DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has been named the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets by the World Silk Road Forum. The announcement was made ahead of the fifth edition of the Silk Road International Poetry Festival, taking place in Dubai from 23 to 29 May.
This marks the first time an Arab city will host the prestigious literary event, reflecting Dubai’s rising status as a global cultural bridge between East and West. The festival will feature over 50 poets, artists, and painters, with events and visits scheduled across the UAE, including key landmarks like the Museum of the Future, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The award recognises Sheikh Mohammed’s enduring literary legacy, notably his works in Nabati poetry. His volumes, including Flashes of Verse, 40 Poems from the Desert, and For the Love of Horses, are admired for their emotional depth and vivid cultural imagery drawn from Emirati heritage.
Professor Wang Fangwen, Chair of the Poetry Committee, stated that the forum sees Dubai as a modern embodiment of the Silk Road spirit. He added that Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership has positioned culture as a core pillar of the city’s development, making him an inspiration for poets worldwide.
World Poets magazine, published by the forum, will feature Sheikh Mohammed on its cover with selected poems translated into Chinese. Emirati poet Adel Khozam has also been named co-chair of the festival.
With cultural diplomacy at its heart, the festival is expected to deepen literary ties between China and the UAE and highlight the UAE’s creative achievements on an international platform.
