The opening ceremony took place at the Luxor Conference Center Theatre, attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah; Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs; Dr. Osama Talat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Culture and Head of the National Library and Archives, representing Egypt's Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fouad Heno; Dr. Hesham Abu Zeid, Deputy Governor of Luxor; Dr. Safwat Al-Jarhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education in Luxor; Dr. Hamdi Satouhi, Head of the Cultural Development Fund in Egypt; and Dr. Salah Rashwan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Also present were officials, academics, Al-Azhar dignitaries, university deans, students, and a large audience.
Hussein Al-Qabbahi, Director of the Luxor House of Poetry, welcomed the attendees, saying, "After nine years of the House of Poetry—bestowed upon us through the generous initiative of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah—we have presented a luminous group of Egypt’s creatives, especially its youth. The House has enriched the cultural scene with numerous talents who now hold prominent names in Egyptian and Arab cultural events."
He added, "The House has successfully built bridges of cooperation with local institutions engaged in meaningful cultural activities aimed at enlightenment and awareness-building. Over nine years, we have published 40 poetry collections by 40 poets and have reached more than 23 of Egypt’s 27 governorates in each festival cycle, ensuring balance in covering the entire country. This continuous cultural endeavor represents a creative map of poetry across Egypt."
Al-Qabbahi announced the launch of a new award titled "The Seasonal Poem," introduced in collaboration with the Department of Culture in Sharjah to support poets and their creativity. He expressed the House’s ambition for its 10th year to be marked by greater maturity, scope, and beauty.
"Doors to the Tenth Year"
In his speech, Abdullah Al Owais remarked: "This new edition of the Luxor Arabic Poetry Festival celebrates poetry and poets, crowning a year characterised by cultural vibrancy. The Luxor House of Poetry has been active across Egypt’s governorates, welcoming and embracing poets in their home."
Congratulating the House of Poetry on its approach to its 10th year, he said, "It brings us great joy to see the House preparing for its 10th year, growing brighter and more generous through the fruitful collaboration between Sharjah’s Department of Culture and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture."
Expressing pride in this partnership, he added, "We deeply value this collaboration and appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Culture in facilitating the House’s various literary duties. This partnership underscores the profound historical ties between the UAE and Egypt, under wise leadership that believes in the importance of Arab cooperation in all fields."
He conveyed greetings from His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, saying, "It is an honour to convey the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, along with his wishes for success and prosperity to all participants."
"A Creative Imprint"
Dr. Osama Talat delivered a speech on behalf of the Egyptian Minister of Culture, stating that the Luxor Arabic Poetry Festival brings together masters of language and expression in a new edition, reaffirming its joyful journey in the realm of poetry. He praised the cultural efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, highlighting their value and the pride they evoke among Arab intellectuals. Dr. Talat emphasised the significant role of His Highness's vision in shaping the Arab cultural scene and acknowledged the pivotal contributions of the Luxor House of Poetry in Egypt's cultural landscape over its nine years of continuous effort.
Dr. Talat also touched on Luxor's historical and cultural milestones, underlining its importance as a hub of heritage and civilisation. He affirmed that poetry remains an extension of history, seamlessly intertwined with it, and wished the participating poets and artists a successful and creative experience befitting their talents.
"A Noble Message"
Dr. Hesham Abu Zeid welcomed attendees, stressing the importance of cultural collaboration between Egypt and the UAE. He expressed delight at the continuation of cultural, artistic, and musical events in Luxor, particularly those engaging youth.
Dr. Abu Zeid noted that cultural and artistic initiatives create a strong foundation for societal awareness, helping to address rapid changes. He emphasised the vital role of culture in nation-building, commending the Luxor House of Poetry for steadily advancing its mission to disseminate a noble cultural message.
"Poetry Readings"
The festival’s first evening featured poetry readings by three distinguished poets: Ahmed Bekheit, Rouh Mohammed, and Tarek Mahmoud.
In Luxor, visitors often feel the energy of the Nile and the depth of Egyptian civilisation, which spans thousands of years. Poetry, meanwhile, captures the sweetness of the Nile’s waters and the grandeur of its historic landmarks.
The poems recited in the event reflected a range of themes—emotional, patriotic, and social—drawing inspiration from expansive poetic imagination and vivid metaphors.
"Honouring Creativity"
Abdullah Al Owais and Mohammed Al-Qaseer, accompanied by Dr. Talat and Dr. Abu Zeid, honoured the festival’s Cultural Personality of the Year, Dr. Mohammed Hassani Ali, Director General of the Egypt Public Library in Luxor. Additionally, the poets featured on the festival's opening night were presented with certificates of appreciation, recognising their creative contributions and literary excellence.
"Exhibition"
An exhibition showcasing several publications by the Department of Culture in Sharjah accompanied the festival. These included Sharjah Cultural Magazine, Al-Rafid, Al-Qawafi, Theatre Magazine, Al-Hira from Sharjah, as well as Al-Sharqiya and Al-Wusta magazines. The exhibition attracted a large audience eager to explore a diverse collection of cultural content covering Emirati, Arab, and global themes.
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