Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival opened its 22nd edition in a grand way at the Cultural Palace in Sharjah. His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, officially inaugurated the event. The festival brings together poets, critics, and media figures from across the Arab world. It will run for seven days and highlights the deep roots of Arabic poetry.
Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival began with a special recorded presentation titled Years of Poetry. The film showcased the Ruler of Sharjah’s long-standing efforts to support poetry. It focused on poetry houses established across the Arab world. These houses are now marking ten years of cultural impact. They have helped protect Arabic poetry and support creative dialogue among poets and critics.
During the opening, His Highness honored Dr Ahmed Balboula, winner of the Sharjah Prize for Arabic Poetry. He also awarded the winners of the Sharjah Prize for Poetry Criticism. First place went to Mahrez Ben Mohsen Rachdi from Tunisia. Second place was awarded to Al Mahdi Al Araj from Morocco. Third place went to Al Hassan Mohamed Mahmoud from Mauritania.
The audience enjoyed live poetry readings by Emirati poet Najat Al Dhaheri. Readings were also delivered by Dr Ahmed Balboula from Egypt and Hazbar Mahmoud from Iraq. Their performances reflected the richness of modern Arabic poetry.
Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival hosts more than 80 participants from Arab countries and Africa. The event promotes open discussion and cultural exchange. It also supports new poetic voices and creative growth.
The festival includes evening poetry sessions and book signings. Readers can also explore works by winners of the Golden Rhyme Award. Senior officials, poets, and literature lovers attended the opening, making it a powerful cultural celebration.
