The UAE is setting up a centre to research and document Arabic poetry, and strengthen its profile in the Arab world and beyond.

The House of Poetry is being set up under the direction of UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has been mandated to set up the initiative that will promote classical and contemporary Arabic poetry.

It will also facilitate the interaction between Arab poets and their peers worldwide and further the role of poetry as an effective communications tool for augmenting inter-cultural dialogue.

The House will focus on academic research and the systematic documentation of Arabic poetry, while hosting a range of poetry-related activities such as competitions and awards, reading sessions, workshops, conferences, forums, and seminars.

A top priority will be to promote, research and document Nabati poetry, an indigenous form of verse unique to the Gulf.

“The House of Poetry is another milestone achievement that will complement Dubai’s record of strategic initiatives, offering Arabic literature the standing it deserves,” Dubai Culture and Arts Authority chairman Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid said.

“The House will encourage Dubai’s drive to promote quality cultural output, particularly in poetry, an integral component of the Arab culture.”

It will also complement the role and mission of Dubai International Poetry Festival, which was recently commissioned by Shaikh Mohammed.

The two initiatives will actively attract renowned poets from the Arab region and different parts of the world, fostering Dubai’s position as a central platform for global cultural dialogue.

The House will facilitate knowledge and expertise transfer through interaction between emerging and veteran Arab poets, and provide young Arab poets with financial support for publishing their poems.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has confirmed the House will be set up at one of the classical buildings in the Al Shindagha traditional quarter. – Trade Arabia News Service