Arabic lyrical melodies performed at Sharjah Nabati Poetry
The event was graced by notable figures, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, the Chairman of the Department of Culture, and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, the Director of Cultural Affairs, along with poet Batti Al Mazloum and a large audience who love Nabati poetry.
The third day's poetry evening featured performances by poets Aisha Al Haddadi from the UAE, Ahmed Al Sharari from Saudi Arabia, Matar Al Buraiki from Oman, Maryam Falamarzi from Bahrain, Mohammed Al Mannai from Qatar, and Amjad Al Sakhri from Jordan, all hosted by media personality Talaa Al Amoudi.
On the fourth day, the Palace of Culture hosted another special poetry session focused on creative female poets. The lineup included Sheikha Juma (UAE), Asma Ibrahim Al Ghadami (Saudi Arabia), Majrad Sha'era (Kuwait), and Thawrat Al Zeer (Qatar), introduced by Najla Al Harbi. The festival is a wonderful celebration of poetic talent and cultural expression.
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Sharjah 24
19 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah builds cultural bridges between Africa and the Arab world
Amid a time when Arabic poetry faces marginalisation in parts of Africa, Sharjah's forward-thinking initiatives have restored Arabic literature to its rightful place—as a vessel of identity, a tool for dialogue, and a platform for human expression. Coordinators praised the vision behind the Arabic Poetry Forums in Africa—an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah—which has marked the beginning of a new cultural era across the continent. These forums have given hundreds of poets opportunities for visibility, documentation, and publication through structured programmes led by Sharjah's Department of Culture in collaboration with local cultural bodies. Coordinators in nine African nations—Mali, Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire—shared updates on preparations for the fourth edition of the poetry forums, set to begin this month. Plans are underway for expanded poet participation and accompanying cultural events. Reviving the Arabic language through poetry Dr Abdelkader Idriss Mega, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Mali, described Sharjah's initiative as a pioneering model that reflects the wide-reaching cultural vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. He noted that the initiative is more than just a poetry festival—it is a genuine platform for reviving the Arabic language in historically Arabic-speaking communities. Dr Mega highlighted the forums' role in elevating poetry as a cultural force in Mali, a country where African depth intersects with Arab-Islamic heritage. 'Sharjah's support represents a living example of Afro-Arab cultural integration, and a genuine embodiment of His Highness's vision for building literary bridges across the region,' he said. 'It has granted African poets a worthy platform, embraced their talents, and nurtured creativity in a respectful, professional atmosphere.' He emphasised the clear impact: a vibrant poetry movement, an interactive cultural space blending authenticity and openness, and a rejuvenated local cultural scene that had long suffered from stagnation. Looking ahead to Mali's fourth poetry forum Dr Mega stated that Mali's Arabic Poetry Forum continues to grow in terms of organisation, content, and participation. The number of poets has doubled this year, drawing a rich mix of emerging and established voices from across the country. The fourth edition will welcome between 15 and 20 poets from Bamako and other regions. What sets this edition apart is the broader participation and more diverse poetic styles, alongside growing public interest. The forum has drawn the attention of prominent figures, intellectuals, academics, university students, and media professionals, giving it greater cultural and institutional weight. The accompanying programme includes poetry readings, literary discussions, and workshops on Arabic poetic techniques, in addition to interactive sessions between poets and the public—fostering cultural exchange and deepening aesthetic appreciation for poetry. Cultural renewal through Sharjah's literary vision Dr Ahmed Abou El Fath Othman, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Chad, described Sharjah's support for Arabic poetry in Africa as a shining example of Arab cultural integration. He praised the leadership of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for reinforcing the Arabic language and culture across both Arabic-speaking regions and beyond. He noted that the poetry forums, organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, have contributed to shaping a renewed cultural landscape by creating spaces for creative exchange and restoring poetry's role as a tool of expression, awareness, and identity-building. The upcoming fourth edition of the poetry forum in Chad, according