Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry Criticism Announces Fifth Edition Title

Sharjah, The Gulf Observer: The General Secretariat of the Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry Criticism has selected “Cultural and Artistic Patterns in Contemporary Arabic Poetry” as the title for the fifth edition of the award. The award is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and is organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture in Sharjah.

This announcement came during a meeting of the General Secretariat of the Department of Culture, where the title for the new edition was chosen, and the participation process was opened for writers, critics, and those interested in Arabic poetry criticism, following the terms and conditions of the award.

Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department of Culture in Sharjah and Secretary General of the Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry Criticism, highlighted that the cultural vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has reinforced poetry criticism’s prominence in the Arab world. He noted that the award is progressing towards a new edition focusing on a striking critical topic, continuing its efforts to establish a cultural scene that critically examines Arabic poetry.

“The new title presents a critical horizon with broad connotations and references, guided by a striking research idea related to the cultural and artistic patterns of contemporary Arabic poetry. This gives critics a wide space to explore new critical topics,” Al Qaseer added.

He also stated that the Department of Cultural Affairs will work to enhance awareness of the award through universities, academics, and specialists in poetry criticism across Arab countries. In addition, poetry houses across the Arab world will organise introductory seminars to encourage wider participation.

The award aims to support Arabic poetry and stimulate critical studies on poetic experiences to enrich the Arab creative scene.

The winners of the first three places will receive financial rewards, with the first-place winner receiving AED100,000, the second-place winner AED75,000, and the third-place winner AED50,000.