Mohammed bin Rashid named Inspirational Literary Figure as Dubai hosts Silk Road Poetry Festival
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has been honoured as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets by the World Silk Road Forum.
This recognition celebrates his role in transforming Dubai into a vibrant cultural bridge linking East and West, inspired by the historic Silk Road and infused with a modern Emirati spirit.
Dubai will host the fifth Silk Road International Poetry Festival from May 23 to 29, marking the first time the event takes place in an Arab city. The festival's award ceremony is set for May 27 at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, featuring participation from about 50 poets, artists, and painters. Media coverage will include 20 Chinese press agencies, including the People's Daily.
Sheikh Mohammed's literary contributions are notable for their eloquence and depth, particularly in Nabati poetry. His works, such as Zayed (2018), Flashes of Verse (2014), and 40 Poems from the Desert (2011), explore themes of heritage, leadership, and human experience. His passion for horses is also celebrated in his poetry collections.
Professor Wang Fangwen, Chair of the Poetry Committee, praised Dubai as a symbol of cultural coexistence and peace, emphasizing Sheikh Mohammed's leadership in making culture a foundation of the city's development. The World Silk Road Forum highlighted Sheikh Mohammed's poetry in its World Poets magazine, with translations into Chinese and an editorial analyzing his literary impact.
The festival includes poetry readings, discussions, and exhibitions at key cultural sites such as the Museum of the Future and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Emirati poet Adel Khozam has been named co-chair, recognized for his regional influence and international collaborations.
The event aims to strengthen cultural ties between China, the UAE, and the global poetry community, reflecting the enduring spirit of the Silk Road through artistic exchange.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
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