"Our land is paradise, / verdant with groves of date palms / ripe for the harvest. / Fruit trees of all varieties bloom in the Emirates / and the lovely scent of abundant flowers / comforts and satiates. / This is the home of honor, / and its people hold their heads high, / enveloped by God’s blessings, /their paths blossoming with abundance and prosperity." – Poem 'Our Land is Paradise' by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Poetry has been used as a powerful tool throughout history to convey emotion, whether it be love, sadness, or joy. In the UAE, poetry is one of the most beloved art forms, with even the Emirati royal family taking part in writing poems.
Poetry serves as a way to express cultural identity and heritage in the UAE, connecting people through shared experiences and emotions. And though it may seem like a historical art, poetry is still very much alive and thriving in the UAE.
Let's take a deeper look into this unique art and its significance in Emirati society!
History of Poetry in Dubai
Poetry holds a deeply rooted significance in the Arab world and is regarded as one of the most cherished and influential forms of artistic expression. Its importance extends beyond mere writing, serving as a crucial tool for preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing societal values.
This tradition traces back to the Bedouin era, where poetry was an integral part of daily life and social rituals, weaving together themes of honor, tribal identity, and the natural environment. In Dubai and the UAE, this poetic legacy has seamlessly merged with the region’s evolving cultural narrative.
Over time, the rich tradition of poetry led to the creation of various poetic forms, each reflecting the unique historical and social contexts of the Arab world. These forms have significantly shaped the literary landscape of the UAE, continuing to influence and enrich the region’s cultural expressions today.
Nabati Poetry
Nabati poetry is a unique poetic form that originated among the Bedouins of the UAE. Often referred to as 'the poetry of the people', Nabati poetry has been around since the 14th century. In contrast to traditional Arabic poems with their formal and classic language, Nabati poems are written in basic, colloquial Arabic, making it easier to understand among the masses.
The themes of these poems usually revolved around tribal honor and pride, sharing words of wisdom, and encouraging moral lessons. With the simple and lyrical language, the poems were able to become more accessible around the region. This time of poetry is so engrained into the history of the country that some Bedouins could even memorize thousands of poems.
Famous Emirati Poets
Emirati poets have played a pivotal role in shaping the UAE's literary scene, weaving together the rich tapestry of traditional values and modern experiences. Their work often explores themes of identity, heritage, and social change, capturing the dynamic spirit of the region. Through their powerful verses, these poets continue to inspire and reflect the evolving cultural landscape of the UAE.
Ousha the Poet
Ousha the Poet, born in 1920, is one of the most beloved poets in the country. Raised in Dubai, Ousha was a poetic prodigy at just 15 years old. Given the nickname 'Fatat Al-Khaleej' (Girl of the Gulf), she had written countless poems with themes varying from love and nostalgia to praise and patriotism.
By 1989, she was beloved by everyone all over the UAE, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum dedicating a poem to her and replacing her nickname with 'Fatat Al-Arab' (Girl of the Arabs).
The late legendary poet garnered countless awards during her lifetime, from an Abu Dhabi Award presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan himself to even a dedicated pavilion at the Dubai Women's Museum.
Ousha passed away in 2012, but her legacy still lives on through the Emirati literary community. Her works have inspired hundreds of young poets, and she's still getting posthumous awards thanks to her legacy, even being honored with a Google Doodle back in 2022.
Mana Al Otaiba
Mana Al Otaiba is a great Emirati poet who has published over 130 poetry books! Al Otaiba isn't just any other poet though, he was actually the first Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in the UAE and was good friends with His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Al Otaiba didn't limit himself to only one type of poetry; he would write in colloquial Arabic, formal Arabic, and even English. His versatility and dedication to his craft have earned him recognition both locally and internationally, getting honorary degrees from countries like Japan and Brazil.
Khalid Albudoor
Born and raised in Dubai, Khalid Albudoor is one of the biggest names in modern-day poetry. His work is acclaimed for its exploration of contemporary themes and its reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. His poetry often delves into the intricacies of modern life, weaving together personal experiences with broader social and cultural reflections.
In addition to his literary contributions, Albudoor has been a key figure in promoting Arabic literature and fostering literary discourse in the UAE, even taking part in the creation of the Emirati Writers' Union.
