Abu Dhabi festival champions inclusive poetry, cultural expression

ABU DHABI – The third day of the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival 2026 delivered a rich cultural programme blending poetry recitals, specialist discussions and educational activities, underscoring the emirate’s growing role as a leading hub for preserving and promoting Arab literary heritage.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival has emerged as a flagship cultural event celebrating the depth, beauty and enduring influence of Arabic poetry. It brings together established poets, emerging talents and enthusiasts in a diverse programme designed to highlight the artistic, cultural and expressive significance of verse in Arab identity.

The day’s events opened with a moving poetry morning dedicated to people of determination, held on the festival’s poetry stage. The session offered a powerful humanitarian and creative experience, demonstrating poetry’s capacity to give voice to personal aspiration, resilience and emotional expression.

At the Poetry Majlis, a panel discussion titled “The National Poem Between the Platform and the Media” explored the evolving role of patriotic verse in contemporary cultural and media discourse. Another session examined the enduring legacy of Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyya, the celebrated Arab folk epic, and its presence in the UAE’s cultural memory, reflecting the importance of oral storytelling traditions in shaping collective identity.

The festival also hosted a dedicated dialogue on the popular “Al-Mankous” television programme, highlighting its contribution to preserving Nabati poetry and safeguarding the region’s oral literary traditions. Meanwhile, a specialised symposium organised by Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities focused on the future of folk literature and heritage studies, offering academic perspectives on preserving traditional poetry in a rapidly changing world.

Children and young people were a central focus of the festival’s educational mission. Interactive workshops organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including an activity titled “Verses by Chance,” encouraged children to compose spontaneous poetry, helping develop language skills and creative confidence through engaging, hands-on experiences.

A dedicated “Young Poet Corner” also attracted strong participation, providing a nurturing environment for discovering and developing emerging poetic talent. Training workshops, reading sessions and friendly competitions allowed children to express their ideas through verse, revealing promising creativity and a deepening connection with the Arabic language.

Beyond live performances, the festival embraced digital innovation by introducing a cultural podcast platform. Four podcast episodes recorded during the opening day featured poets, critics and researchers discussing creative experiences and contemporary poetic issues. This initiative enabled audiences to engage with literary discussions beyond the festival venue, expanding poetry’s reach and attracting new audiences through modern media.

Live poetry performances remained at the heart of the event. The Poetry Theatre hosted three evening recitals featuring 11 poets. Their readings were complemented by dynamic performing arts displays inspired by Emirati heritage, combining vocal performance, movement and traditional rhythms to create immersive artistic experiences that brought poetry vividly to life.

These performances illustrated the enduring connection between poetry and folk arts, reinforcing verse not only as a literary form but as a living cultural expression deeply embedded in communal memory.

The festival reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to strengthening cultural and creative industries and positioning the emirate as a global centre for Arab cultural heritage. By supporting emerging poets alongside established voices, the event contributes to enriching the literary landscape both locally and across the wider Arab world.

The second edition of the festival builds on the success of its inaugural event, which attracted more than 1,000 poets, writers and researchers and drew over 15,000 visitors. Organisers say the festival aligns with wider cultural initiatives, including the UAE’s Year of Family, highlighting poetry’s role in strengthening social bonds and connecting generations.

Through its blend of tradition and innovation, the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival continues to reaffirm poetry’s relevance in modern cultural life, bridging past and present while opening new pathways for creative expression in the Arab world.