to Dr Abou El Fath, marks a significant milestone. While 32 poets participated last year, this year's forum is expected to feature over 40 poets, selected from more than 200 submissions. The selection criteria focus on high-calibre classical Arabic poetry. This year's edition is noteworthy for bringing together poets from various regions of Chad on a single platform to share their work with an engaged and appreciative audience. The forum has also opened doors for emerging voices, with many young and aspiring poets seizing this opportunity to prove their talent. Dr Abou El Fath highlighted that some of these poets, after participating in the Chad forum, went on to take part in international poetry gatherings—raising their country's profile on broader cultural stages. He affirmed that none of this would have been possible without Sharjah's generous and strategic support for Arabic culture in Africa. 'We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Sharjah, a beacon of knowledge and creativity, for continually championing Arab literary excellence and broadening its horizons,' he said. A deep encouragement for African Arabic poetry Dr Kaba Imran, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Guinea, expressed how African Arabic poetry is now "breathing freely" again, receiving recognition and honour from an Arab nation—specifically from His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. 'This is a profound source of encouragement for a form of poetry that had long been absent from the African cultural scene,' he said. He noted that the fourth edition of the forum will welcome many new poets. Previously, participation was limited to poets from the capital region, but now, the event draws poets from across all regions of Guinea and even from outside the country. Thanks to the forum, many poets have gained new confidence in their talent and literary voice—especially first-time participants. Dr Imran confirmed that these gatherings have inspired poets with ambitious new horizons and a growing cultural awareness with meaningful impact. Celebrating poetic beauty in Niger Dr Amadou Ali Ibrahim, cultural coordinator in Niger, hailed Sharjah as a cultural capital that continues to celebrate the enduring power of poetry, thanks to the unwavering support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. He said the Arabic poetry forums in Africa have been a resounding literary success from the start, leaving a clear cultural imprint across the continent and growing stronger with each edition. Dr Ibrahim expressed hope that this year's forum in Niger will spotlight new poetic talents and attract a larger audience, particularly among Arabic language students in the country. As in previous years, the event will feature two poetry sessions enriched by critical commentary—offering aesthetic insights into the poems—and a literary lecture exploring the Arabic language and its social dimensions within Niger. He is optimistic that this edition will see a stronger poetic presence, not only in the number of poets attending from across the country but also in the strength and beauty of the Arabic poems being shared. 'The forum has become a stage for Niger's promising poetic voices to shine and grow,' he said. Enrichment and empowerment in Nigeria Dr Omar Adam, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Nigeria, highlighted the profound impact of Sharjah's support—under the guidance of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah—on enriching the cultural scene across Africa. Through the forums, a deeper appreciation for the Arabic language and its literary traditions has taken root in multiple African nations. He noted that this support has enabled poets to refine their craft, moving beyond traditional forms to embrace modern poetic techniques aligned with global literary currents. The upcoming fourth edition of the poetry forum in Nigeria marks a significant cultural moment, building on the success of previous editions and further promoting Arabic poetry and cross-cultural dialogue. Thanks to financial and institutional backing from Sharjah's Department of Culture, several Nigerian poets have published Arabic poetry collections—many for the first time—showcasing a flourishing literary presence in the country. 'This year, we've witnessed an unprecedented number of applications, surpassing those of all previous editions combined,' said Dr Adam. 'It's a clear sign of how deeply these forums have energised the creative spirit and helped develop local poetic talent.' He added that the forum, supported by Sharjah, has spotlighted poetic voices from all regions of Nigeria. 