8 poets illuminate Benin's Arabic Poetry Forum

August 26, 2025 / 6:18 PM

Sharjah 24: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the fourth edition of the Arab Poetry Forum was held on Sunday in Cotonou, the capital of Benin. Organised by the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture, the event featured the participation of eight distinguished poets and attracted numerous poetry enthusiasts and cultural figures.

Sharjah’s cultural vision in Africa

The Arab Poetry Forums in Africa are part of Sharjah’s broader cultural initiative, guided by the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. These forums aim to promote the Arabic language, support classical Arabic poetry, and build bridges of cultural communication across the African continent. The events serve as a platform to nurture poetic talent and enhance the role of Arab culture in human development.

Distinguished attendance reflects growing interest

The forum was attended by high-level dignitaries, including Ahmed Saif Al Mazrouei, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE to Benin; Raja Al Wakil, Ambassador of Egypt; Member of Parliament Kolawole Ogbon; Prof. Dr Abdul Hamid Alaho Shit Thani, representative of charitable organizations in Benin; and Prof. Abdulwarith Shuti, Director of the Institute of Arabic Language and Islamic Culture, University of Abomey-Calavi.

A platform for cultural expression and inclusion

Ibrahim Ogbon, General Coordinator of the forum and President of the Cooperation Association for Social Development, opened the event with a speech highlighting Sharjah’s ongoing contributions to Arabic poetry in Africa. He praised the emirate’s long-standing cultural efforts and its role in enriching the literary scene in Benin and beyond.

Ogbon emphasised that the forum is an inclusive platform, welcoming both men and women to showcase their creative abilities. He underlined the forum’s significance in deepening cultural ties and reinforcing poetry as a shared heritage and medium of communication between Arab and African communities.

A strong presence for Arabic poetry

Throughout the event, participating poets presented works that explored themes of identity, language, and values. Their poetry reflected personal and collective experiences, resonating with the audience and highlighting the richness of Arabic as a medium for cultural expression. The forum underscored the evolving role of Arabic poetry in Africa and its capacity to inspire and unify.