The Al Ain Book Festival 2025 Celebrates Poet Hamad bin Suhail Al Ketbi

As part of the Al Ain Book Festival 2025, organized by the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, one of the most beautiful evenings was showcased in the “Nights of Poetry: The Sung Word” program. This time, the celebration honored a prominent figure in the world of poetry, the late Emirati poet Hamad bin Suhail Al Ketbi. Al Ketbi is considered one of the creative names that left a unique mark on the journey of Emirati and Gulf folk poetry, making him deserving of this tribute.

A Special Evening with Distinguished Attendance

The evening began with a documentary film that explored the poet’s life from his upbringing to his passing, highlighting his human and poetic qualities. The event was graced by the presence of Sheikh Zayed bin Sif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Zayed bin Mansour bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, adding a special touch to the occasion. The film also addressed the strong bonds between Hamad bin Suhail Al Ketbi and his father, the poet Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, and his profound influence on his poetic talents.

A Unique Relationship with Fellow Poets

Poet Ali Al Khawar, who was a main guest of the evening, spoke about his close relationship with the late poet. He noted that their friendship began and deepened through their work on the team overseeing the sung poems of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul. Al Khawar described the late poet with a range of admirable qualities such as kindness, tolerance, and generosity, emphasizing his willingness to help others.

Honoring the Poetic Legacy

The celebration of Hamad bin Suhail Al Ketbi at the Al Ain Book Festival 2025 serves as a tribute to the poetic legacy that has left a profound impact on Emirati culture. His poems have always embodied the spirit of the Emirati people and expressed the nuances of daily life and human emotions. Therefore, this event is considered an important step in promoting the literary and cultural identity of the nation.

Through events like this, the Al Ain Book Festival 2025 ensures the continued celebration of influential figures in the literary community, such as poet Hamad bin Suhail Al Ketbi, and highlights their literary achievements.