Sharjah’s House of Poetry hosted a multi-national poetry evening on August 11, 2026, featuring poets from Saudi Arabia, Guinea, Syria, and Oman, alongside a keynote address by Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi’s vision for Arab literary growth.
The Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival, now in its 21st edition, continued to showcase the richness of Arabic poetry through a diverse program. On August 11, 2026, the House of Poetry in Sharjah held an evening event that brought together poets from across the Arab world and beyond. The event was moderated by Yasmin Al-Turki, who opened with a tribute to Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, emphasizing his role in fostering literary traditions.
A Night of Diverse Voices
Al-Arji’s performance opened with a poem that celebrated Sharjah’s cultural legacy, weaving imagery of the city’s skyline with personal reflections on belonging. His work, described as a melody that resonates with the soul of the city, was followed by Larry’s evocative verses, which explored themes of displacement and identity. Tension between the wind’s forces has left me breathless, Larry recited, his words capturing the emotional depth of his journey as a poet in the diaspora.
The event also featured a poetic exchange between Al-Arji and Larry, with Al-Arji responding to Larry’s themes of displacement with a poem that reimagined Sharjah as a sanctuary. Despite the silence, I have spoken, he declared, his words echoing the resilience of Arab poets. This dialogue underscored the festival’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural connections through poetry, a mission reinforced by the presence of African poets like Larry, who emphasized the festival’s role in bridging Arab and African literary traditions.
The 21st Edition’s Broader Impact
The 21st Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival, which ran from January 6 to 12, 2025, set a precedent for literary innovation. Organized by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, the festival featured over 70 poets and literary figures from across the Arab world and Africa. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, highlighted the festival’s role in enriching the Arab literary scene and supporting authentic Arabic poetry. The event included book signings, the unveiling of 12 new poets for the Golden Qawafi Award, and an intellectual symposium titled Arabic Poetry: From Stability to Transformation.
The festival also honored Emirati poet Talal Al Junaibi and Syrian poet Hussein Al Abdullah with the 13th Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry. Al Owais praised their contributions, noting the festival’s dedication to strengthening connections between Arabic poetry and African literary traditions. This emphasis on inclusivity was further reflected in the participation of poets from Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Chad, marking a milestone in the festival’s global outreach.
Legacy and Future Directions
The festival’s legacy is evident in its sustained impact on Arab poetry. Al Owais noted that the event has become a vital cultural milestone, with its foundation rooted in Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi’s vision. The 2026 evening event, while distinct from the 21st edition, aligns with this vision by celebrating the diversity of Arabic expression. Future editions are expected to build on this momentum, with plans to expand the Golden Qawafi Award and deepen collaborations with African poets.
As the House of Poetry continues to host such events, the question remains: how will the festival balance its traditional roots with evolving literary trends? The 2026 gathering, with its emphasis on cross-cultural dialogue, suggests a path forward—one where Arabic poetry remains both a mirror of its heritage and a beacon for global literary exchange.
