Emerging Emirati poets reinvent poetic styles
The event brought together an audience of emerging and aspiring poets and cultural professionals to engage in dialogue around contemporary poetic expression and the evolving role of literature in Emirati society.
Contemporary poetry and evolving expression
The evening commenced with a panel discussion titled 'Horizons of Writers and Poets', featuring two young poets, Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Meera AlBusmait. The conversation explored how emerging Emirati voices are reimagining poetic expression by drawing on personal memory, cultural identity, and a deliberate departure from conventional forms to forge new creative directions.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, known for his free-form poetic style, shared insights into his approach to writing. He said: 'I write in complete freedom, refusing to confine myself to any predetermined form or convention.
My words are shaped by the legacy of my heritage, by a deep pride in being Emirati, and by the stories of defiance, adventure, and resilience that echo through our history. I believe poetry is an act of truth-telling, and my truth carries the influence of every book I have ever read, every memory I have lived.'
On her part, Meera AlBusmait, whose work blends traditional Arabic forms with contemporary English poetics, reflected on the personal nature of her writing journey, saying 'My writing began with a memory; an instinctive urge to capture what felt familiar yet was slipping away. As an Emirati woman shaped by a multicultural lens and a love for English literature, I find myself constantly blending the structure of traditional Arabic verse with the rebellion of contemporary Western poetry.
When I face creative blocks, I return to rhyme, rhythm, and the comfort of classical form. But always, I push boundaries. Writing, for me, is a human act; a form of vulnerability and expression no machine can truly replicate. I write to reflect the beauty and complexity of who we are.'
Themes of identity and memory in poetic performance
The evening concluded with a live poetry recital, during which Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Meera AlBusmait were joined by fellow poets Shahd Thani, Mohammad Al Gaith, and Maryam AlShawab. Their readings explored themes of memory, identity, and belonging, drawing on childhood imagery, the symbolic resonance of the sea, the quiet persistence of cultural tradition, and the role of libraries and librarians.
The gathering highlighted a new generation of Emirati poets who weave local dialects with global influences, reaffirming poetry's role as both a personal and collective medium of expression.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Beach escapes, museums, concerts – why Jeddah's worth a visit this summer
Mulling over a micro getaway? If Jeddah didn't make your shortlist, it might be time for a rethink. With comedy shows, beach and shopping festivals, art-filled museums and world-class dining, the city surprises you in all the right ways. For those looking for escapes that are closer to home, Jeddah's a strong contender. And yes, there's plenty to keep you busy from sunup to well past sundown. Find out why Jeddah has to be on your summer itinerary. Attend a music festival This summer, MDLBEAST is dialling the buzz all the way up with a concert featuring some of the biggest names on the regional and international scene. Expect high-octane performances from artists like Central Cee, R3HAB, Dafencii, Asayel, and Shaolin on August 1 at ONYX ARENA. A highlight event to keep your eyes peeled for is Black Eyed Peas on Friday August 8. From SAR200. Until Fri Aug 8. Onyx Arena, Red Sea beaches come alive during West Coast West Coast, the headline act of Jeddah Season 2025 running until Saturday October 4, lights up Red Sea beaches with live music, camps, fireplaces, water games and more. Each beach along the coast offers something a little different, with one even dedicated exclusively to women. It's a full-on summer vibe, and you won't need to travel far to find the right patch of sand and sound that suits your mood. Feed lemurs at Forest Wonders Forest Wonders offers you a way to enjoy nature and wildlife indoors. If you're tired of being cooped up this summer, this is where to hit up. This air-conditioned indoor event runs until Saturday August 30 at Al Mohammadiyyah. Expect everything from animal encounters to floating entertainers and massive ball pits (the kiddos will love this one). There's even a special zone for furry friends, making it a great shout for families with young ones. SAR25 (children), SAR45 (adults), SAR25 (lemur food), 4pm-11pm. Al Mohammadiya Watch Arabic stand-up Broken Phone, a stand-up and improv show under the One Mic banner, brings together Saudi's funniest talents. The show is entirely in Arabic, starts at 9.15pm and includes free drinks, popcorn and ice cream. Good thing you'll be stuffed on snacks when you're falling off the chair laughing. From SAR112. Every Thu, Fri, 9pm onwards. Saudi Music Hub. Pilot a boat at Pearl Marina For a change of pace, head down to Pearl Marina and hop on a boat ride. Whether you fancy floating around on a yacht, trying out the quirky floating car, or simply watching the sea glimmer as you tuck into dinner at the waterfront, this is one of Jeddah's more laidback offerings. Book online Visit Jeddah's past at the House of Islamic Arts If you're keen on looking back in time, the House of Islamic Arts is where you want to be. It's the first museum in Saudi Arabia dedicated entirely to Islamic art and it packs in over 1,000 artefacts from across the Islamic world. The space is divided into six galleries, each exploring a different part of Islamic heritage. Book lovers can check out the massive library filled with Arabic and English publications covering everything from history to literature. It's just the spot for a few quiet hours. Sat-Thu, 10am-10pm, Fri 5pm-11pm, Jeddah Park Mall, 4th Floor, Venture into the Red Sea And of course, it wouldn't be Jeddah without a mention of the Red Sea. The waters here aren't just for admiring – they're made for diving, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing too. The coral reefs are some of the most vibrant in the region and some of the rarest in the world, and with tranquil, crystal-clear waters year-round, it's a haven for both beginner and pro divers. Fancy giving it a go? Book your watersports adventures through here. Find out what's happening in Saudi Arabia this August
