Nabati poetry. His works are known for their eloquence and insightful reflections on life. Notable collections include "Zayed" (2018), commemorating Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, "Flashes of Verse" (2014), and "40 Poems from the Desert" (2011).

His passion for horses is evident in "For the Love of Horses," celebrating their nobility. These works highlight his diverse impact on poetry. The magazine World Poets features an analysis of his poetic journey, showcasing poems filled with love and pride for his brother, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Cultural Exchange Through Poetry

Cao Shui announced Emirati poet Adel Khozam as co-chair of the festival's fifth edition. Khozam is recognised as a leading poetic figure in the UAE and Gulf region. He previously won China's Great Poetry Medal and promoted Chinese poetry during Expo 2020.

The festival includes awards such as Golden Camel, Silver Camel, Best Poetry Collection, Best International Poet, among others. Several Emirati poets are nominated for these prestigious awards. Cao Shui remarked on the high cultural level reflected in these works.

Global Cooperation Initiatives

The World Silk Road Forum is an independent organisation registered in Delaware, USA. It collaborates with major international bodies like UNESCO and UNWTO to promote global cooperation through events like this festival.

The forum also organises seasonal poetry events under "Silk Road Spring Poetry," featuring poets worldwide. Previous editions were held in Madrid, Moscow, and China before coming to Dubai this year.

This festival not only celebrates poetry but also strengthens cultural ties between China and the UAE through shared artistic expressions.

With inputs from WAM