Dubai: The 14th edition of The Poetic Heart just concluded, marking another resounding success in the realm of poetry, music, and intercultural exchange in Dubai. This year’s event continued to inspire positive change, nurture meaningful connections, and promote shared values.
The event kicked off on the first day at the prestigious Zabeel Ladies Club, which was elegantly transformed for the occasion with banquet-style round tables and classic linen covers, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the poets and the audience. Over the course of 14 editions, the symposium has witnessed poems recited in more than 16 languages. This year’s edition featured Pashto and Uzbek recitations for the very first time, reflecting the growing global diversity of the event.
The stage was graced by distinguished poets from around the world. Among the notable participants were Dr. Saeeda Khatir Hassan from Oman, Idris Mears and Mark Feddis from the UK, Afghan poet Nafisa Khushnasib Ghazanfar, Dr. Mohammed Badran from Egypt, Dr. Shihab Ghanem and Ms. Najat Al Dhaheri from the UAE, as well as Kamlesh Bhatt Kamal and Hasseena Begum from India. Also featured were poems by the late Japanese poet laureate Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, whose work continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
A unique feature of The Poetic Heart is the synergy between poetry and music, which creates a rich and immersive sensory experience. On the first day, the audience was treated to performances by renowned guitarist and producer Kamal Musallam, as well as Guinness World Record holder for the most languages sung in a concert Sucheta Satish, who sang in Japanese, Arabic and Indi. A highlight of the evening was the performance by Naseem, SGI Gulf’s in-house choir. Since its debut in 2014, Naseem has been an integral part of the event, performing compositions centred around themes of peace, hope, and unity. The choir’s rendition of Ekla Chalo—a song composed by the legendary Rabindranath Tagore—was particularly moving, serving as a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can overcome any obstacle.
For the first time in The Poetic Heart’s history, a book compilation of poems from students and the notable poets titled The Luminaries of Verse was published. This heartfelt tribute to the poets who participated in this year’s edition serves as a lasting record of their contributions. In addition to this, each poet was presented with a trophy as recognition of their talent and participation.
The second day of the event continued to build on the spirit of creativity and unity, with 900 students from 48 schools attending the event at the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF). The young participants had the opportunity to recite their own poems and perform songs, proudly sharing their voices with the audience. Emirati poet Wael Alsayegh also captivated the students with his powerful verses, inspiring them to express themselves with confidence and joy.
This year’s edition also marked an important step in promoting inclusivity, with active participation from students with disabilities. In partnership with Emirates NBD’s CSR initiative, Together Limitless, the event featured poetry and performances by students from organizations such as the Manzil Centre, SNF Development Center, Al Noor Center for Persons with Disabilities, and Merint Determination Center. Their involvement added a heartfelt layer to the event, further embodying the event’s theme of unity and collective progress.
In alignment with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community under the slogan “Hand in Hand,” The Poetic Heart served as a shining example of the UAE’s commitment to fostering a united and empowered community. This national initiative calls for active contributions through volunteering, community service, and impactful initiatives—values that The Poetic Heart has long embodied.
SGI Gulf’s dedication to bringing people together through the vision of poet laureate, philosopher, and peacebuilder Daisaku Ikeda, along with the guidance of renowned poet Dr. Shihab Ghanem, was evident throughout the event. Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure its success, with the joy and enthusiasm of the young participants being the ultimate reward for their efforts.
The Poetic Heart continues to serve as a powerful platform that unites diverse cultures and generations through the universal language of poetry, sparking meaningful conversations and contributing to global dialogue. Through its unique fusion of words and music, the event empowers young voices, nurturing a spirit of harmony and collaboration.
As Dr. Daisaku Ikeda once said, “Poetry enables us to awaken the beauty within us, to rise above our challenges, and to find our true strength.” It’s clear that the youth of The Poetic Heart have truly embraced this idea.
Organized by SGI Gulf in collaboration with major sponsors such as Emirates NBD, Property Finder, Choithrams, Almarai, Confluence Consultants, Al Amanah Legal, and Gourmestan.
