Abu Dhabi Ignites the Power of Verse with the Return of Its Poetry Festival

Abu Dhabi is preparing once again to celebrate the power of words, rhythm, and cultural memory as the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival officially launches this Monday at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the festival reflects the emirate’s growing commitment to literature, heritage, and creative exchange. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the event will run from 9 to 11 February, welcoming poets, artists, scholars, and audiences from across the region and beyond.

A Gathering of Voices and Traditions

The festival stands as a major cultural platform dedicated to Arabic poetry—one of the region’s most enduring artistic forms. By bringing together poets, creatives, and the public, the event highlights poetry’s role as a living expression of identity, memory, and social dialogue.

Beyond performances and recitations, visitors can expect a dynamic program that celebrates storytelling in its many forms, encouraging new generations to engage with classical traditions while exploring contemporary interpretations of verse.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival returns with ambitious momentum. Last year’s event saw the participation of more than 1,000 poets and welcomed over 15,000 visitors, establishing the festival as a key fixture in the region’s cultural calendar.

This year’s edition aims to deepen that impact—expanding conversations around language, heritage, and creativity while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for arts and literature.

Poetry at the Heart of Cultural Life

In a city where heritage and innovation continually intersect, the festival represents more than a literary gathering. It is a reminder that poetry remains central to cultural life in the Arab world—bridging generations, preserving history, and inspiring new ways of seeing the present.

As the doors open at ADNEC, audiences are invited to step into three days of performances, reflections, and encounters that reaffirm poetry’s timeless ability to connect people through sound, story, and shared human experience.

Source: UAE Forsan English FB

Photo: AI Generated