The Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association has announced the names of the winners of its inaugural Award for Arabic Poetry, which was launched by the association to bolster Arabic poetry, highlight the most distinguished poetic creative experiences across the Arab world and recognise outstanding poetic talent.

The award also aims to honour exceptional poets and highlight the UAE’s commitment to nurturing and preserving poetry as an oral tradition, which has historically served as a medium used by Arabs to document their life, culture, history and emotions across generations.

The announcement coincided with World Poetry Day, observed on March 21, which aims to promote linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard.

The inaugural edition of the award was named after the late poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais in recognition of his esteemed position and significant contributions to Arab culture and literature.

The Cultural and Scientific Association’s Award for Arabic Poetry encompasses eloquent Arabic poetry across three categories: vertical poetry, free poetry (Al Taf’ilah), and prose poetry.

The Vertical Poetry Award was won by Yemeni poet Taymour Saeed Ahmed Al Azzani, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Literature from Sana’a University in 2018.

Al Azzani has actively participated in literary and cultural festivals and events, including the publication of a poetry collection titled “I Travel Barefoot” by the Department of Culture in the Government of Sharjah in 2020, as well as a collaborative poetry collection in Egypt titled “Pearls” with poets from across the Arab world.

 Al Azzani’s articles have been featured in various Arab and local newspapers and magazines, and he has contributed to numerous cultural events and festivals.

The award for Al Taf’ilah poetry was claimed by Palestinian poet Hassan Majid Mahmoud Qattousa, a resident of Ramallah who holds a master’s degree in Arabic language and literature. Qattousa is widely recognised for his literary prowess, having authored numerous literary and critical articles. He has been honoured with several literary awards, including the Golden Qawafi Award at the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival in 2023.

The award for the prose poem was secured by Syrian poet Alaa Hayyan Al Sayyaf, residing in Damascus, renowned not only for her poetic talent but also for her skills as a visual artist and writer, with a portfolio of literary writings and articles.

Notably, the competition attracted a total of 664 participants, with 301 vying for the vertical poetry award, 159 for Al Taf’ilah poetry, and 204 for the prose poem category.

In selecting the winners, the jury considered key criteria of the award, including the poem’s novelty, poetic structure, vivid imagery, and imagination. Additionally, they evaluated the language integrity and the relevance of the chosen topic, which should encompass general humanitarian issues.

The cash prizes designated for the three categories amount to Dh150,000, with Dh50,000 allocated to each. The award winners will be honoured during a ceremony scheduled to take place after the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.