Luxor: Egypt celebrated a significant cultural milestone as it marked the 10th anniversary of the Luxor Festival of Arabic Poetry. The event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, highlighted a decade since the establishment of the House of Poetry in Luxor in 2015.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival was organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. The four-day festival witnessed the participation of over 140 creative individuals, including poets, artists, and critics from Egypt and the Arab world. The opening ceremony was conducted at the Luxor Conference Centre Theatre and was attended by prominent figures such as Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, and Abdel-Muttalib Amara, Governor of Luxor, among others.
Hussein Al-Qabbahi, Director of the Luxor House of Poetry, emphasized the institution's role in enriching the cultural scene by supporting Egyptian creators, particularly the youth, over the past decade. He noted that the House of Poetry has fostered cultural cooperation with numerous local institutions, aiming to inspire the current generation through thought and culture. The festival's opening evening featured young poets, illustrating the House's commitment to nurturing new talent.
Al-Owais remarked on the Luxor Poetry House's ongoing success and its impact on the Arab literary scene. He highlighted the institution's role in nurturing young talent and contributing to a vibrant Arab poetic movement. Al Owais also expressed his gratitude to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture for its support.
Dr. Khaled Abu Al-Leil, representing the Egyptian Minister of Culture, praised the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, noting the strong cultural cooperation fostered through the Houses of Poetry initiative. Abdel-Muttalib Amara expressed pride in Luxor's selection as the festival's location, citing its role in uniting poets and creative individuals from across the Arab world.
The House of Poetry's achievements over the past decade include organizing over 600 cultural events, involving approximately 3,000 poets, and hosting numerous critical seminars, training courses, and exhibitions. The festival culminated in the honoring of Al-Owais and Al-Qasir, with Dr. Mohamed Abu El-Fadl Badran named Cultural Personality of the Year for his creative contributions.