The cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates is set to be enriched further with the announcement that the جائزة ندوة الثقافة للشعر will be opening registrations for its third edition, dedicated to the memory of the esteemed poet Ahmad bin Sultan bin Sulaim. This initiative celebrates his significant contributions to Arabic poetry and acknowledges the recognition he will receive from UNESCO in 2026. This honor pays tribute to his literary and intellectual journey that has greatly impacted the cultural scene within the UAE and has preserved the emirate’s rich heritage through his impactful works.
A Celebrated Poet’s Legacy
Ahmad bin Sultan bin Sulaim is celebrated not only for his poetry but also for his role in documenting the essence of life and humanity in the UAE during the early 20th century. His selection as the namesake of the جائزة ندوة الثقافة للشعر, especially on the 50th anniversary of his passing, highlights the global acknowledgment of his literary prowess and cultural contributions. This award also reflects his significant role in anchoring cultural values that align with the principles espoused by international cultural organizations.
Honor and Recognition
Bilal Al-Badoor, Chairman of the Cultural and Science Symposium, expressed the initiative’s belief in the power of poetic expression. He emphasized that poetry serves as both a historical record and a guardian of cultural identity, playing a crucial role in shaping societal awareness and reinforcing human values. Previous editions of the جائزة ندوة الثقافة للشعر paid homage to significant figures in UAE literature, such as Sultan bin Ali Al-Owais and the late Hamad Khalifa Boshahab. With this latest iteration, the focus on Ahmad bin Sultan bin Sulaim promises to honor his substantial impact on the cultural fabric of the Emirates.
Encouraging Broader Participation
Ali Obaid Al-Hamli, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the award, underscored the growing participation from various Arab regions in the previous editions of the جائزة ندوة الثقافة للشعر. He expressed hope that the third edition will attract an even wider range of impactful poetic entries, contributing to a richer dialogue within the Arabic literary community. His comments reflect an ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural exchange and recognizing the contributions of distinguished poets.
Prize Details and Categories
The جائزة ندوة الثقافة للشعر covers three categories of classical Arabic poetry: traditional, free verse, and prose poetry. Each category offers a prize of 50,000 dirhams, culminating in a total award amount of 150,000 dirhams. A jury will select one winner from each category, with finalists receiving not only a monetary award but also a prestigious medal bearing the name of the award. Registration for this prestigious opportunity closes on August 15.
Bilal Al-Badoor reiterated, “Honoring this round with the name of Ahmad bin Sultan bin Sulaim is a testament to the status of this Emirati poet and his crucial contributions to enriching the cultural scene.”
For those interested in exploring the world of Arabic poetry and participating in this remarkable celebration of literary creativity, the جائزة ندوة الثقافة للشعر offers a unique platform to express artistic voices and honor an enduring legacy.