'What began as a symbolic initiative has now become a dynamic platform for Nigerian poets, including those who are not native Arabic speakers, to share their work and connect with the wider Arab literary world. This effort not only preserves heritage but also drives forward a new wave of poetic creativity rooted in rich literary traditions.' Beyond boundaries: Côte d'Ivoire celebrates Arabic verse Dr Bamba Issiaka, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Côte d'Ivoire, said Sharjah's cultural initiative transcends borders and languages, empowering genuine creativity through sustained support, openness to new voices, and a dynamic blend of literary creation and critique. He affirmed that the forums serve as a model for cultural collaboration, showing that poetry still holds the power to build bridges and reshape collective awareness. 'The Arabic Poetry Forum has become a major annual cultural event in Côte d'Ivoire, eagerly anticipated by the public,' he said, citing strong participation from university students and the emergence of talented young poets. According to Dr Issiaka, Sharjah's support does more than offer financial assistance—it maps out a long-term vision for Arabic poetry in Africa. The fourth edition of the forum, he noted, will mark a qualitative leap in the country's cultural scene, with new voices and cities taking part, reflecting the forum's continued growth and expanding reach. A cultural continuum in South Sudan Dr Mohammed Maj Riak, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in South Sudan, described Sharjah's backing of Arabic poetry in Africa as part of a broader cultural vision that embraces creativity in all its forms. This support, he said, helps reaffirm the value of poetry as a means of expressing identity and collective memory. He noted that the forums have added significant value to South Sudan's cultural landscape. 'For this year's edition, we've widened participation to include poets from different generations and schools of thought, with a discerning and appreciative audience engaging closely with the sessions,' said Dr Riak. The accompanying events will include literary workshops, critical forums, and public discussions to enhance interaction between poets and audiences. He stressed that the initiative has played a pivotal role in bringing attention to lesser-known voices and given them opportunities to connect with leading figures from the Arab literary world—broadening their cultural horizons and artistic growth. Tangible momentum in Senegal Dr Mohamed El Hadi Sall, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Senegal, described Sharjah's patronage of Arabic poetry in Africa as a pioneering initiative rooted in a genuine belief in the power of words and their role in bridging cultures. He noted that the support went beyond financial assistance—it was a powerful moral boost that helped elevate local cultural identity and revive interest in Arabic poetry. 'The forums supported by Sharjah created real cultural momentum,' Dr Sall said. 'They opened new spaces for expression and dialogue, allowing a broader audience to engage with poets and their work.' He added that the fourth edition brings greater energy and diversity, with poets from various schools and experiences, along with a rich cultural programme including poetry readings, critical discussions, and parallel artistic performances. 'This year's audience is more engaged and informed than ever, which reflects a growing connection between the public and poetic expression. The event has also drawn strong attention from the cultural community, media, and social networks—clear proof that the forum has become a major annual cultural highlight.' Sustained support in Benin Dr Ibrahim Ogboun, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Benin, said that no discussion of Arabic poetry in Africa today would be complete without acknowledging the vital role of Sharjah. Through its thoughtful cultural initiatives, the emirate has consistently supported the written word and strengthened its presence in the public sphere. He explained that Sharjah's support has evolved into a comprehensive cultural project, offering renewed energy to literary platforms across the continent. 'The poetry forums held under Sharjah's patronage are not seasonal events,' Dr Ogboun stressed. 'They have become a genuine driver of the poetic scene, offering space for experimentation, dialogue, and public engagement.' Speaking about the fourth edition, he added: 'With strong attendance and a wide variety of participants, the forum in Benin is moving confidently toward establishing itself as a leading cultural event in the country. This year's edition will stand out in both format and content, with a larger number of poets and a dynamic series of events including poetry evenings, critical sessions, and open dialogues between creators and a poetry-hungry audience.' Sharjah's initiative, he said, has opened new doors for local poets and introduced fresh voices to the broader Arab poetic tradition. 'The forum has become a true platform for discovering talent and exchanging experiences. Many poets have spoken about how this opportunity transformed their work—whether through new publishing avenues or invitations to take part in Arab literary festivals.'
