Sharjah’s Poetry Initiative Brings Arabic Voices to South Sudan
Fahad Shabbir (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - August 24, 2026)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Department of Culture, in partnership with the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan, organized the fifth South Sudan Arabic Poetry Forum in Juba. The event had the theme ‘Sharjah’s planting bears poetry and authenticity in Africa’, attended by 15 poets and enthusiasts, including officials, intellectuals, academics, and literature lovers.
This forum is part of a series of Arab Poetry Forums held across Africa, showcasing Sharjah’s cultural efforts to:
- Strengthen the presence of the Arabic language.
- Encourage poets and literary talent.
- Foster interaction between creatives from Africa and the Arab world.
These initiatives aim to promote Arabic poetry as a means of communication and rapprochement among diverse peoples and cultures.
Key Highlights:
- The forum was attended by Sarah Nyirath, Minister of Culture, Heritage and National Museums of South Sudan.
- Other notable attendees included members of the Shura Council of the Islamic Council, General Secretariat of the National Islamic Council, Dr Mohammed Gai (President of the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan), university professors, intellectuals, and writers.
- The Minister of Culture praised Sharjah's role in supporting Arabic culture and poetry across Africa, highlighting these initiatives as a bridge for cultural communication and a platform for young talents.
- She emphasized the strong ties between the United Arab Emirates and South Sudan, advocating for continued cooperation in cultural and knowledge fields to develop the literary scene and promote Arabic language.
- Dr Mohammed Gai expressed gratitude for Sharjah’s support of Arabic poetry in South Sudan, emphasizing the forum's impact on the local literary scene.
He noted that the theme 'Sharjah’s planting bears poetry and authenticity in Africa' reflects the growing presence of poetry and the Arabic language in South Sudan.