The 21st Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival will take place from January 6 to 12, 2025. The event will bring together over 70 poets, literary critics, and media figures from the Arab world and several African countries. The festival is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, said, “The Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival has become a key cultural event over its 21 editions, enriching the Arab literary scene. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the festival supports Arab poets and promotes authentic Arabic poetry.”
During the festival, two poets will receive the 13th Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry for their significant contributions to Arabic literature. The winners are Emirati poet Talal Al Junaibi and Syrian poet Hussein Al Abdullah. The event will also celebrate the winners of the 4th Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry Criticism. Fathi Ben Belkacem Nasri from Tunisia won first place, followed by Dr. Ahmed Jarallah Yassin from Iraq in second, and Ibrahim Al Karawi from Morocco in third.
Al Owais also noted that poets from African countries, including Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Chad, will take part in the festival. This reflects a broader focus on new poetic traditions and strengthens ties between Arabic poetry and African literary cultures.
In addition to poetry readings, the festival will feature book signings by various poets. It will also introduce 12 new poets who have contributed to the “Golden Qawafi Award” in its third edition, celebrated for their work in the “Qawafi” magazine.
An intellectual symposium titled “Arabic Poetry: From Stability to Transformation” will discuss key issues and changes in Arabic poetry, focusing on its evolution.
The festival will begin at the Sharjah Cultural Palace with the screening of the documentary “A Decade of Giving: The Houses of Poetry.” This will be followed by poetry readings by Talal Al Junaibi (UAE), Hussein Al Abdullah (Syria), and Talal Al Salti (Oman).
The winners of the 3rd Golden Qawafi Award will be honored at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, recognizing their important contributions to contemporary Arabic poetry.
This year’s festival continues its tradition of celebrating both established and emerging voices in Arabic literature, while encouraging cultural exchange across regions.
