Kalba fishermen’s body renders traditional sea songs

As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) hosted an event titled ‘Songs of the sea and poetry’ on Friday at Kalba Waterfront, in collaboration with the House of Poetry at the Department of Culture. The evening brought together poets, academics and cultural figures to explore the historical and emotional ties between the Emirati people, the sea and Arabic poetry.

The programme included a panel discussion on criticism, rhetoric and heritage language in Arabic verse, featuring poets Abdullah Al-Hadiya and Talal Salem Al-Saberi. The event also featured live poetry recitals, traditional sea songs performed by the Kalba Fishermen’s Association, and an exhibition of maritime artefacts highlighting the local community’s connection to the sea.

Heritage is inherited and renewed: Poet Abdullah Al-Hadiya described himself as a messenger with a creative and intellectual mission that bridges the past, present and future. He reflected on the challenges of navigating today’s information overload, yet affirmed that those with a clear purpose can still express themselves meaningfully.

Questioning whether past standards can judge the present, he argued that identity is not just inherited but constantly evolving, forming the basis of one’s personal journey. He urged individuals to pursue their own paths.

Seizing the moment amid distractions: Poet Talal Salem Al-Saberi noted that today’s fast-paced world, filled with digital distractions, often makes it hard to hold onto meaningful moments. He explained that poetry, with its condensed meaning and depth, invites readers to slow down and reflect on its nuances. While modern audiences prefer brevity, he observed, they are still drawn to longer narratives, such as popular TV series. This, he said, challenges creatives to strike a balance between clarity and detail in ways that engage both the heart and the mind.

Spiritual and emotional reflections: The evening also featured poignant poetry recitals that brought a deeply emotional and spiritual dimension to the event, including a poem by Abdullah Al-Hadiya in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him.

This evening formed part of the third theme in the SPL’s centenary celebrations, titled “Horizons of writers and poets”, which seeks to highlight the beauty of Arabic poetry in Sharjah.

It brings together critical readings from past and present in a session that explores criticism, rhetoric and the language of heritage in classical Arabic poetry.

Early this year, Sheikh Sultan visited several ongoing projects in Kalba City, adding to the city’s array of tourism, environmental, and recreational developments.

During the tour, Sheikh Sultan inspected the Arab Tiger Reserve project, which will encompass vast natural areas capable of accommodating dozens of Arab tigers. The reserve will feature strategic viewing points for visitors to observe the tigers in their natural habitat.

Located in the Hafyah Mountains of Kalba, the project will span an area of 40 hectares, offering stunning views of the mountains, Kalba City, and the Gulf of Oman. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk around the reserve’s perimeter for optimal tiger viewing, alongside shaded trails leading to a natural water area for observing birds and other wildlife.

The reserve will include a welcoming viewing platform and a restaurant overlooking the tiger feeding areas and water ponds, allowing guests to closely observe these majestic animals in their environment.

The project will connect with the Hafyah Center for Mountain Environment Conservation, incorporating various service projects, including animal care facilities and educational and recreational buildings for visitors.

H.H. Sheikh Sultan also reviewed the Al Hiyar Rest Area project, designed to serve users of the Sharjah-Kalba road. The Rest area will feature 130 diverse retail shops, an outdoor space for product displays, a shaded walkway, and convenient parking.

The Rest Area will include amenities such as a children’s play area, an outdoor theatre, a petting farm, nurseries, horseback riding facilities, and a multipurpose canopy, alongside over 400 parking spaces.

The tour included an inspection of Al Hiyar Lake project, which will consist of four main lakes and rest areas equipped with comprehensive facilities.