Ruler of Sharjah Inaugurates the 18th Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival

Sharjah, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the prestigious 18th edition of the Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival on Monday. The event, organized by the Department of Culture, is scheduled to run from February 5 to 11 at the Cultural Palace and features the participation of 40 esteemed poets.

In a significant move to recognize and encourage outstanding contributions to Nabati poetry, H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah directed the Department of Culture to establish the “Al Hira Award for Nabati Poetry.” This accolade aims to acknowledge the most prominent poems published in Al Hira magazine, with one poem selected from each monthly issue, starting from January 2024. The total number of winning texts is anticipated to reach 12 poems annually.

Honoring poets through the Al Hira Award serves as a commendable incentive to foster and promote the art of Nabati poetry, which holds a substantial following both locally and across the Arab world.

During the festival’s opening ceremony, His Highness and the audience were treated to a video presentation featuring the biographies of the honored poets, Saleh bin Aziz Al Mansouri and Naima bin Thalith. The video provided insights into their journeys in Nabati poetry, highlighting significant milestones in their literary lives. Poetic readings of some of their most renowned works were also featured.

Poet Butti Al Mazloum, Director of Al Hira Literary Council, presented poetry in celebration of the festival’s launch. He expressed the sentiments of the citizens towards the visionary initiatives of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, emphasizing His Highness’s profound insights that contribute to the societal advancement.

The first evening of the festival showcased poetry readings by Abdulaziz Suleiman Al Fadghoush from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Mohammed bin Hammad Al Kaabi from the United Arab Emirates. Their poems reflected on the achievements of the Emirate of Sharjah and the forward-looking directives of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, promoting a high standard of living.

H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah personally honored the poets of the 18th edition, Saleh bin Ali Al Mansouri and Naima Khalifa bin Thalith, presenting them with certificates of appreciation and commemorative shields. His Highness graciously participated in group photos with the distinguished poets.

The event witnessed the presence of Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman bin Salem Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ruler’s Office, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, Mansour bin Mohammed bin Nassar, Chairman of Sharjah Government Legal Department, Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Protocol Department, along with numerous officials, poets, and poetry enthusiasts.

The Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival continues to be a platform that not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Nabati poetry but also encourages the flourishing literary talents within the region.