Dubai International Poetry Festival

About the Festival

The Dubai International Poetry Festival was established on July 23, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The Festival will take place in Dubai, the UAE, its theme being, A Thousand Poets, One Language.

The First Dubai International Poetry Festival will be held in March 2009. The annual event will feature soirees, forums, workshops, poetry readings, live performances and seminars, attracting one thousand internationally-acclaimed poets over a period of five years. The Festival's theme reflects the universal nature of poetry as a bridge between cultures, fostering global unity through poetic expression regardless of nationality, beliefs, status, or economic circumstances.

Objectives of the Festival:

Establishing poetic expression as a channel for communication among the world's cultures
Emphasizing Dubai as a cultural and intellectual hub for mutually respectful dialogues and understanding between nations
Reviving the status of poetry in the Arab culture, reflecting its importance as Diwan Al-Arab (the register of the Arabs)
Supporting Arab poets by interaction with international counterparts
Encouraging the translation of poetry between Arabic and other languages

Why Dubai?

Dubai is the ideal location for the Dubai International Poetry Festival, offering political and economic stability, cultural openness, and infrastructure conducive to innovation in arts and cultural events.

Dubai has the potential to become a center for talented individuals seeking to further their careers in arts and culture
Dubai has established a reputation for hosting impressive business conferences and festivals like the DIFF, as well international economic and intellectual conferences
Dubai's position as a world-class host enables it to become an international hub for arts and culture
Organizing the Dubai International Poetry Festival promotes Dubai's greater humanitarian goals: promoting intercultural dialogue and global unity
Dubai is conveniently located for visitors from all continents, and is one of the safest destinations in the world

First Annual Dubai International Poetry Festival - 2009:
Dates: 4-10 March 2009
Venues: Various locations will host the activities of the Festival including:

-Madinat Jumeriah
-Dubai World Trade Centre
-House of Poetry, Dubai
-Community Clubs in Dubai
-Various universities in the UAE