Mubarak Bin Qathlan Al Mazrouei, one of the most prominent Nabati poets in the UAE, died on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the age of 85. Al Mazrouei was known for being a glorious poet who wrote poems in all forms.
He wrote extensively across all forms of poetry, including poems that delve into personal and emotional themes. His works often revolved around historical events, vividly portraying the ancient past and highlighting the Bedouin instinct. Al Mazrouei’s spontaneous and ingenious descriptions of his surroundings have left an indelible mark on the literary scene.
Mubarak bin Qathlan, born in the 1930s, was not only a talented poet but also gifted in inventing popular games and imitating characters. He penned his first poetic attempts at the age of five, and his talent quickly flourished through interactions with fellow poets.
Sources confirm that his early works often defended his family and the people of his region, which led to his distinctive poems expressing a deep love for his homeland. His life was filled with experiences and occasions that fueled his poetic creativity. Within a short period, his poetry gained widespread acclaim, and he became renowned for his poetic matches, which showcased his strength and competitive spirit.
Bin Qathlan lived through a difficult period that forced him to engage in hard jobs and spend six years in exile in search of a livelihood. He later worked in several private companies in the Western Region and in Abu Dhabi Transport for a long time. Eventually, he returned to his hometown in Liwa, where he lived until his death.
Abu Dhabi Poetry Academy issued a collection of Al Mazrouei’s poems, titled “Mubarak Bin Qathlan Al Mazrouei’s poetry book (Diwan),” which were collected and prepared by his son Obaid. The book had 128 diverse poems, including patriotic poems, in addition to a large number of personal poems, advice poems, some religious poems, and beautiful poetic debates with a number of Emirati poets, besides an appendix of his personal photos on various occasions and a number of poems in his handwriting.
The great poet was mourned by many prominent cultural figures in the UAE. Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, mourned the late poet on account on (X)platform: “The UAE lost the glorious poet Mubarak Bin Qathlan Al Mazrouei, who passed away after a life full of creativity in which he enriched Nabati poetry with his exceptional works, leaving unforgettable imprints on the Emirati poetic scene. May Allah Almighty have mercy on him, grant him a place in paradise, and inspire his family, relatives and admirers with patience and solace.”
Dr. Sultan Al Amimi, Director of the Poetry Academy and Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, also mourned the loss of Mubarak iBn Qathlan Al Mazrouei on his Instagram account. He wrote: “Poet Mubarak Bin Qathlan Al Mazrouei, one of Abu Dhabi’s great Nabati poets, has passed away after a life full of contributions. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the poet’s family and relatives. May God bless him with His mercy and grant his family and loved ones patience and solace. Verily to God we belong and verily to Him we shall return.”