The Poetry Nights series was a highlight of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, organized by the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language. One of the featured evenings was titled “Hand in Hand,” featuring the esteemed poet Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, who is also the chairman of the Sharjah Advisory Council, in conversation with Mr. Saeed Hamdan Al Tanaiji, the Executive Director of the Arabic Language Center.
Dr. Al Nuaimi began his remarks by praising the national initiative instituted by the wise leadership to declare 2025 as the Year of Community under the banner “Hand in Hand.”
He elaborated on the symbolism of this slogan, noting its profound human essence that resonates with the unique characteristics of Emirati society. He emphasized that given the significant developments our community has experienced over the past fifty years, there is a pressing need for greater awareness to assimilate rapid changes and renew the values of unity and understanding to bolster our national identity while being open to others.
Before an enthusiastic audience of poetry lovers, he recited a selection of his poems that effectively blended robust narrative with subtle meaning.
During the evening, Dr. Al Nuaimi addressed a variety of themes, starting with the homeland and its values, moving through the human journey in the universe, alongside love and fear, and culminating with the figure of Avicenna as a symbol of knowledge and humanity.
In his speech, he likened the homeland to a ship navigating through various challenges, stressing that the only way to ensure its safety is through unity and wise leadership. He underscored that discussions of the homeland cannot occur without acknowledging its leader, who is the captain steering the vessel with awareness towards a safe harbor, safeguarding it from storms.
Regarding his poetic inspirations, Dr. Al Nuaimi revealed his admiration for great Arab figures, particularly the renowned poet Abu Tammam, a symbol of wisdom and pride in Arabic poetry, as well as Muhammad Mahdi Al-Jawahiri, one of the most prominent modern poets in the Arabic language.
On a local level, he expressed significant appreciation for the work of Emirati poet Saeed bin Ahmad Al Otaiba, known as “Bo Manaa,” and also mentioned the great poet Rashid Al Khatir, renowned for his remarkable ability to blend Nabati poetry with classical forms masterfully.
Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi concluded the evening with a poem dedicated to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.