Renowned Emirati poet Khalifa bin Hammad Al Kaabi passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 after a long and illustrious poetic career, leaving behind a rich legacy of national and social poetry.

His body of work, rich with national and social themes, has left an indelible mark on the literary scene in the UAE. Al Kaabi was also an active participant in the Eastern Region Poets Council in Al Ain along with a distinguished group of poets. His legacy of timeless poetry will continue to inspire future generations.

Literary and poetry circles in the UAE expressed their profound sadness at the great loss of Khalifa bin Hammad Al Kaabi, one of the country’s most prominent poets.

Born and lived in Al Ain, Al Kaabi was one of the first poets to have founded the poetry movement in Abu Dhabi. He was also a member of the Eastern Region Poets Council, and one of the founders of the council on Abu Dhabi Television.

Poet Khalifa bin Hammad Al Kaabi was cherished for his vibrant community presence, marked by his beautiful personality, love, and support for fellow poets. The Emirates Writers Union took to the X platform to mourn his passing, joining a large group of Emiratis in expressing their condolences. Social media users also expressed their grief for the late poet, recalling excerpts from his influential poems that have left a lasting mark on the literary scene in the UAE.

Sultan Al Amimi, Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union and Director of Poetry Academy in Abu Dhabi, shared a post mourning Al Kaabi’s death on his X account. “Today, the UAE’s poetry scene has lost one of its greatest poets, the father of poet Mohammed Khalifa bin Hammad Al Kaabi,” wrote Sultan Al Amimi. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the poet’s family and the honorable Al Kaabi tribe, praying that Allah Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace and bestow His mercy upon him, as well as grant his family patience and solace.