The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival has officially commenced, showcasing the rich tapestry of poetic expression in the United Arab Emirates and beyond. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the festival invites enthusiasts to gather at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until February 11. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, this year’s event promises a variety of cultural initiatives aimed at enriching the poetic landscape.
At the festival’s opening, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan explored numerous cultural initiatives and poetic platforms, including “The Poetry Bridge,” “The UAE Poetic Map,” “The Young Poet Corner,” “The Poetry Theatre,” and “The Poetry Café.” His visit included tours of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism’s pavilion and various cultural organizations participating in the festival, where he met a selection of poets and creatives dedicated to enhancing the cultural scene. Their efforts are pivotal in supporting the literary movement and enriching the Arabic language through both classical and Nabati poetry.
His Highness emphasized that the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promoting culture as a crucial component of national identity. He highlighted the festival as a bridge for cultural dialogue between generations. “It serves as a testament to the cultural organizations’ efforts that support creative talents and present the national cultural heritage in contemporary ways,” he stated. This dedication ensures that the emirate remains a leading destination for the preservation of Arab cultural heritage on an international stage while nurturing poetic talents capable of contributing to both local and regional cultural landscapes.
The Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival also plays a significant role in facilitating exchanges of ideas among poets, critics, and cultural enthusiasts. This opportunity for dialogue enriches the literary movement and aligns with contemporary intellectual and creative transformations. This year’s edition, part of the broader cultural momentum seen in Abu Dhabi and aligned with the “Year of the Family” initiatives, underscores poetry’s role in reinforcing societal values and fostering communication between past and present generations through the revival of literary heritage.
It’s worth mentioning that the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival saw enthusiastic participation from poets across the UAE, the Gulf, and the Arab world, attracting more than 1,000 poets, writers, and researchers, alongside over 15,000 visitors interested in Arabic poetry. Accompanying His Highness during this significant visit were Minister of Culture Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Acting Director-General Abdullah Mubarak Al Mahiri, and Dr. Sultan Al Umimi, Chairman of the Board of the UAE Writers Union.