Campaign ME
3 hours ago
- Campaign ME
Augustus Media appoints Rakan Felemban as Head of Content for Saudi Arabia
Augustus Media has appointed Rakan Felemban as its new Head of Content – KSA and Senior Content Director. With more than 15 years of experience in the digital content space, Felemban brings a deep passion for culturally resonant storytelling and a strong track record of building impactful media brands across the region. In his new role, Felemban will lead content strategy, creative innovation and play a key role in expanding the Augustus Media presence across Saudi Arabia. As a founding team member of UTURN Entertainment and MDLBEAST, Felemban has been instrumental in shaping the regional content ecosystem. Most recently, he led the editorial strategy for Billboard Arabia, where he played a pivotal role in establishing its footprint and championing authentic narratives rooted in Arab culture. Felemban's expertise spans the development of award-winning intellectual properties, building high-performing creative teams, producing standout campaigns for global brands, and crafting narratives that celebrate local identity while embracing digital innovation. Commenting on the appointment, Richard Fitzgerald, CEO of Augustus Media, said, 'Rakan is a true pioneer in the regional content space. His ability to build culturally relevant narratives and lead dynamic creative teams makes him a perfect fit for Augustus Media's next chapter in Saudi Arabia and for Lovin Saudi's content direction. As we grow our Lovin and Smashi brands across the Kingdom, Rakan's leadership will be invaluable.' As Augustus Media deepens its roots in the Kingdom, this leadership appointment marks the latest chapter in a long-term commitment to the Saudi market. Speaking about his new role, Rakan Felemban added, 'It's an exciting time for content in Saudi Arabia. I'm honoured to join Augustus Media at this pivotal moment and contribute to its mission of telling stories that matter, stories that reflect who we are and where we're going. Together, we'll build a platform that inspires, informs and celebrates our culture.' Through its flagship brand Lovin', the company has launched Lovin Saudi in Arabic, alongside city-focused editions such as Lovin Riyadh, Lovin Jeddah, and Lovin Dammam, with plans to expand across all 13 administrative regions. These platforms aim to serve as digital hubs for hyperlocal stories, social moments, and lifestyle content that resonate with Saudi audiences. On the streaming front, Smashi Entertainment intends to engage Gen Z and millennial audiences across platforms, with original programming including the Snapchat show 'Who's Crushing Social Media,' which highlights rising digital creators and viral trends across the Kingdom. Supporting this content ecosystem is ODEUM, Augustus Media's in-house content studio. With a portfolio that includes collaborations with high-profile entities such as MiSK Foundation and the King Khalid Foundation, ODEUM delivers full-scale creative, strategic and production services from its fully functional studios in Al Najis. These facilities were developed as part of Augustus Media's participation in the Saudi Ministry of Investment's Ignite Programme, designed to accelerate the growth of media and entertainment in the Kingdom.
Broadcast Pro
3 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Arab cinema icons to headline Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries in Abu Dhabi
The two-day event aims to explore the evolving role of the language in the region's fast-growing creative economy. Arab cinema icons Nadine Labaki, Hend Sabry and Tima Shomali are set to headline the upcoming Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries, taking place in Abu Dhabi from September 14 to 15. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event brings together leading cultural voices, global tech experts and emerging talent to explore the evolving role of the Arabic language within the region's growing creative economy. Now in its third edition, the congress has expanded its scope beyond publishing to include discussions on the wider creative landscape. This year, it will place a strong focus on the role of artificial intelligence in transforming regional storytelling, audience engagement, heritage preservation and creative entrepreneurship. Labaki, Sabry and Shomali will lead a keynote session titled Her Narratives: Women Reimagining Arabic Creativity, spotlighting the contributions of Arab women in shaping contemporary storytelling across film, media, literature and digital platforms. The panel will delve into their personal journeys, creative processes, and the challenges they've faced while pushing boundaries in Arabic cultural expression. Labaki, known for her Oscar-nominated film Capernaum, Sabry for acclaimed performances in Arabic cinema and Netflix's Finding Ola, and Shomali for co-creating and starring in AlRawabi School for Girls, will reflect on how their work has redefined narratives in the Arab world. With AI and cultural innovation at its core, the Congress aims to position the Arabic language as a dynamic force in the future of creative industries across the region.
