The stage of the Riyadh International Book Fair, organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission under the theme “Riyadh Reads”, came alive with the creative brilliance of the poets taking part in the “Mathayel” competition on Nabati poetry.
This unique poetry evening, featuring finalists from the contest organized by the Qatar Poetry Center, attracted a large and enthusiastic audience.
The evening’s lineup included a distinguished group of poets: Shabib Al-Nuaimi, Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Hamad Al-Jarhab, Omar Al-Wadaani, Mohammed Al-Jahni, Abdullah Al-Subaie, and Faisal Al-Boqami, with Abdul Hamid Al-Yousef serving as the event’s moderator. The audience was treated to some of the finest Nabati poetry, which made it a memorable night for poetry enthusiasts.
The evening opened with a stirring poem celebrating camels, by Director of the Qatar Poetry Center Shabib Al-Nuaimi. It was recited in this “Year of the Camel”, a nod to the animal’s deep cultural significance for the people of the Arabi
an Peninsula and its central role in Arab heritage.
The rest of the poets took to the stage and delighted the audience with selections from their works with various themes, from vivid artistic descriptions of camels to powerful verses on values like loyalty and trust, and poetic explorations of love, pride, and struggle.
The event extended into the late hours of the night, with the audience responding enthusiastically to each poem, creating an electric atmosphere that lingered long after the final verses were recited.
At the conclusion of the evening, the audience was given the opportunity to interact with the poets, request additional recitations and ask questions about Nabati poetry, the “Mathayel” competition, and poetry in general. The questions were answered by Shabib Al-Nuaimi and Mubarak Al-Khalifa, who also took the opportunity to praise Riyadh in verse, celebrating its stature and importance.
This poetry evening was part of the extensive cultural program accompanying the Riyadh International Book
Fair, which features a variety of activities, including seminars, lectures, poetry readings, theatrical performances, and workshops.
The fair celebrates culture in its broadest sense, providing a platform for reciting classical and Nabati poetry, and ensuring that all forms of cultural expression find a home in Riyadh.
The “Mathayel” competition evening not only highlighted the talent of the participating poets but also underscored the importance of Nabati poetry in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. It was a celebration of the timeless art form that continues to resonate deeply with audiences, bridging the past with the present in a uniquely Arab way.
Source: Saudi Press Agency