emirates7 - Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Republic of South Sudan hosted the fourth edition of the Arab Poetry Forum under the theme “Excellence and Creativity, Leadership and Advancement.”
The event, part of the Arab Poetry Forums in Africa initiative, was organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture in partnership with the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan. The initiative aims to promote the Arabic language and broaden the influence of classical Arabic poetry, particularly among poets and creative communities across the African continent.
South Sudan is the latest destination in this expanding series of forums, which has previously reached Chad, Guinea, Senegal, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. With plans to extend to additional countries, the initiative reflects a vision of inclusivity and cultural dialogue, fostering diverse creative expression throughout Africa.
Held in the capital city of Juba, the forum attracted a distinguished gathering of officials and cultural figures, including Mohy El-Din Salem, Representative of the Arab League in South Sudan; Sheikh Dr Abdullah Borg Rual, Secretary-General of the Islamic Council; Sheikh Hamdin Shakirin bin Lawal Al-Owaili, Grand Mufti of South Sudan; Dr Mohammed Gai Lokwaj, President of the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan and General Coordinator of the forum; and Sheikh Dr Mohammed Kual Kwat, Secretary-General of the same union.
Academia was also well represented, with attendees such as Professor Paul Deng, former Director of Upper Nile University and Professor of Arabic at the University of Juba, as well as Arab diplomats, poets, and scholars with a deep interest in Arabic literature and language.
In his opening speech, Dr Mohammed Gai Lokwaj expressed his appreciation for the attendees and underscored Sharjah’s leadership in cultural initiatives under Sheikh Dr Sultan’s guidance. He described the forum as a reflection of Sharjah’s belief in culture as a means of communication, social unity, and the preservation of identity. He also highlighted the forum’s role in giving young African poets a voice through Arabic expression.
Mohy El-Din Salem commended Sharjah’s ongoing support for Arabic language and culture across Africa and acknowledged the forum’s impact in fostering cultural connectivity and reinforcing the Arab intellectual and creative presence on the continent.
Sheikh Dr Abdullah Borg Rual emphasized that Arabic is not merely a language but a carrier of civilizational and spiritual heritage. He praised Sharjah’s contributions to preserving these values and spreading their influence across Africa’s culturally rich societies.
The poetry performances spanned a variety of themes, from introspective and philosophical to patriotic and social. These recitations blended classical forms with contemporary expression, offering a vibrant mix of imagery and rhythm that bridged tradition with the present-day experience.
Highlights included I Am the South by Yousef Gai Qoul and For You, My Country by Martin Wadah Mian—both powerful tributes to homeland and identity, demonstrating the lasting elegance and expressive power of the Arabic language.
The event, part of the Arab Poetry Forums in Africa initiative, was organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture in partnership with the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan. The initiative aims to promote the Arabic language and broaden the influence of classical Arabic poetry, particularly among poets and creative communities across the African continent.
South Sudan is the latest destination in this expanding series of forums, which has previously reached Chad, Guinea, Senegal, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. With plans to extend to additional countries, the initiative reflects a vision of inclusivity and cultural dialogue, fostering diverse creative expression throughout Africa.
Held in the capital city of Juba, the forum attracted a distinguished gathering of officials and cultural figures, including Mohy El-Din Salem, Representative of the Arab League in South Sudan; Sheikh Dr Abdullah Borg Rual, Secretary-General of the Islamic Council; Sheikh Hamdin Shakirin bin Lawal Al-Owaili, Grand Mufti of South Sudan; Dr Mohammed Gai Lokwaj, President of the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan and General Coordinator of the forum; and Sheikh Dr Mohammed Kual Kwat, Secretary-General of the same union.
Academia was also well represented, with attendees such as Professor Paul Deng, former Director of Upper Nile University and Professor of Arabic at the University of Juba, as well as Arab diplomats, poets, and scholars with a deep interest in Arabic literature and language.
In his opening speech, Dr Mohammed Gai Lokwaj expressed his appreciation for the attendees and underscored Sharjah’s leadership in cultural initiatives under Sheikh Dr Sultan’s guidance. He described the forum as a reflection of Sharjah’s belief in culture as a means of communication, social unity, and the preservation of identity. He also highlighted the forum’s role in giving young African poets a voice through Arabic expression.
Mohy El-Din Salem commended Sharjah’s ongoing support for Arabic language and culture across Africa and acknowledged the forum’s impact in fostering cultural connectivity and reinforcing the Arab intellectual and creative presence on the continent.
Sheikh Dr Abdullah Borg Rual emphasized that Arabic is not merely a language but a carrier of civilizational and spiritual heritage. He praised Sharjah’s contributions to preserving these values and spreading their influence across Africa’s culturally rich societies.
The poetry performances spanned a variety of themes, from introspective and philosophical to patriotic and social. These recitations blended classical forms with contemporary expression, offering a vibrant mix of imagery and rhythm that bridged tradition with the present-day experience.
Highlights included I Am the South by Yousef Gai Qoul and For You, My Country by Martin Wadah Mian—both powerful tributes to homeland and identity, demonstrating the lasting elegance and expressive power of the Arabic language.