Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre Launches First Collection from New Arabic Poetry Series

Today the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), held a press conference to launch a collection of the first 50 titles from its new Arabic poetry series, Oyoon Al-She’er Al-Arabi (Eyes of Arabic Poetry). The event coincided with World Poetry Day, which is held on 21 March each year.

The Oyoon Al-She’er Al-Arabi series joins the ALC’s diverse roster of initiatives designed to preserve Arab literary heritage and when complete, the series will comprise 100 books that shed light on treasured poetic works from the pre-Islamic era to the present day and underline the indispensable role poetry has played in the development of Arab culture. Today’s launch introduced the first 50 works, all by noted Arab literary figures and scholars, ranging from poetry collections to academic examinations of the history and impact of the art form.

The launch event at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, Professor Abdullah Al-Ghathami, the renowned Saudi Arabian literary critic and academic, the journalist Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, the ALC’s acting executive director; and presented by Bahraini poet and journalist Dr. Parween Habib.

HE bin Tamim said, “We are keenly aware of the great influence of poetry in Arab world, and its value as a fundamental pillar of our cultural heritage. Poetry has been the melting pot of ideas, the embodiment of thoughts and dreams, and the expression of Arab society’s concerns and aspirations. It is a literary tradition which in many ways has taken on the role of time capsule, documenting the progress and development of the Arabic language. The Oyoon Al-She’er Al-Arabi series is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Arabic Language Centre and a group of distinguished writers, academics and researchers, which embodies our vision and commitment to enhancing Arab culture, advancing knowledge and developing our rich linguistic heritage. It is our duty to ensure that Arabic poetry is not only preserved but kept alive for future generations as a dynamic, living art form, and a key aspect of our cultural identity.”

The newly released collection of publications includes a book by HE bin Tamim titled Poetry upon Poetry, tracing transformations in Arabic poetry through the ages. Other titles include Jordanian Academic Dr. Amin Odeh’s Camels, Nostalgia for the Homeland, and Glory; Dr. Youssef Hamdan’s Rain and The Knight, and Dr. Maha Al-Atoum’s Glory, Eyes, Woman, and The Palm.

The series also includes the titles Gray Hair and The Mind by author and researcher Moaz Bani Amer; Kitab al-Shawa'ir: What Men Did Not Say by poet and Dr. Barwin Habib; Children, The Book of Food, The Book of Money, and The Book of Water by academic Dr. Abdulrahman Al Rasheed; The Book of Good, Patience, and Salma and Fatima by poet Ali Taha Al-Nubani; The Neighbourhood, Singing, and The Book of Remorse by academic Hussein Adwan; Femininity and Precious Stones by Yasmine Abbas; and Book of the Night by Egyptian Academic Dr. Alaa Ganib

Editors working on Oyoon Al-She’er Al-Arabi include Dr. Ali bin Tamim; Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghadami; Saeed Al-Tunaji, Dr. Khalil Al-Sheikh, Professor of Arabic Language and Literature at Jordan’s Yarmouk University; writer and translator Samer Abu Hawwash; Dr. Hanada Taha, the Endowed Chair Professor of Arabic Language at Zayed University; and Dr. Youssef Hamdan, Professor of Modern Literary Criticism, Arabic Language and Literature Department at the University of Jordan.

The ALC plans to publish a further 25 books from the series during the 31st Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which will be held from 23 to 29 May 2022.

During the conference, acclaimed oud player Sherine Tohamy presents her own compositions. 

A virtual literary symposium was part of the launch event, highlighting the work that was done on the Arabic Poetry Series and providing an overview of the process. The symposium featured a number of academics and critics :Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Dr. Maha Al-Atoum, Dr. Amin Odeh, Dr. Diaa Al-Kaabi, Dr. Youssef Hamdan, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Rasheed and Dr. Khalil AL Sheikh. The latter moderated the symposium.