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Why former diplomat-turned-filmmaker explores 'unpopular' communities
From diplomatic missions to international movie sets, Dubai-based Russian filmmaker Olga Sapozhnikova has spent her life trying to bridge divides between nations, between people, and even within the self. A former Russian diplomat stationed in Japan, Sapozhnikova describes her life's work as one continuous pursuit of 'cross-cultural communication'. 'In the beginning I was more interested in how it's possible to stop wars. Now I'm more interested in how to stop conflicts between people; like if two groups in a company hate each other, or a husband and wife don't get along, how can we make them be friends?' Her journey began with a fascination for Japanese culture and diplomacy. She studied Japanese at the Moscow Linguistic University and went on to take a course in political science, which she described as 'additional knowledge' to support her interest in diplomacy and conflict resolution. She eventually became one of the first female Russian diplomats to serve in Japan, posted at the Russian embassy in Tokyo, where she was responsible for cultural affairs. 'Before, there were never women in this position,' she recalled. But it was a deeply personal crisis that pivoted her career towards filmmaking. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. From trauma to storytelling In 2001, her younger sister was caught near Ground Zero during the 9/11 attacks in New York. For three days, Sapozhnikova's family had no idea whether she had survived. 'She lived next to it. She was studying for the New York Bar. For three days we didn't have connection with her,' she recalled. 'She survived, but she lost her house. She was living somewhere without clothes or food. She was helping Americans from under the ground.' That experience, coupled with rising Islamophobia at the time, pushed Sapozhnikova to take action. 'In Moscow [at the time], if somebody in hijab entered the underground, everybody would run away. So, I thought it was very important to do something to connect Muslim people and Christian people,' she explained. Her motivation was also shaped by her own childhood experience. 'When I was 12 years old, living in Kuwait, I was saved by an Iraqi doctor. Nobody could cure me, and he saved me. That's why I'm so devoted to Muslims, and I thought it would be great to build a bridge. I have a lot of Muslim friends, especially girls. They are very kind and very smart. I wanted to portray that.' She pitched a film concept to a Russian TV station, which turned into her debut work, Hareem. Though she clashed with the director, who openly admitted to anti-Muslim bias, Sapozhnikova fought to keep her vision intact. 'I was the idea author and the scriptwriter. I was doing everything. But because I was very young, they didn't put me in the credits at first,' she said. The film aired 25 times and reached an audience of 140 million people. 'After this movie, a lot of people in Russia started studying Arabic,' she added. 'I showed that we are all one blood.' Women on the edge Her follow-up project was a sharp turn from her last one. She began profiling women in extreme professions for a film titled Risky Girls. She documented female stunt riders, tiger trainers, and base jumpers — each pushing past boundaries often seen as male-dominated. 'I was studying why women choose risky professions. Because by nature, the heart of a woman is to be safe,' she said. 'One girl was jumping from buildings. It's the most dangerous because the parachute opens at the last minute. 'During one of the jumps, she crashed hard into the side of the building — so violently that the cameraman, normally calm, started yelling, convinced she might not survive the impact.' The film featured women who lived double lives: nurturing mothers and fierce athletes. 'Few of them really surprised me. They had three kids, they cooked in the house, they wore dresses. But then suddenly, they were doing things men were afraid to do,' she added. The beauty of growing old Another theme that has emerged in her work is ageing, particularly how it is perceived in different cultures. Her recent projects have spotlighted elderly icons from Kazakhstan, Russia, and the UAE. In Hidden Beauty, she told the story of Jamila, the first Emirati woman to work in ambulance services, as well as other pioneering women in the UAE. In a Kazakhstan-based film on longevity, she featured women aged 60 to 90 who were still modelling internationally, a 103-year-old Russian woman who recites classical poetry weekly to keep her memory sharp, and an 86-year-old dancer who believes 'love will never get old.' 'In Kazakhstan, people over 60 stay at home. Some said they felt shy to go outside because of their wrinkles. I wanted to show they can,' Sapozhnikova said. 'They have an incredible desire to live.' Rewriting life's script Living in Dubai, Sapozhnikova works as a life and public speaking coach, helping people, particularly women, reshape their internal narratives. 'A lot of women, even if they are very successful, will say 'Yeah, but I'm still not married' or 'I'm already 45'. I help them rewrite what they want,' she said. 'I ask questions, they write it down, and for 21 days, they read it to themselves. And they change.' The method draws from her experience in diplomacy and filmmaking. 'In a way, I work like a director, helping them rewrite their scenario." One woman from Kazakhstan, she recalled, came to her ready to give up after losing her husband, son, and home. 'She said there was nothing else left. But after the programme, she changed completely. Now she's living again.' A global vision Sapozhnikova's films have been broadcast widely and recognised at festivals from Cannes to Los Angeles. Her subjects range from Emirati policewomen to Kazakh Olympic champions training in cabbage warehouses. 'I choose unpopular topics. A boxer who didn't have gloves. A girl jumping from a vegetable market to a stadium named after her. People don't believe such stories exist,' she said. Next, she plans to host a forum in Dubai focused on longevity and is considering a new documentary on 'higher vibrations' — a concept she defines as the mindset that allows people to focus on what unites rather than what annoys or divides. 'When you start thinking about building something bigger, your vibration changes. Then you start taking all your resources, all your mind, all your network — and you do something that makes you and others stronger.'
