Abu Dhabi: In celebration of the World Arabic Language Day, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) – part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Institut Français in the UAE, and the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris (IMA), join hands to host the Poetry Night 2021, along with Louvre Abu Dhabi (LAD), Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD). Taking place on 18th of December 2021 at the LAD from 7 to 9pm, the event will offer audiences a mesmerizing experience that blends performing and visual arts with poetry.

Poetry Night has been organized by the IMA in France and 15 Arab countries since 2016. It is an emblematic night that promotes dialogue, tolerance and celebrates the beauty of languages. Taking place this year in the UAE capital, the event as part of the ongoing collaboration between the IMA and ALC. The agreement signed between both entities in November 2021, represents one of the most significant milestones that solidify the cultural ties between both countries and is aimed at consolidating efforts to reinforce the Arabic language’s position on the global cultural map, promoting the International Certificate of Proficiency in Arabic (CIMA), and strengthening collaboration across other cultural areas. The Poetry Night presents an opportunity to celebrate these cultural and historic ties between France and the UAE by showcasing their creativity and rich linguistic and artistic scenes.

H.E Xavier Chatel, Ambassador of France to the United Arab Emirates, declared: “What a beautiful celebration of arts and languages at Louvre Abu Dhabi – an emblematic institution of inter-cultural dialogue. It will be a moment of great beauty, thanks to the cooperation between the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and the Institut français in the United Arab Emirates, but especially thanks to presence of the poets, musicians, and visual artists”.

HE Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC, said: “A cultural and artistic event of this kind plays an important role in gathering innovators and creative minds from various disciplines and countries under one roof, in one diverse and unique artistic melting pot, to promote cultural synergy and open up new prospects for direct communication with inspiring displays that blend poetry with other modern artforms.”

“Poetry Night is one of the many aspects of the cultural collaboration that marks the recent partnership agreement between the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the Paris-based ‘Institut du Monde Arabe’, which aims to celebrate the Arabic language and demonstrate its aesthetic and agile properties,” HE Bin Tamim added. “The agenda moving forward includes many landmark events under this constructive partnership, all of which are geared towards advancing the Arabic language on the world stage as a language of culture, science, and creativity, and promoting its use in every field.”

Manuel Rabaté, Director of LAD, said: “We are proud to host this evening of poetry, language and art among our esteemed peers at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Telling the stories of our world in Arabic, and through poetry, speaks to the rich heritage of this artform, the poetic prowess of the language and its continued celebration through the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the Institut du Monde Arabe partnership. Tonight, we celebrate the beauty of Arabic language across many cultures and through the talents of many artistic disciplines in a museum whose mission is to tell stories of cultural connections.”

Prof Silvia Serrano, Vice-Chancellor of SUAD, commented: “Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is glad to participate in this year’s edition of “La Nuit de la Poésie” which is dedicated to travel and cross-cultural exchange. This theme echoes the university’s motto « A bridge between civilizations ». It is a significant event especially for our students, who wrote poems in three languages (French, English and Arabic) under the leadership of the French Studies Department. These poems reflect their personal experiences, imagination and their desire to share beyond any borders and ages.”

Poetry Night 2021 will feature a mix of poetry, rap, music, and visual arts performances, offering the public an immersive experience with the theme of travel, in a journey around the world celebrating the history of cultural connections.

With the artists Amal Alsahlawi, Sherine Tohamy, Rohan Houssein, Kaspar Ravel, and students from the Department of French Studies at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Aysha Alblooshi, Alyazia Alharmodi, Malick Traoré, Aziz Diop, Mariam Alhosani , Aisha Alaleeli, and Shahd Talaat.

This event has limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, to attend the event, please register through the website.  -ENDS-