Mohammed Bin Rashid Library hosts a unique line-up of events to celebrate the World Arabic Language Day

In celebration of the World Arabic Language Day, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) hosted a unique line-up of events featuring a select group of writers, poets, intellectuals, and those interested in the cultural scene, including famous Iraqi poet Kareem Al Iraqi, Emirati poet Ibrahim Mohammad Ibrahim, along with broad attendance from the  Library’s board members and visitors.

“With its rich and diverse vocabulary, the Arabic language reflects our identity, our culture, and our Arab and Islamic roots in the best possible way, while forming a fundamental pillar of the national identity of the UAE. MBRL is a creative, artistic, and community hub that actively contributes to strengthening the national identity and preserving the cultural and human heritage. The Library houses a growing collection of over 184,000 books in Arabic, including more than 26,000 titles translated from other languages, and over 52 original titles in Arabic.” said Jamal Al Shehhi, Board Member of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation.

Moderated by author  Salma Al Hafiti, the event started with a poetry reading evening by the great poet Kareem Al Iraqi and Emirati poet Ibrahim Mohammad Ibrahim, in the presence of H.E. Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the MBRL Board of Directors; Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Mazrouei, Board Member of the MBRL, along with a select group of Emirati and Arab writers, poets, and intellectuals, and others interested in the cultural scene. 

Depicting the situation of Iraqi children during the invasion and the blockade, Kareem Al Iraqi dedicated a poem to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, praising His Highness's courageous stance challenging the blockade of Iraq by sending a ship carrying food and medicines to Iraqi children. Additionally, Al Iraqi recited several other poems, such as ‘Al Mi’taf’ (The Coat), ‘La’ibatu Al Biliardo’ (The Billiard Player), which Emirati brilliant poet Sheikha Al Mutairi responded to, along with ‘La Tashkou Le Elnas’ (Don’t Complain to Others), as well other charming poems rich with figures of rhetoric that were well received by the audience.

Emirati poet Ibrahim Mohammad Ibrahim recited a number of his beautiful poems, first of which was ‘Hiwarun Sakhinun Ma’ Al Bahr’ (A Heated Exchange with the Sea) and ‘Ila Ibnati Najlaa’ (To My Daughter, Najlaa), as well as other short poems, such as ‘Qissa La Tantahi’ (An Endless Story), ‘Taba’ud’ (Separation), and ‘Taqarub’ (Affinity), particularly known for its extensive imagery, an exclusive skill for accomplished poets with highly rich linguistic repertoire.

MBRL’s World Arabic Language Day event also included a book signing event dedicated to 'Da'eratu Al Tawabil' (The Circle of Spices) novel by Emirati writer Salha Obeid, who has published several novels, including 'Al Hayatu Ala Tariqati Zourba' (Life in Zorba’s Way), in addition to publishing several collections of stories, including Alzheimer’s and 'Sa'i Al Sa'ada (The Messenger of Happiness). Moreover, MBRL also organised a book reading and signing event for ‘Al Asmaa’ (The Names) book, translated by Emirati journalist Safia Al Shehi, the winner of the Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Award for Childhood Creativity in the art of oration.

The event saw wide participation from MBRL visitors across its various sections, emphasising Library's role as a distinguished forum for everyone from all backgrounds, and a hub for igniting passion for creativity and knowledge, in addition to introducing Arab creators and talents across various fields.