Silk Road Poetry Festival Dubai 2025 Honors Sheikh Mohammed

In a momentous cultural development, Dubai has been selected to host the fifth edition of the Silk Road International Poetry Festival, marking a historic milestone as the first Arab city to welcome this prestigious gathering. Alongside this announcement, the World Silk Road Forum has named His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets. This honor is a testament to his unparalleled influence in promoting literature and poetry rooted in Emirati tradition while advancing global cultural dialogue. His Highness’s poetic contributions, especially in the field of Nabati verse, have inspired generations and bridged cultures, echoing the Silk Road’s ancient spirit in a modern form.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid: A Literary Visionary

The selection of Sheikh Mohammed as the Inspirational Literary Figure highlights his exceptional efforts in turning Dubai into an international cultural epicenter. His literary voice has become a beacon of national pride, creative expression, and human emotion. Through his writings, he has successfully embedded Emirati values into the universal language of poetry, thereby reinforcing Dubai’s role as a bridge between East and West.

A revered figure in Nabati poetry, Sheikh Mohammed’s works are characterized by eloquent language, deep philosophical reflection, and a sincere emotional tone. His poems resonate with themes that range from love and national pride to perseverance and leadership. His poetic contributions are a cultural treasure trove that blends tradition with modern thought, making him a truly inspirational figure for poets around the world.

A Cultural Milestone for the Arab World

The announcement of Dubai as the host city for the fifth edition of the Silk Road International Poetry Festival, scheduled to take place from May 23 to 29, 2025, represents a significant cultural victory. This move not only recognizes the city’s vibrant literary scene but also celebrates its growing status as a global cultural capital. The award ceremony will be hosted on May 27 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, a symbolic location that reflects the emirate’s strong commitment to literature and intellectual discourse.

The festival will feature an array of events including poetry readings, art exhibitions, critical discussions, and the prestigious awards ceremony. Around 50 poets, artists, and painters from across the globe will participate, exploring iconic cultural and tourist sites in Dubai and the wider UAE. These include landmarks like the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and several renowned art museums.

Media Spotlight and Global Recognition

This edition of the festival will enjoy extensive international media coverage, with over 20 major Chinese media outlets in attendance, including the prominent People’s Daily. Such widespread attention underscores the importance of the festival on a global scale and positions Dubai as a nucleus for intercultural artistic exchange.

The involvement of major Chinese media also highlights the UAE’s increasing importance in China’s cultural diplomacy efforts. The coverage will not only amplify the event’s significance but also spotlight Sheikh Mohammed’s literary contributions to a worldwide audience, further cementing his status as an international literary figure.

Exploring Sheikh Mohammed’s Poetic Legacy

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has made a lasting impact on the world of poetry with a diverse collection of literary works that explore deep national, cultural, and emotional themes. One of his most significant works is the 2018 collection titled Zayed, which contains 87 poems honoring the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. This collection underscores Sheikh Zayed’s vision and values, which remain foundational to the Emirati identity.

His earlier collection, Flashes of Verse (2014), includes 52 poetic excerpts in both Arabic and English, covering universal themes such as love, hardship, triumph, and the intricacies of human experience. Another notable work, 40 Poems from the Desert (2011), also bilingual, captures Sheikh Mohammed’s deep love for the UAE’s natural landscape and heritage. These verses are deeply rooted in Bedouin tradition and reflect a unique blend of national pride and refined poetic sensibility.

In addition to these, For the Love of Horses reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s deep passion for equestrianism. This collection explores the nobility, strength, and spirit of horses—a theme that symbolizes endurance, leadership, and freedom. His poetry continues to inspire readers both in the Arab world and internationally, offering a literary mirror of the values and history of the UAE.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance of Dubai’s Selection

Professor Wang Fangwen, Chair of the Poetry Committee at the World Silk Road Forum, emphasized that the choice of Dubai as host city extends beyond logistical considerations. He stated that the decision was rooted in symbolic and cultural dimensions. According to Professor Wang, the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a global symbol of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and cultural diversity.

He also credited Sheikh Mohammed’s civilizational vision for Dubai’s transformation into a modern hub that mirrors the Silk Road’s core values—cultural exchange, economic connectivity, and mutual understanding. Through literature and the arts, Dubai exemplifies how modern cities can embody ancient legacies while forging paths for future collaboration.

International Poetic Collaboration and Recognition

Poet Cao Shui, Vice Chair of the Forum’s International Poetry Committee and CEO of the Silk Road Poets Union, announced that the festival’s events would extend across multiple venues throughout Dubai and the UAE. These include cultural institutions and iconic landmarks, further integrating poetry with the city’s physical and intellectual landscape.

Among the many highlights of this edition is the appointment of Emirati poet Adel Khozam as the festival’s co-chair. A prominent literary voice in the Gulf region, Khozam has played a key role in promoting Chinese poetry and cultural exchange, notably during Expo 2020. His collaborative efforts, including the Manseerah epic poem written with Chinese poets and the Tree of World Poetry project, reflect a shared literary vision that bridges continents and civilizations.

Prestigious Awards and International Competition

This year’s edition of the Silk Road Poetry Festival features a wide range of international awards that highlight poetic excellence across different regions. These include the coveted Golden Camel and Silver Camel Awards, as well as honors for Best International Poet, Best Asian Poet, Best African Poet, Best European Poet, Best American Poet, Best Oceanian Poet, and Best Poetry Collection. Additionally, a special Poetry and Film Award will be presented, celebrating the intersection of cinematic storytelling and poetic expression.

A number of Emirati poets have received nominations for these esteemed awards, further underscoring the UAE’s thriving literary scene. The upcoming issue of World Poets magazine will include a dedicated section featuring selected poems by these nominated Emirati poets, showcasing the richness and diversity of contemporary Emirati verse.

Cao Shui expressed admiration for the literary quality of the submissions, stating that they reflect the high cultural and creative standards of the Emirati people. He noted that the event represents a new chapter in cultural cooperation between the UAE and China, fostering poetic and artistic exchange on a global scale.

World Poets Magazine and Sheikh Mohammed’s Literary Recognition

In conjunction with the festival, World Poets magazine—published by the Silk Road Forum—will feature Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on its cover. The issue will contain an in-depth study of his poetic works and literary journey, along with several of his poems translated into Chinese. The magazine’s editorial provides a comprehensive analysis of Sheikh Mohammed’s artistic style, emphasizing his use of powerful imagery, eloquent language, and sincere emotion drawn from the Emirati landscape and heritage.

His poetry, often infused with wisdom and deep human insight, has served as both a personal expression and a public discourse. Whether honoring the leadership of his brother, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, or celebrating the essence of Emirati identity, Sheikh Mohammed’s verses articulate a vision of unity, resilience, and cultural pride.

Legacy of the Silk Road in a Modern Emirati Spirit

The World Silk Road Forum, which organizes the festival, is an independent, non-governmental organization registered in Delaware, USA, and recognized by the Chinese Consulate in New York. It aims to promote global cooperation across culture, technology, and economy through events like the Silk Road Poetry Festival. Partnering with major global institutions such as UNESCO, UNWTO, and the World Internet Conference. The Forum brings together cultural leaders from around the world to revive the values of the Silk Road in a modern context.

Since its inception, the festival has traveled across global cultural capitals—Madrid in 2018, Moscow in 2019, and China in the following years. With Dubai now joining this illustrious list, the event continues to reinforce the unifying power of poetry and literature.