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sharjah honours four Jordanian writers in Amman Forum
Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 22nd edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum was launched in the Jordanian capital, Amman. The forum celebrated four Jordanian literary figures: translator Prof. Dr Mohammad Al Bakhit, critic Dr Nabil Haddad, academic and critic Mahmoud Al Shalabi, and poet Mohammad Samhan. The forum was held in line with the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to honour literary figures who have significantly contributed to contemporary Arab culture. This marks the fifth time the forum has taken place in Jordan, having previously recognised 16 Jordanian creatives in earlier editions. The honouring ceremony took place at the National Library Department in Amman, in the presence of Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department; Hamad Al Matroushi, Chargé d'Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Jordan; Dr. Nidal Al Ayasrah, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Ministry of Culture; National Library Director Rouba Al Shamaila; and a large audience of Jordanian and Arab writers, intellectuals, and cultural figures. STRONG HISTORIC TIES In his speech, Abdullah Al Owais expressed joy at the continued fraternal gatherings that enhance bonds of affection, particularly when united by shared Arab values and cooperation. He highlighted that this spirit is embodied in the strong historic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of both nations. He said, "Today we are presenting a living example of these principles through the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum, which aims to recognise cultural figures who have enriched the Arab world with their literary creativity in various fields. After travelling across the Arab world, the forum returns for the fifth time to Jordan to honour a new group of distinguished Jordanian writers who have remained true to their craft and offered a wealth of diverse literary contributions.' Al Owais extended sincere thanks to the Jordanian Ministry of Culture for its ongoing cooperation, which has led to the successful organisation of numerous cultural activities. In his address, Dr Nidal Al Ayasrah welcomed the attendees, "Welcome to Amman, which sends its warmest greetings to Sharjah through this rich cultural tapestry, representing a model of collaboration between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It is a great occasion to honour a distinguished group of our nation's creatives across diverse literary fields, who have shown commitment, determination, and a luminous vision in their cultural projects.' He added, "Writers, poets, critics, and historians offer their insight so that others may benefit, often sacrificing their time and energy for the greater cultural good. The moments that bring them joy are those when words come alive, when wisdom and philosophy are shared, when poetry is in the air, and when younger generations connect with their rich Arab heritage.' 'NOBLE CIVILISATIONALS INITIATIVE ' Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Professor Dr Mohammad Al Bakhit said, "On behalf of myself and my fellow honourees, I extend our sincere gratitude to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, for his noble civilisational initiative to recognise those who have served culture in their communities, countries, and among their audiences-particularly in these challenging times facing the Arab world and its intellectuals. These circumstances call for creative initiatives capable of transforming reality and overcoming obstacles, so that intellectuals may play an active role in enriching civilisational life.' The honouring ceremony was accompanied by an exhibition showcasing a range of publications from the Sharjah Department of Culture. Among the featured titles were Sharjah Cultural Magazine, Al Rafid, Al Qawafi, Theatre Magazine, Al Heera from Sharjah, and a collection of books across various literary genres. The exhibition attracted a large audience, with many keen to browse and acquire these culturally rich titles. The ceremony was moderated by Jordanian poet Iman Abdel Hadi, who opened by praising Sharjah's pioneering role in promoting Arab cultural life and noted that the emirate has become a leading model for cultural initiatives across the region. WAM
