Luxor Festival of Arabic Poetry Marks 10 Years of Success

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Egypt celebrated the 10th anniversary of the House of Poetry in Luxor, established in 2015. The milestone coincided with the opening of the 10th Luxor Festival of Arabic Poetry, organised by the Sharjah Department of Culture in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. The four-day festival brought together over 140 creative individuals, including Egyptian and Arab poets, artists, and critics.

The opening ceremony was held at the Luxor Conference Centre Theatre and attended by key figures such as Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; Muhammad Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of Cultural Affairs; Abdel-Muttalib Amara, Governor of Luxor; and Dr. Khaled Abu Al-Leil, Chairman of the Egyptian General Book Organisation. Many academics, deans, students, and members of the public also participated in the event.

Hussein Al-Qabbahi, Director of the Luxor House of Poetry, highlighted the House’s achievements over the past decade. He said the initiative has provided a platform for young talent and introduced many creative individuals who have become prominent in Egyptian, Arab, and international cultural events. The House has worked with numerous institutions, both public and private, fostering cooperation based on a shared love for culture and creative thought.

Al-Qabbahi also noted that the festival’s opening night featured four poets under the age of 25, emphasizing the House’s mission to support youth. He said the initiative aims to promote human values, love, and a sense of belonging, spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf.

Abdullah Al-Owais praised the House of Poetry’s achievements, stating, “This cultural event has become a shining beacon on the Arab literary scene. In its 10th edition, it continues its journey of distinction and diverse cultural contributions.” He added that the House opens doors for young poets and contributes to a vibrant Arab poetic movement blending tradition with innovation.

Dr. Khaled Abu Al-Leil, speaking on behalf of Egypt’s Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Henou, emphasized that the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has been a landmark in Arab culture. He noted that the House of Poetry initiative reflects strong and lasting cultural cooperation between Sharjah and Egypt.

Governor Abdel-Muttalib Amara said Luxor is proud to host the Poetry House, which organizes this annual festival and brings together poets and creatives from across the Arab world.

Over the first ten years, the House of Poetry has organised more than 600 cultural events with nearly 3,000 poets participating. It has held over 250 critical seminars involving 480 critics, organised 25 training courses, hosted 20 exhibitions of Arabic calligraphy and visual arts, and published over 50 books.

During the event, Al-Owais and Al-Qasir were honoured for their contributions. Egyptian critic and academic Dr. Mohamed Abu El-Fadl Badran was named Cultural Personality of the Year for the 10th edition, recognizing his significant impact on Arab poetry and culture.

The festival and the House of Poetry continue to promote Arab literature, nurture young talent, and strengthen cultural ties across the region, marking a decade of excellence and inspiration in the arts.