The Ruler of Sharjah Directs the Organization of the 4th Edition of the Arab Poetry Forums in Africa

9 Countries Finalize Preparations

Ruler of Sharjah Directs the Organization of the 4th Edition of the Arab Poetry Forums in Africa

Al-Qaseer: The Forums Support Cultural Momentum and Strengthen the Presence of the Arabic Language in Africa

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has directed the Department of Culture in Sharjah to organize the fourth edition of the Arab Poetry Forums in Africa, to be held in nine countries: Chad, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, South Sudan, and Niger.

All nine African countries have completed their preparations for hosting this edition of the forums, with the first event set to begin in Chad. The series will continue sequentially in the remaining countries and conclude in Niger in September.

The Department of Culture coordinated extensively over recent months with these countries to ensure optimal organization and cultural presentation.

Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department, stated that the forums are a cultural initiative launched by His Highness with the goal of supporting cultural and literary activity in Africa and enhancing the presence of the Arabic language and its literature among Arabic-speaking communities across the continent. He emphasized that the forums aim to build bridges of cultural dialogue, discover poetic talents, revive Arabic poetic traditions, and promote cultural exchange between African and Arab poets and intellectuals.

Al-Qaseer noted that the forums, previously held in several African cities, received significant engagement from writers and intellectuals, spotlighting the region’s rich poetic talent and the deep influence of the Arabic language on African cultures. He stressed that the forums offer a platform for young poets to express their creativity and hone their skills.

He added that the forums in Africa are an extension of the “Houses of Poetry” initiative launched by Sharjah across several Arab countries, which aims to create spaces that nurture creative talent and strengthen Arabic poetry as a cornerstone of Arab cultural identity.

Al-Qaseer also pointed out that Sharjah has opened new horizons for African poets to participate in the emirate’s literary and cultural events, hosting poets from various African nations and giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and poems alongside renowned Arab poets.

He highlighted that the "Houses of Poetry" have also contributed to enhancing African participation in the Arab cultural scene by inviting them to annual events and festivals.

“In support of creativity,” he continued, “Al-Qawafi magazine, published by the Department of Culture, has featured selected works by African poets, offering them a distinguished platform to reach wider audiences. Some of these poets have received the Golden Al-Qawafi Award, granted by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in recognition of their exceptional poetic contributions—affirming Sharjah’s leading role in supporting Arab culture and embracing global poetic experiences.”

The Department of Cultural Affairs will now launch the fourth phase of the initiative, organizing forums in Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Chad, Niger, Mali, South Sudan, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire, following a set schedule throughout 2025.

These forums are being held in collaboration with local cultural institutions in each country, with joint efforts ensuring professional and impactful events. Notably, some African nations hosted an Arab poetry forum for the first time ever during the first edition.

The African Poetry Forums have hosted 114 poets in their first edition, over 120 in the second, and more than 150 in the third—creating dynamic cultural spaces for poets of all generations and enriching the poetic landscape while promoting Arab cultural diversity across Africa.