Sharjah to Host 21st Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival
Sharjah, The Gulf Observer: The 21st edition of the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival will take place from January 6 to 12, bringing together more than 70 poets, literary critics, and media figures from across the Arab world and several African nations.
The festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, is a prominent cultural event dedicated to celebrating and advancing the art of Arabic poetry.
A Rich Literary Tradition
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, emphasized the festival’s enduring significance, stating, “The Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival, over its 21 editions, has become a vital cultural event, significantly enriching the Arab literary scene. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the festival continues to support Arab poets and encourage the production of authentic Arabic poetry.”
The event will feature poetry readings, book signings, and the unveiling of 12 poets celebrated in the third edition of the Golden Qawafi Award. These poets were recognized for their contributions to Qawafi magazine throughout 2024.
Exploring Poetry’s Evolution
An intellectual symposium titled “Arabic Poetry: From Stability to Transformation” will delve into critical issues shaping modern Arabic poetry. Through studies and research, scholars and critics will explore how the art form continues to evolve.
Recognizing Excellence in Poetry and Criticism
The festival will honor two distinguished poets with the 13th Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry: Emirati poet Talal Al Junaibi and Syrian poet Hussein Al Abdullah. Additionally, winners of the 4th Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry Criticism will be celebrated:
- First place: Fathi Ben Belkacem Nasri (Tunisia)
- Second place: Dr. Ahmed Jarallah Yassin (Iraq)
- Third place: Ibrahim Al Karawi (Morocco)
The Golden Qawafi Award winners will also be honored at a special ceremony at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The festival will begin at the Sharjah Cultural Palace with the screening of a documentary titled “A Decade of Giving: The Houses of Poetry.” This will be followed by poetry readings from Talal Al Junaibi (UAE), Hussein Al Abdullah (Syria), and Talal Al Salti (Oman).
A Global Literary Exchange
For the first time, the festival will feature poets from African countries, including Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Chad. This inclusion reflects the festival’s openness to diverse poetic traditions and its role in bridging Arabic and African literary cultures.
The Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival continues to be a beacon for preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Arabic poetry while fostering dialogue and innovation within the literary world.
