The inaugural Dubai International Poetry Festival was opened with great fanfare by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday, March 4th. The festival seeks to celebrate poetry as “an integral element in the UAE’s cultural fabric and as the language of intercultural connectedness and dialogue between nations.”
The opening ceremonies were held at the Dubai World Trade Center and attended by various senior government officials, cultural representatives and over 100 poets from around the world. In all, forty-five countries are represented at the event as well as local and regional poets, writers, and fans. Keynote speeches were given by the head of the Festival’s organizing committee and by poet Breyten Breytenbach of South Africa.
The Festival, which runs through March 10th, will feature recitals and exhibitions at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center as well as cultural activities at additional venues throughout the city. Attendees are lodged at number of Dubai, UAE hotels in the area and are expected to improve business at restaurants, shops, and other businesses who are just beginning to feel the effects of the global economic slowdown.
There were several poetry soirees on the opening day and commemorative evenings will feature different subjects and poets each night. March 8th will be the International Women’s Day and feature an exclusive women’s event. There will also be celebrations of the works of revered poets Abu Al Qassim Al Shabi and of 11th century poet Omar Al Kayyam.
Readings from contemporary poets, international and local, will be held throughout the event both at the main site and at Dubai universities.
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