Sharjah Public Libraries shines light on legacy of 14 Emirati poets

As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) has inaugurated the Folk Poetry exhibition at Kalba Waterfront. The event, organised in partnership with heritage researcher Dr. Rashid Ahmed Al Mazrouei, celebrates the legacy of traditional Emirati poetry and honours poets who shaped the nation's cultural memory and recorded its values through verse.

The exhibition, which runs until October 19, presents the works of 14 late Emirati poets, featuring selected poems and rare audio recordings that document their personal experiences and creative impact. The material reflects the range of poetic schools they represent and their influence on the development of the UAE’s cultural identity.

Through the initiative, SPL invites visitors to engage with the literary and social significance of Nabati poetry, offering insight into how it has expressed and preserved Emirati identity over generations. The exhibition supports SPL’s broader commitment to introducing younger audiences to their literary heritage and reinforcing ties to the cultural traditions that form the foundation of the national narrative.

Historical, artistic, and cultural heritage values

Commenting on the event, Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL, said: “This exhibition is a key part of our centenary programme and affirms our ongoing commitment to preserving the UAE’s cultural memory. It recognises the poets whose work captured the rhythms of everyday life and expressed the values of their time. Nabati poetry has long served as a record of social identity and cultural continuity. Through this exhibition, we are reintroducing this literary heritage to new generations and paying tribute to the voices that helped shape the UAE’s collective consciousness.”

Poems showcased include works by Ali Bin Rahma Al Shamsi, Rashid Bin Tannaf Al Nuaimi, Saeed Bin Hakim Al Saman Al Ketbi, Salem Bin Mohammed Al Jamri, Khalifa Bin Mutarrif Al-Jabri, Muhammad Al Khayal Al-Teneiji, Salem Bin Saeed Al Dahmani, Ousha Bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Rashid Bin Ablan Al Ketbi, Ali Bin Sultan Bin Bakhit Al Amimi, Rabie Bin Yaqut, Mohammed Bin Souqat, Kemaidesh Bin Numan Al Kaabi and Salem Bin Khamis Al Dhaheri.

An earlier report says that as part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) held a cultural seminar titled “From Ink to Poetry”, where guests explored the personal and social role of poetry, discussed their creative processes, and performed selected works.

Held at the Resistance Monument in Khorfakkan, the event brought together poets Faisal Mohammed Khalfan Al Naqbi and Saif Abdullah Khalfan Al Naqbi. It featured a live calligraphy workshop by Ali Al Hammadi, who visually interpreted key verses from poetry recitation during the session.

Faisal Al Naqbi said his interest in poetry began with listening before he moved on to writing. Regular visits to SPL’s Khorfakkan branch, where he read poetry and literature, helped him grow his skills and knowledge. He urged young people to read poetry, listen to poets, and participate in gatherings with older generations, which he views as important spaces for learning and developing talent.

PEOPLE MOULD A POET’S WORK: He also highlighted the audience’s role in shaping a poet’s work, noting that public engagement motivates poets to refine their craft. A responsive audience, he said, gives energy and purpose to the creative process. He also called on poets to contribute to the national poetry scene with works that reinforce cultural identity and social connection.

On his part, Saif Al Naqbi described poetry as his primary means of expressing emotion, saying it felt more natural to him than other art forms. He credited the UAE’s continued support for literature and culture as a key reason for his growth and improvement. Life events, whether joyful or difficult, often sparked his inspiration, with even simple daily moments leading to full poems. For him, poetry is a direct reflection of what people experience and feel.

He also stressed that poets have a responsibility to carefully review their work before sharing it. This includes editing with care and seeking feedback from fellow poets to avoid mistakes and strengthen the final work. He encouraged poets to study traditional verse to preserve the language and expressions that define Emirati poetry. While he welcomed some modern phrasing, he maintained that poetry should stay rooted in its original style to keep its authenticity.