Recently held at UNESCO, the event titled “سلطان العويس.. رحلة الشعر.. رحلة العطاء” marks an important tribute to the literary legacy of the celebrated Emirati poet, Sultan bin Ali Al Owais. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event was organized by the Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, commemorating the centenary of Al Owais’s birth in 1925. This seminal event brought together cultural leaders, dignitaries, and literary enthusiasts dedicated to celebrating Al Owais’s profound contributions to Arabic poetry and culture.
Praising a Cultural Luminary
The opening ceremony featured a speech by Minister Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, who expressed her gratitude for being part of such a significant occasion. “It is my pleasure to stand before you today in this global edifice (UNESCO) to honor the life and legacy of the late Sultan bin Ali Al Owais; the poet, benefactor, and cultural symbol whose poetic and humanitarian voice continues to resonate across the Arab world and beyond,” she stated.
Al Kaabi praised Al Owais’s roots in the rich cultural fabric of Sharjah, mentioning his upbringing in an environment steeped in pearl diving and trade. “These values of patience, bravery, and craftsmanship profoundly shaped his journey. He treated words as meticulously as one would with pearls, carefully selecting and polishing them before presenting them to the world,” she elaborated.
She also noted, “Al Owais’s creativity was not limited to poetry; it expanded to express the dreams and aspirations of his fellow citizens, merging the genius of tradition with the spirit of modernity. His legacy transcended literary creation, extending to philanthropy, particularly in education, cultural institutions, and awards that ensure recognition and support for future generations of Arab creatives.”
Celebrating the Enduring Power of Poetry
In his welcoming remarks, Ernesto Aton Ramirez, Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO, highlighted the timeless power of poetry. “Words often transcend the moment they are spoken, echoing across cultures and centuries. Today, we celebrate the centennial of Sultan bin Ali Al Owais, whose words remain alive, offering wisdom and beauty to the world,” he said.
Ramirez emphasized Al Owais not only as a poet but also as a cultural ambassador and philanthropist. He remarked, “His life and works embody the values of creativity, humanity, and solidarity that form the essence of our mission at UNESCO.” This centennial celebration serves as a reminder of the global role of literature and the arts in shaping societies.
A Shared Language of Culture and Beauty
Dr. Suleiman Mousa Al Jassim, Deputy Chairman of the Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, spoke about the broader implications of this celebration for the UAE’s cultural identity. “In this international venue where culture and beauty form a common language, we celebrate 100 years since the birth of a poet who made words a living act and charity a humanitarian project,” he noted.
He highlighted that UNESCO recognizes culture as the shortest path to peace and an integral part of human identity. Al Jassim underlined, “Al Owais understood early on that the strength of nations is not measured by material wealth but by their intellectual heritage and the questions and dreams they contribute to the human narrative.”
Artistic Exhibitions and Literary Displays
Prior to the official opening of the seminar, Noura Al Kaabi, along with Ambassador Fahd Saeed Al Raqbani and other delegates, explored the exhibition “كلمات تهوى الجمال,” showcasing paintings and photographs displayed in UNESCO’s Miro Hall. Al Kaabi expressed her admiration for the artworks and received a commemorative coin issued by the UAE Central Bank.
The event kicked off with a film presentation about Sultan Al Owais, followed by sessions featuring a distinguished array of researchers, writers, poets, and scholars from around the globe. Artists from the UAE, the Arab world, and international circles also contributed to the exhibition “كلمات تهوى الجمال.”
In addition to the main discussions, a mini-book exhibition was held showcasing the foundation’s publications and translations of Al Owais’s poetry into French and English. Noteworthy works included “رماد الحب” and books authored by Ibrahim Al Hashimi and Dr. Samar Rouhi Al Faisal, both celebrating the artistic contributions of Al Owais.
It is significant to note that UNESCO has declared the year 2025 as the year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Sultan bin Ali Al Owais, recognizing the poet’s profound impact on Emirati and Arab culture. The festivities commemorating his centennial include various activities such as art exhibitions, documentaries, concerts, and the reprinting of his complete works, further enriching the cultural landscape and honoring a poet whose legacy continues to inspire.