Celebration of Poetry: Sharjah Wraps Up the 10th Luxor Arab Festival

The 10th Luxor Arab Poetry Festival came to a triumphant close in Sharjah, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of the emirate. This festival has been pivotal in highlighting the rich cultural and literary tapestry of the Arab world, contributing a new chapter to the “Diwan of the Arabs.”

The closing event unfolded at the open-air theatre within Luxor Temple Square, graced by notable figures 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 vibrant audience of poetry lovers and creators.

Co-organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, the four-day event showcased over 140 poets and artists from across Egypt. Attendees enjoyed an array of poetic expressions exploring humanistic, national, and emotional themes, fostering creativity and cultural dialogue across borders.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Ahmed Mohy Hamza commended Sharjah’s cultural investments, thanks to the support of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. He praised the Poetry Houses initiative as “beacons” that cultivate creativity and serve as dynamic platforms for Arab artistic and literary talents. Dr. Hamza also underscored the significance of the decade-long collaboration with Luxor University to nurture young talents and foster cultural ties.

The festival’s concluding day began with an opening of a visual arts exhibition at Luxor University by Al Owais and Al Qaseer. The exhibit featured over 70 pieces of artwork from various artists, including students from the Faculty of Fine Arts, spanning a variety of media such as painting, metalwork, and composite materials, demonstrating artistic ingenuity and skill.

Following their tour of the exhibition, Al Owais, Al Qaseer, and Dr. Hamza engaged with the artists, gaining insights into their methods and the narratives behind their creations. The visit culminated in awards for several students, recognizing their prowess in the university’s visual arts competition, celebrating both creativity and technical excellence.

To further mark the event, Luxor University hosted a poetry evening where poets expressed their works through various themes, contributing to a rich cultural dialogue while honoring the artistic talents within the Arab community, successfully concluding the 10th Luxor Arab Poetry Festival.