Nujoom Al-Ghanem
Nujoom Al-Ghanem is one of the founding members of the Emirates Writers' Union and is one of the most prominent poets of this generation. Publishing eight different poetry collections, she explores themes like solitude, human suffering, loss, and hardships.
Along with being a beloved poet, she's also a decorated filmmaker. Her films have won local, regional, and international awards, and are mostly about the lives of people around the region. Her most awarded movie, Sharp Tools, focuses on the life of famous writer and critic Hassan Sharif.
Al-Ghanem's unique perspective as both a poet and filmmaker allows her to delve deep into the human experience, capturing emotions and stories in a powerful and moving way. Through her work, she continues to inspire and touch the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Dr. Afra Atiq
Dr. Afra Atiq is a highly-regarded poet in the UAE. Born in Dubai, she's the co-founder of Untitled Chapters, which is a collective of Emirati female poets. Unlike most Emirati poets, Atiq's form of poetry is spoken word, which has gotten her many awards including Best Performer and the Abu Dhabi Music and Art Foundation Creativity award.
Not only that, but she's also a teaching artist, inspiring the younger generation to express themselves through poetry and spoken word. Throughout the years, she's hosted countless workshops and classes, and mentored and coached other writers.
Atiq's impact on the poetry scene in the UAE is undeniable, as she continues to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms through her powerful performances and mentorship.
The Emirati Royal Family
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai | His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai | Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of UAE
The UAE royal family has long been associated with a deep appreciation for poetry. Members of the royal family, including Their Highnesses Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, have been known to write their own poetry.
Their poems are very deeply loved by the Emirati people and poetry enthusiasts around the world, often revolving around themes of patriotism, family, and heritage. The poems are so popular and beloved that they're usually recited in many ceremonies and even turned into songs.
Poetry Events
Dubai’s poetry events offer a vibrant platform for showcasing a diverse range of poetic voices and styles. These gatherings enhance the city's cultural landscape by celebrating both traditional and contemporary forms of poetry, fostering a rich literary community.
Dubai Poetry Slam
The Dubai Poetry Slam is a unique monthly event that allows poets from all over the UAE to take the stage, recite their poetry, and battle for the podium. Originally starting out between a group of friends in 2015, the Dubai Poetry Slam grew into a larger community for both poets and poetry enthusiasts.
During this unique event, random people from the crowd are chosen to be the judges, and contestants have 3 minutes to recite their poetry. The Dubai Poetry Slam has become a platform for emerging poets to showcase their talent and connect with like-minded individuals in the vibrant poetry scene of Dubai.
Other Past Events
There have been other poetry events in the city throughout the year, including the Dubai International Poetry Festival. These events attract poets and poetry enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of styles and voices. The Dubai International Poetry Festival, in particular, has become a prominent platform for both established and emerging poets to share their work.
There are also workshops hosted all across the city by various art centers like the Jameel Art Center and the Dubai International Writer's Center. These workshops provide aspiring poets with opportunities to hone their craft and connect with other writers in the community.
House of Poetry
The House of Poetry is a distinguished cultural institution dedicated to the art of poetry, serving as a central hub for literary expression and appreciation in the UAE. The venue was established to celebrate and promote the rich tradition of Arabic poetry, and it offers a range of programs and events designed to engage poets and audiences alike.
The House of Poetry plays a pivotal role in the literary landscape of Dubai by organizing various events such as poetry readings, workshops, and festivals. These activities provide a platform for both emerging and established poets to present their work, share their perspectives, and connect with the community. The institution also focuses on educational outreach, offering resources and programs that help cultivate a deeper understanding of poetry among students and the general public.
Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
The Museum of the Poet, dedicated to Saudi-born poet Mubarak bin Hamad bin Mubarak Al Manea Al Oqaili, is a distinguished cultural institution in Dubai that celebrates the poet's significant contributions to Arabic literature. This museum, which was originally the poet's residence in 1923, provides a comprehensive overview of Al Oqaili’s life and work, showcasing an extensive collection of his poetry, personal artifacts, and historical documents.
The museum's exhibits are also designed to immerse visitors in the world of Al Oqaili, featuring original manuscripts, personal belongings, and interactive displays that highlight the themes and stylistic elements of his poetry.
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