Kalba: The 19th Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival concluded on Monday at the Cultural Centre in Kalba City in Sharjah, attended by Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman of the Amiri Court in Khorfakkan. The event celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the region through poetry and music, drawing participation from poets across the Middle East.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival saw the presence of Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman of the Ruler’s Office in Kalba City, and poet Bati Al Mazloum, Director of the Al Hira Literary Council and Director of the Festival. The event featured a series of performances and recitations that highlighted the themes of culture, leadership, and heritage.
Emirati poet and ‘rababa’ player Obaid Al Shuwain opened the evening with melodies that paid tribute to Sharjah and its ruler, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. His performance celebrated the cultural contributions of the ruler and the unity and leadership of the UAE. Al Shuwain’s music conveyed emotions of longing and eloquence, resonating with the audience through the traditional sound of the rababa.
Jordanian poet Abdullah Al Ajouri followed with poems that invoked feelings of joy, using olives and ghaf trees as symbols of love and peace. His verses praised the Ruler of Sharjah and reflected on the emotional significance of October, weaving fond memories into his recitations.
Omani poet Ahmed Al Maashani entertained the audience with poems that explored themes of thirst, worries, and farewells, using metaphors of the bucket and the well. Meanwhile, Iraqi poet Khaled Al Nabhan presented works with a Bedouin essence, commending Sharjah’s dedication to nurturing culture and creativity.
Emirati poet Hassan Al Obaidli delivered longer poems that expressed pride in Sharjah and its cultural leader. His recitations delved into themes of mirage, thirst, and heat, while also celebrating pride, glory, and goodness.
Saudi poet “Al Anoud Al Wasliya” concluded the event with poems reflecting on travel and the bond between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. She highlighted the cultural ambitions championed by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, moving to themes of happiness, abandonment, and deep emotional experiences.
The festival underscored the importance of cultural exchange and the enduring impact of poetry in the Arab world, leaving attendees with a sense of cultural pride and appreciation.