Abu dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has launched the ‘Poetry Generations Lab’ program, organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre. This new and specialized creative platform is dedicated to discovering and developing emerging talents in the field of Nabati poetry among Emirati citizens aged 14 to 18.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the program aims to prepare a new generation of young poets by engaging them in a training journey supervised by a select group of poets and specialists. This journey will contribute to refining their poetic skills and developing their creative abilities, enabling them to participate in a poetry evening organized as part of the ‘Poetry Nights: The Sung Word’ program. This program is held within the framework of the Al Ain Book Festival, which will take place this year from November 17 to 23 at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: ‘The program reinforces poetry’s position as a prominent component of national cultural identity and ensures its continued presence among new generations by providing an ideal environment that supports their talents and gives them the opportunity to benefit from and learn from the experiences of a select group of poets and specialists. This contributes to building an integrated system that supports promising talents, guides them to present their creations to the public, and allows them to participate in poetry evenings that reflect their abilities and potential.’

The program includes three training workshops held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (September 4-6) at Al Muwaiji Palace in Al Ain. These workshops include practical and applied sessions focused on developing and revising poetic texts, refining creative style, and building each participant’s unique poetic voice. Participants will also receive training in recitation and performance skills before an audience, under the supervision of poet and media personality Ayda bin Masoud and artist Marai Al Halyan.

To enroll in the program, applicants must submit three original poems that have not been previously submitted to any program or competition, with each poem being no less than [number missing in original text]. A poem of eight lines, and participants must commit to attending all workshops and training sessions.