Sharjah: The 22nd edition of the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival will commence on January 5, 2026, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Organised by Sharjah's Department of Culture, the seven-day festival will bring together more than 80 poets, critics, and media professionals from Arab countries, as well as several African nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, stated that the festival continues Sharjah's long-standing support for Arabic poetry, which he described as a key pillar of Arab cultural identity. This edition will announce 12 new names among the winners of the fourth Golden Qawafi Award, whose works were published across 12 issues of Al-Qawafi magazine in 2025.
Al Owais noted that the festival will also host an accompanying symposium titled 'The Emotional Trend in Arabic Poetry and Its Transformations,' aimed at examining the role of emotion in Arabic poetry and its evolution through different periods. He highlighted that the participation of African poets demonstrates the festival's openness to wider poetic horizons and its support for Arabic poetry platforms across the continent.
The festival's conclusion will feature a poetry evening at the Kalba Literary Council, extending activities beyond Sharjah city to other areas of the emirate. The opening will take place at the Cultural Palace in Sharjah with a recorded presentation titled 'Years of Poetry,' followed by poetry readings and the ceremony to honour winners of the fifth Sharjah Award for Arab Poetry Criticism.
On the second day, winners of the Golden Qawafi Award will be honoured at the House of Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, where they will present selected works before a poetry evening at the House of Poetry. Poetry readings will continue throughout the week at the House of Poetry, alongside symposium sessions on the fourth day. The festival will conclude in Kalba with a final poetry evening.