Conclusion of the 10th Luxor Arab Poetry Festival in Sharjah

Post by : Mara Rahim

The 10th Luxor Arab Poetry Festival, organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has successfully showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world. This festival marks a significant addition to the “Diwan of the Arabs.”

The closing event took place at the open-air theatre in Luxor Temple Square, featuring prominent attendees such as Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs; Dr. Ahmed Mohy Hamza, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Luxor University; and Hussein Al Qabbahi, Director of the Poetry House, alongside a large audience of poetry lovers.

This four-day festival, in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, saw participation from over 140 poets and creators across Egypt. It celebrated diverse poetic expressions centered on humanistic, national, and emotional themes, fostering cultural exchanges between nations.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Ahmed Mohy Hamza appreciated Sharjah’s longstanding commitment to cultural endeavors, highlighting the impact of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s support. He emphasized the significance of the Poetry Houses initiative as vital spaces that cultivate creativity and offer robust platforms for Arab literary talent, while also praising the decade of collaboration with Luxor University in nurturing emerging talent and cultural alliances.

On the final day, Al Owais and Al Qaseer opened a visual arts exhibition at Luxor University, showcasing over 70 pieces created by more than 70 artists, including students from the Faculty of Fine Arts. The exhibition highlighted an array of artistic expressions, encompassing painting, metalwork, and composite materials, reflecting creative insights, technical proficiency, and philosophical inquiries.

The exhibition tour, led by Al Owais, Al Qaseer, and Dr. Hamza, allowed them to learn about artists’ techniques and inspiration, culminating with awards presented to several students for their accomplishments in the university’s visual arts competition, underlining their outstanding creativity and technical prowess.

Following this, a poetry evening at Luxor University featured poets delivering works inspired by humanistic, national, and emotional themes. This gathering reinforced cultural dialogue and celebrated the artistic talents of the Arab community, marking the successful conclusion of the 10th Luxor Arab Poetry Festival.