Sharjah Poetry Festival probes human anxiety, memory and history

January 10, 2026 / 1:09 PM

Sharjah24: The fifth poetry evening of the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival took place on Friday evening at the Sharjah Poetry House, attended by His Excellency Abdallah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department. The event drew a large audience eager to engage with refined poetic language and contemporary thought.

The evening featured readings from poets representing several Arab countries, including Abdullah Al Hidaya (UAE), Okba Mazouzi (Algeria), Mustafa Matar (Palestine), Riman Yassin (Syria), Hizbar Mahmoud (Iraq), Hussein Al Ammar (Saudi Arabia), and Mohammed Al Soudi (Yemen). Their readings showcased a wide range of poetic visions and stylistic approaches.

Human concerns and historical reflection

The presented texts focused on themes of human anxiety, identity, alienation, and the relationship between the individual and collective memory. Several readings drew on history as a symbolic and intellectual reference, using it to question the present and explore deeper human concerns rather than as a purely nostalgic element.

Honouring poetic contribution

The evening concluded with the organisers honouring the participating poets, recognising their creative contributions and their role in enriching the festival’s programme, which continues to affirm Sharjah’s standing as a leading centre for Arabic poetry and culture.