10 Regional Poets Who Have Captured Our Hearts and Minds
These UAE-based literary figures are making their mark on the region’s cultural landscape
Poetry has always prevailed in the Arab world. With its melodious diction and eloquent expressions, the literary art form has been used as a vessel to deliver heartfelt messages that ripple through time.
Today, the works of past Arab poets still hold strong as significant sources of hope, inspiration, activism, pain, and emotionally charged declarations of love – and are giving way to a burgeoning new wave of modern-day poets in the region.
From the moving works of Afra Atiq that addresses contemporary Emirati identity to Dubai-based Dana Dajani’s passionate deliveries on societal pressure and female empowerment, a number of Arab and regional poets continue to capture our hearts and minds. These are a few we have on our radar.
Afra Atiq
Award-winning spoken word artist Afra Atiq was born in the UAE to an Emirati father and a Japanese-American mother. Her poetry focuses on identity politics and multiculturalism and she’s also an established scholar. With a passion for education, she regularly gives talks at numerous universities and schools and has been published in the International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science for her work on literature and reading habits in the UAE.
Nujoom Al-Ghanem
Emirati poet, artist and filmmaker Nujoom Al-Ghanem is well-established in the Arab literary world. She was one of the founding members of Emirates Writer’s Union in 1984, and has published over eight critically-acclaimed poetry collections and directed more than 20 films. Her notable works, including Masaa Al-Janah (Evening of Heaven), Al-Jarair (The Consequences), and Rawahel (Journeyings), focus on love, religion, spirituality, and philosophy. She has received multiple awards for her work in the Arab cultural landscape and is considered a leading voice for her generation.
Deena Dadachanji
A member of the Dubai Poetics Society, spoken word artist Deena Dadachanji has performed on numerous stages throughout the UAE. She has a passion for learning and expression, while her poetry focuses on feminist issues. She is also the founder of Girl Talk Dubai, an organisation for young girls that offers workshops and events, allowing them to learn, express, grow, and feel safe.
Salem Al Attas
Known as the first Emirati slam poet, Salem Al Attas found solace in the spoken word as a teen at university. Poetry was the only thing that helped him with his self-esteem, he said in an interview with GQ Middle East. Since then, the linguistical talent has participated in multiple poetry competitions, garnered numerous accolades, and gained recognition as a prominent figure the UAE’s poetry community. His work regularly addresses themes of love and self-reflection, and he aims to inspire dialogue and poignant discussions in the community. Salem loves slam poetry as its free in its structure, giving way for his signature word play, rhymes and alliteration during his performances.
Dana Dajani
Poet, actress and presenter, Dana Dajani, brings her original poetry pieces to life through her theatrical stage performances. Previously based in the UAE, the Palestinian artist established deep community and cultural roots in the region, where she worked on a number of educational initiatives. This includes creating a drama therapy programme for children with autism, in collaboration with the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, as well as founding a pilot theatre program for Arab youth in Sharjah, in partnership with Kevin Spacey Foundation & Middle East Theatre Academy. Dana has won multiple awards for her contributions to the creative community, including being recognised as one of 50 Inspirational Women of the UAE. Her spoken word poetry is centred on feminine identity and themes of social justice.
Shamma Al Bastaki
Award-winning Emirati poet and Shamma Al Bastaki has a passion for art, art history, education, and humanitarian issues. She is best known for her poetry collection Bait La Bait which was published in the Asymptote Journal and taught in universities in the U.S, Taiwan, and Japan, while her poems The Sparrows are Waiting and Veto on the Feminine Noon were published in the Harvard Graduate Review. Her poems and artwork take inspiration from philosophy, spirituality, and the human experience.
Amal Al Sahlawi
Hailing from Sharjah, Emirati poet Amal Al Sahlawi began writing poetry at the age of 16. Today, she has a degree in Arabic Literature from Sharjah University and spends her free time producing moving pieces of modern and classical Arabic works. As a medium of expression, Amal finds the practice of poetry writing a cathartic experience, and regularly lets out a flood of emotion during her daily writing sessions. In her poems, she addresses philosophical topics, and modern female and societal issues.
Ahmed Al Mannai
Ahmed Al Mannai believes in the art of writing as a tool for human connection. Since childhood the Emirati poet, born in Ras Al Khaimah, was drawn to the art of writing to explore deep feelings and the spectrum of his personal emotions. Today, he has a BA degree in International Political Science and Fine Arts from the United Arab Emirates University, where he founded the Poetry and Poets Council – an interactive platform for student poets. In 2018, he published his first poetry collection, Al Insan Geddan (The Very Human) while his most recent work, Messages to God came in the form of supplications and what he describes as a godsend benediction. Ahmed’s poems have become recognisable for their distinctive patterns and rhythmic structures, allowing listeners to experience a wide variety of emotions.
Farah Chamma
Born in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Farah Chamma is a Palestinian poet known for her spoken word performances. Her moving recitals combine orality, acting, and live music, of which she has delivered at different events and festivals around the globe, including Palestine en Campagne in France, Wilde Möhre in Germany, Bradford Literature Festival in the UK, Kara Faladura in Portugal, and many more. Besides her native Arabic, she also writes and performs in English and French. Her poetry usually centres on love, self-reflection, and experiences she’s gone through.
Dr. Shihab Ghanem
Distinguished Emirati poet Dr Shihab Ghanem may now be retired but his work still lives on. Throughout his career, he has published around 75 books, including 16 poetry collections. His literary roster includes Arabic works such as Complete Poetry Works, One Hundred and One Poems, and Al-Amwaj, as well as works that have been translated into English, such as Shades of Love and In the Valley of the Muses. His heartfelt poetry has been referenced in over 20 songs by various artists, including the renowned Sami Yusuf. As the recipient of over 30 awards, Dr Shihab has been compared to the likes of Jibran Khalil Jibran, with both of their works focusing on love, religion and spirituality.