Post by : Maya Rahman

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Egypt commemorated the 10th anniversary of the House of Poetry in Luxor, launched in 2015. This landmark occasion coincided with the festivities of the 10th Luxor Festival of Arabic Poetry, organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture alongside the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. The four-day festival attracted over 140 creative professionals, including a diverse array of Egyptian and Arab poets, artists, and critics.

The opening ceremony took place at the Luxor Conference Centre Theatre, attended by notable figures such as Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; Muhammad Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of Cultural Affairs; Abdel-Muttalib Amara, Governor of Luxor; and Dr. Khaled Abu Al-Leil, Chairman of the Egyptian General Book Organisation. Academic leaders, students, and the public also graced the event.

Hussein Al-Qabbahi, Director of the Luxor House of Poetry, reflected on the decade's accomplishments, highlighting the initiative's role in providing opportunities for young talent and showcasing many rising stars now recognized in cultural events across Egypt, the Arab world, and beyond. The House has collaborated with various public and private entities, enhancing cooperative efforts rooted in a love for culture and creativity.

Al-Qabbahi pointed out that the festival’s inaugural night featured four poets under the age of 25, a testament to the House’s commitment to empowering youth. The initiative aims to foster human values, love, and community, reaching from the Atlantic to the Arabian Gulf.

Abdullah Al-Owais commended the House of Poetry, stating, “This cultural gathering has emerged as a beacon in the Arab literary landscape. In its 10th edition, it proceeds with a journey of remarkable contributions across varied cultural spheres.” He further emphasized how the House paves the way for budding poets and enhances the dynamic Arab poetic scene by intertwining tradition with innovation.

Dr. Khaled Abu Al-Leil, representing Egypt’s Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Henou, underlined the significance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's patronage in advancing Arab culture. He indicated that the House of Poetry project signifies enduring cultural collaboration between Sharjah and Egypt.

Governor Abdel-Muttalib Amara expressed pride in Luxor for hosting the House of Poetry, which brings together poets and creatives from across the Arab world through this annual festival.

Over the past decade, the House of Poetry has successfully hosted over 600 cultural events, featuring nearly 3,000 poets in participation. It has conducted over 250 critical seminars with 480 critics in attendance, organized 25 training sessions, showcased 20 exhibitions dedicated to Arabic calligraphy and visual arts, and published more than 50 literary works.

During the event, Al-Owais and Al-Qasir received accolades for their significant contributions. The distinguished Egyptian critic and academic Dr. Mohamed Abu El-Fadl Badran was honored as the Cultural Personality of the Year for this edition, acknowledging his profound influence on Arab poetry and culture.

The festival and the House of Poetry continue to advance Arab literature, cultivate emerging talent, and enhance cultural connectivity across the region, celebrating a decade filled with excellence and inspiration in the arts.

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