Dubai: The World Silk Road Forum has announced the selection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was chosen in recognition of his exceptional vision that transformed Dubai into a cultural hub and a bridge between East and West, drawing from the ancient concept of the Silk Road in a modern form and with an Emirati spirit.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Forum also announced that Dubai will host the fifth edition of the Silk Road International Poetry Festival from 23rd to 29th May, marking it as the first Arab city to host this prestigious event. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library will host the festival's award ceremony on 27th May. Approximately 50 poets, artists, and painters will participate, visiting cultural and tourist landmarks in Dubai and the UAE. Media coverage will be provided by 20 Chinese press agencies, including the People's Daily, one of China's largest media outlets.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's selection as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets is a testament to his significant contributions to literature. A renowned figure in Nabati poetry, his works resonate with captivating eloquence, offering insightful reflections on life and inspiring generations with their profound creativity. His Highness has enriched the literary world with numerous collections exploring profound human, national, and intellectual themes. Among his most notable works is "Zayed" (2018), a collection of 87 poems commemorating the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
"Flashes of Verse" (2014) features 52 excerpts from his poetic works in both Arabic and English, delving into themes of life's challenges, love, victory, and the human experience. "40 Poems from the Desert" (2011), also in Arabic and English, showcases H.H. Sheikh Mohammed's love for his homeland and its symbols, characterized by refined creativity and a distinct national sentiment. His passion for horses is evident in "For the Love of Horses," a collection celebrating the nobility and competitive spirit they embody.
Professor Wang Fangwen, Chair of the Poetry Committee at the World Silk Road Forum, highlighted the significance of choosing the UAE as the venue, symbolizing coexistence and peace among peoples under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership. The decision to select Dubai carries profound symbolic and cultural dimensions, with Dubai exemplifying a modern city that revives the Silk Road's spirit through cultural exchange and visionary leadership.
Wang Fangwen, also Editor-in-Chief of World Poets magazine, stated that the Silk Road Global Forum aspires to be a platform uniting culture, art, economy, and technology, promoting understanding and peace among nations. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will feature on the cover of World Poets magazine, which includes an in-depth study of his contributions to poetry and literature, along with a selection of his poems translated into Chinese.
Poet Cao Shui, Vice Chair of the Forum's International Poetry Committee, announced the selection of Emirati poet Adel Khozam as co-chair of the festival's fifth edition. Khozam, a leading poetic figure in the UAE and Gulf region, previously won the Great Poetry Medal in China and played a pivotal role in promoting Chinese poetry during Expo 2020.
A large number of poets from China and around the world are competing for the festival's prestigious awards, which include various categories such as Best Poetry Collection and Best International Poet. Several Emirati poets have been nominated for these awards, with World Poets magazine featuring a special section of their selected poems.
The World Silk Road Forum, an independent, non-governmental organization registered in Delaware, USA, and recognized by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York, organizes international events and conferences promoting global cooperation. The forum partners with major international organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organization and UNESCO, hosting seasonal poetry events under the theme Silk Road Spring Poetry.