In his introduction to the evening, Ould Mohamed Salem highlighted that since the Arabs embraced modernity, poetry has continuously evolved and transformed. There has always been a dynamic interplay between different intellectual and creative visions, balancing the old with the new, and the authentic with the contemporary. This ongoing tension has spawned significant developments during each era, influencing the Arabic poetic landscape and giving rise to diverse formal and stylistic expressions. Given this context, the question of how the present is reflected in poetry remains open. Therefore, it is essential for scholars to regularly examine its current state, explore its innovative aspects, and identify emerging trends—the very reasons behind the club’s interest in this topic.
Dr. Badia Al Hashemi was the first speaker, and her presentation centered on the topic of "The Contemporary Arabic Poem: Features and Presence." She opened by posing several thought-provoking questions about the evolution of poetry from the past to the present. She emphasized that one of the most striking characteristics of today’s poetry is its rich diversity in themes and content. Poetry that arises from specific occasions—like national or cultural events—coexists with works deeply rooted in personal experience. Here, poets express their innermost thoughts and emotions, whether they’re reflecting, critiquing, or even rebelling, all while navigating a spectrum that includes peaceful and tolerant tones.
On an artistic level, Dr. Al Hashemi noted that contemporary poets have begun to draw inspiration from various poetic schools and past movements. We now see poets embracing classical vertical forms while also challenging them, even if just in subtle ways. Many display influences from the romantic tradition, exploring themes that engage with their own consciousness, nature, and humanity from their unique viewpoints. Simultaneously, the prose poem has emerged, characterized by its powerful, suggestive language and rich imagery, firmly establishing its presence within the poetry collections and works of today's writers.
The Emirati poetry scene exhibits a diversity of poetic voices, characterized by both renewal and movement. Pioneering figures from the middle generation continue to contribute significantly, adapting to changes with their updated works. Notable poets include Mani Saeed Al Otaiba, Hamda Khamis, Karim Mutawaq, Saliha Ghabish, Kholoud Al Mualla, and Sheikha Al Jaberi. Additionally, there is a clear emergence of young Emirati poets who are bringing varied talents and experiences to the forefront. This results in a notable diversity in both form and content, with classical poetry coexisting alongside free verse and prose poetry. Several Emirati poets, both male and female, have also explored prose writing, producing short stories, novels, articles, and children’s literature, thereby expanding their creative repertoire.
Al-Hashemi emphasized that literary competitions, such as the Prince of Poets, the Arab Poetry Award organized by the Culture and Science Forum, the Burda Award, the Sharjah Award for Arab Poetry, and the Sharjah Award for Poetry Criticism, play a vital role in fostering Arab poetic creativity. These contests, along with the special categories for poetry in various cultural and literary awards—like the Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity, the Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity, and the Rashid bin Humaid Award for Culture and Science—serve as significant and ongoing incentives for poets, undoubtedly enhancing the literary scene.
Al Hashemi stated, “A few weeks ago, the new headquarters of the House of Poetry was inaugurated under the patronage and attendance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. His speech during the event emphasized the significance of poetry and the role of poets in society. This underscores the importance of poetry within Sharjah Culture and the Emirates.”
Dr. Saleh Huwaidi opened his discussion by highlighting that the current state of the Arab world, marked by suffering, fragmentation, and an obsession with material concerns, fails to inspire poetry or engage poets. Interest in the art form has diminished, and it no longer shines with the vibrancy and significance it once held. A significant factor influencing contemporary poetry is the tendency for each new generation to claim that it is dismantling the previous one, asserting that past generations do not truly represent the essence of poetry. In the midst of such a conflict, the audience finds itself feeling lost.
Huwaidi pointed out that contemporary poetry is characterized by brevity and fragmented language, alongside the significant role of women both as subjects and creators. Moreover, poetry today no longer remains static; it is in a state of continual evolution. Although this transformation may not always be immediately apparent, it is an ongoing process.
Abdel Fattah Sabry, in his insightful critique, focused on the current state of Emirati poetic modernity. He kicked off his discussion with a thought-provoking question: “Why do we resist modernity and linger on the new?” In this era of artificial intelligence, which has infiltrated all domains and vastly expanded our horizons, nothing is fixed or static anymore; modernity has become an unavoidable reality.
Sabry discussed the evolution of the modern poetry movement in the Emirates, tracing its roots back to the early twentieth century with the emergence of the "Poets of Al-Hirah" in Sharjah. Among the most notable figures of this era were Salem bin Ali Al Owais, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Sultan bin Ali Al Owais, and Musabah Khalfan. These poets embodied the principles of neoclassicism in their work while addressing the pressing issues of their time.
The movement then saw a second wave of modernity in the latter half of the century, where poets began to blend traditional poetry with free verse. Prominent voices of this period included Ahmed Amin Al Madani and Habib Al Sayegh. As we moved toward the last two decades of the twentieth century, society experienced significant change, with the expansion of formal education leading to a new generation of poets. This group broke away from traditional forms and embraced prose poetry, with figures like Ahmed Rashid, Nujoom Al Ghanem, and Abdul Aziz Jassim at the forefront.
Modernity continued to evolve and diversify, culminating in the present age, where artificial intelligence influences nearly every aspect of life. The concept of literary sanctity has shifted, and poetic expression now embraces a wide array of styles and forms.
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