‘Nabati Poetry’ kicks off Feb 2, bolstering folk art presence

January 26, 2026 / 12:26 PM

Sharjah 24: Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 20th Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival will kick off next Monday. This exciting eight-day event, organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture, will run from February 2nd to 9th and will take place in various locations including Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Kalba. Over 70 poets from the Arab world will showcase their talents, accompanied by esteemed critics and media professionals.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, emphasized the importance of this festival in celebrating Nabati poetry—a traditional form of Arab poetry. He noted that the support from His Highness has been crucial in promoting this unique art and encouraging poets to flourish. This year’s festival reinforces Sharjah's commitment to preserving this rich cultural heritage while providing opportunities for new talent to shine.

Al Owais highlighted how the festival serves as a vibrant platform for poets, allowing them to share and learn from one another. He mentioned that initiatives like the revival of the historic Al Hira area in Sharjah and the launch of "Al Hira" magazine, which focuses on Nabati poetry, are all part of the effort to enrich the poetic scene.

Additionally, the festival will honor two notable poets, Saeed Boulahaj Al Rumaithi and Ali Juma Al Suwaidi, for their significant contributions to poetry. The festival will feature a range of activities, including eight poetry evenings and a special discussion about the honored poets’ literary journeys. By spreading its events to Al Dhaid and Kalba, the festival will showcase the unique culture and history of these cities, creating an enriching experience for all participants.

Opening ceremony

The Cultural Palace in Sharjah is set to kick off the festival with an exciting opening ceremony. The festivities will start with a documentary film that highlights two remarkable poets being celebrated this year: Saeed Boulahaj Al Rumaithi and Ali Juma Al Suwaidi, who have received recognition from the Ruler of Sharjah.

From the first to the sixth day of the festival, the Cultural Palace will feature a variety of poetry nights and discussions led by talented poets from different parts of the Arab world. Attendees will also enjoy readings from poets Saeed Saif Al Tunaiji and Saeed bin Ghalita during the festival’s opening poetry sessions.

Between Al Dhaid and Kalba

To celebrate the festival's dedication to including different regions, the activities on the seventh and eighth days will take place in Al Dhaid and Kalba. Local cultural centers in these cities will host poetry readings featuring a group of talented writers. This event will highlight their work and add to the cultural richness of the community.