The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development has held a poet’s retreat to highlight the arts in the UAE.
Numerous celebrated Emirati poets attended the event, including Dr Sultan Al Amimi, Director of the Academy of Poetry in Abu Dhabi.
Poet Karim Matouq spoke of the importance of continuing to encourage the creative arts throughout the Arab world.
Others stressed how young Emirati minds needed new opportunities to hone their skills through exposure to local poetry festivals.
“Arabic poetry in the UAE helps preserve language for future generations,” said Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.
“Poets, artists and intellectuals are representatives of society and they help promote a sense of belonging and national identity among people.
“Their poetry beautifully narrates the story of various aspects of the UAE’s journey and carefully embodies human values.”
The retreat took place at the Culture Centre in Ajman on December 13.
It came as the Ministry announced new initiatives to help “shed light on the prowess” of poetry in the Emirates.