Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival 2023 Opens With Celebration Of Arab Poets And Cultural Heritage
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, opened the 19th Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival on Monday evening. Organised by the Department of Culture, the event runs from February 3 to 10 at the Cultural Palace. It features 60 poets from different Arab nations.
The festival began with a presentation honouring poets Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al Gafli and Awad bin Rashid Al Ketbi. The presentation highlighted their literary achievements and contributions to Nabati poetry. Both poets expressed gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah for recognising their work and supporting veteran poets through recited verses.
Zaal bin Sarhan Al Gafli is a notable poet from Sharjah, known for his participation in radio and TV programmes. His poetry uses authentic local vocabulary, covering themes like social issues, love, and praise. Awad bin Rashid Al Ketbi has enriched poetic heritage by documenting key phases in Emirati history. His poems have been sung by many artists, and he has formed friendships with major UAE poets.
During the festival's opening, Bati Al Madloom, Director of the Al Hira Literary Council, presented a poem titled "Sharjah Sultan." This poem celebrated the Ruler of Sharjah’s efforts in promoting culture and poetry. In the first evening session, Sultan bin Khaleef Al Tuneji recited "Al Wana," highlighting its melodic significance in UAE's cultural heritage.
Saudi poet Abdulaziz bin Sudhan shared a poem titled "Sharjah," reflecting on the city's influence on Arab culture. He acknowledged the Ruler’s support for poetry across the Arab world. H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi honoured Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al Gafli and Awad bin Rashid Al Ketbi for their ongoing contributions to Nabati poetry in the UAE.
The festival will feature nine poetry evenings, including a session for female poets from the Arab world. A seminar will discuss this year’s honoured poets' literary journeys. On February 9 and 10, events will move to Al Dhaid and Kalba, allowing participants to explore Sharjah's cultural heritage.
Festival Attendees
The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Salem bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Statistics and Community Development; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Culture; Dr. Mansour bin Muhammad bin Nassar from Sharjah Government's Legal Department; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi from Protocol and Hospitality; Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Marri from Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre; along with various officials and poets.
The festival provides a platform for poets to share their work while celebrating Nabati poetry's rich tradition in Arab culture. It highlights Sharjah's role as a cultural hub in the region.
With inputs from WAM
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