'Dubai House of Poetry' to be formally launched during Dubai International Poetry Festival

The 'Dubai House of Poetry' will be the most important centre for poetic activities and will be a focal point for Dubai all year round. In addition, it will host a series of poetry recitals as well as literary exhibitions and cultural activities.

Themed 'A Thousand Poets, One Language', the Dubai International Poetry Festival will be held from 4-10 March at the Madinat Jumeirah as well as the Dubai House of Poetry and Dubai World Trade Centre. Special evenings, critical discussions, workshops and theatrical performances will also be organised at various venues in Dubai as part of the Festival.

Overlooking Dubai Creek, the Dubai House of Poetry will feature a library, an exhibition hall, and well equipped offices for the administrative staff. It will also stock audio, video and printed archives of well-known poetic works of the past while the library will aim to become a centre of documentation and serve as an incubation centre for learning and excellence.

Yasser Hareb, Acting CEO, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said:

"The Dubai House of Poetry will provide the right ambience for contemplation and intellectual debate in a traditional setting. The objective of such a centre is to encourage academic research of classical and contemporary Arabic poetry that will reflect the leading role poetry has always played in the Arabic region."

"During the Dubai International Poetry Festival, the Dubai House of Poetry will host several recitation sessions as well as other literary performances, portraying its status as an incubation centre for nurturing literary talent. Following the conclusion of the festival's inaugural event in March, the Dubai House of Poetry will continue to host events and symposia as well as exhibitions round the year as a centre of excellence for Arabic verse and the literary arts, "he adds.

Adding to the offerings of the Dubai International Poetry Festival will be the 'Souq Okaz' that will seek to recreate the halcyon days of Arab creative expression. A number of shopping malls in Dubai including Dubai Mall and the Dubai Festival City, as well as Madinat Jumeirah will concurrently host various events to raise the profile of poetry and poets during the Festival.

Dubai strives to promote quality cultural output, particularly in poetry, by resurrecting this kind of literary method which has historically chronicled people's achievements, customs, and traditions. Poetry is Known as 'Diwan Al-Arab'(The Register of the Arabs), is embedded in the region's cultural roots and has enjoyed coveted status over generations of literary lovers everywhere.