The Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival is underway, promoting heritage by blending tradition with modernity. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage, the festival aims to instill a love for poetry in children and students through educational and interactive workshops. It seeks to discover emerging poetic talents and develop the literary taste of new generations, connecting them with the legacy of Arabic poetry. The festival features various traditional performing arts, such as Taghrooda, Una, Radh, Tarik, Humble, and Mankous. The authority actively attracts talents from all emirates by holding competitions at major cultural events. Officials have refuted the notion that younger generations are drifting away from heritage, citing a notable interest in learning and practicing traditional arts, especially through modern technologies and social media. A special 'Poetry Bridge' section showcases various poetic genres, including Nabati, Rababa, Al-Azi, and Shilat. Programs under the authority's patronage, like 'Poet of the Million' and 'Prince of Poets', are also highlighted. The fusion of tradition and modernity is evident in the 'Podcast Studio', which records episodes on poetry and literature, enriching the digital cultural landscape. A dedicated hall displays the rich poetic legacy of the UAE's founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, using audiovisual and interactive technologies. The festival also presents a panorama of Emirati poetry, honoring both renowned poets and female poets like Moza bint Butti and Afra bint Saif Al Mazroui, whose works have enriched the Emirati and Arab poetic scenes. The event provides a vast platform for new talents and intergenerational interaction to pass on heritage, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a hub for poetry and poets.
