Poetic Suns Illuminate Spaces of Dakar

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and as part of the Poetry Forums Initiative in Africa, the Republic of Senegal hosted the third edition of the Arab Poetry Forum organized by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, in collaboration with the Senegal Literary Club, with the participation of 13 poets. 

The forum was held in the capital Dakar, attended by representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Senegal, Mr. Ashraf Al Blooshi, and Dr. Fadel Ghay President of the Senegal Literary Club, as well as representatives from Senegalese cultural and literary institutions, and a selection of poets and writers. 

Mohammed Al Hadi Sal, the forum's coordinator, delivered a speech thanking His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his continuous support of Arab culture and poetry, affirming that this support greatly contributed to the success of the forum and the enhancement of cultural relations. He noted that the Arab Poetry Forum in Senegal has become a vital platform for the creativity of Senegalese poets. 

Dr. Fadel Ghay, President of the Senegal Literary Club, expressed his happiness and pride in hosting "this important cultural event in Senegal, which reflects the spirit of constructive cultural cooperation and interaction among peoples, and emphasizes the leading role of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in supporting Arab culture and literature," emphasizing the importance of strengthening cultural ties between the Arab world and Africa through organizing such events that contribute to the exchange of ideas and creativity. He expressed his gratitude to Sharjah for its significant and continuous support for Arab poetry and literature. 

Fadel Ghay also affirmed that the Arab Poetry Forum in Senegal is the most important event in the country, among the prominent cultural and literary events that celebrate Arab poetry and bring together poets and intellectuals from the Republic of Senegal. 

The forum included poetry sessions moderated by Senegalese poet Abdul Kareem Ghaay, and a critical seminar titled "Senegalese Arab Literature (Poetry and Novel) Between Reality and Hope," discussing the development of Arab literature in Senegal and its future prospects. It addressed the challenges faced by Senegalese writers and the difficulties hindering the dissemination of their works, in addition to discussing ways to enhance the presence of Senegalese Arab literature at both the local and international levels. 

Readings covered various topics and purposes such as identity, belonging, and cultural coexistence.