• Noura Al Kaabi: We aim to bring Emirati poets to the international stage • Noura Al Kaabi: Partnerships add value to cultural scene The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development held a poets retreat in Ajman that brought together a cohort of celebrated Emirati poets including Dr. Sultan Al Amimi, the Director of the Academy of Poetry, as well as Abdullah Al Hadiya, Mesbah Al Kaabi, Karim Matouq, Jumaa Rabih bin Yaqout and media personality Hussein Al Ameri. In her opening speech at the event, HE Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development emphasized on the significance of Arabic poetry in the UAE as a means of preserving the language for future generations.

Al Kaabi talked about the Ministry’s new strategic plan that focuses on partnerships with various local cultural authorities throughout the UAE to enrich our local cultural scene. Al Kaabi pointed out that the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development is working on developing policies and launching initiatives in cooperation with cultural entities across the country to empower literary arts, including Nabati and classical poetry. These new policies and initiatives will promote cultural activity on all levels and contribute to create a generation of exceptionally creative minds that are capable of representing the UAE in international forums.

Al Kaabi added: “His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, seeks to bring focus on poetry to shed light on the prowess of the many poets that have played an instrumental role in driving the UAE’s culture. We are pleased to collaborate with Cultural Centre in Ajman to announce the establishment of Emirates Poetry Club.” “Poets, like artists and other cultural practitioners, are representatives of the society they live in. They aspire to convey a positive message to entrench community values and concepts, and promote a sense of belonging and national identity. Poetry is an integral part of our rich cultural heritage. It beautifully narrates the story of various aspects of the UAE’s journey and carefully embodies human values,” she added.

Al Kaabi said: “As part of our efforts to bring Emirati poets to the forefront, the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development supported several initiatives such as the Emirates Festival of Literature with the inaugural participation of three Emirati poets at Festival of Literature in London. Such engagements offer exciting opportunities to Emirati talent and shed light on the burgeoning appreciation for poetry in the UAE. Poets are our ambassadors to the world. They have the ability to influence global communities and build bridges of constructive dialogue between different cultures and civilizations.”

For his part, Dr. Sultan Al Amimi thanked the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development for opening communication channels with poets to get acquainted with their needs and requirements in order to drive poetry and culture in the UAE. He emphasized the need to continue the journey started by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was a great supporter of poets and Nabati poetry. For his part, poet Mosbeh Al Kaabi emphasized the need to find innovative ways to preserve and promote the Emirati dialect especially among young people in this age of accelerated development.

Poet Karim Matouq noted the importance of encouraging the participation of Emirati poets and creative artists in Arab and international events to bring the world’s attention to the UAE’s flourishing culture. Poet Abdullah Al Hadiya underlined the importance of honing the skills of young creative minds to allow them to safeguard Emirati poetry through continuous support and exposure in local festivals. All poets agreed that including the UAE’s cultural heritage in the Ministry of Education’s curricula would be a sure step towards ensuring the young generation’s attachment to their prestigious past and inspiring culture.