Farasan, January 12, 2025 – The Farasan Islands have once again become a focal point for cultural exchange and literary celebration as the fourth annual Farasan Poetry Forum kicked off yesterday. Hosted by the esteemed Literature Association in partnership with the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, the event has quickly become a significant fixture in the Kingdom's cultural calendar. The inauguration of the forum was presided over by the Governor of the Farasan Islands, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Dhafiri, who expressed his pride in the event's continued success and growing prominence.
In his opening speech, Abdullah Muftah, CEO of the Literature Association, underscored the forum’s evolving role as an essential cultural event that not only showcases the richness of Arabic poetry but also contributes to the growth of the Farasan Islands' tourism sector. He highlighted the forum’s ability to draw attention to the unique cultural and historical assets of the islands, which provide an unparalleled backdrop for such an event.
The Farasan Islands, with their rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, serve as an ideal setting for the forum. This year, the event has attracted more than 40 poets, writers, and intellectuals from 15 Arab countries, making it a truly international celebration of the Arabic literary tradition. The diverse participation underscores the growing significance of the forum as a platform for cultural exchange among the Arab world’s literary elite.
Spanning three days, the Farasan Poetry Forum offers a wide array of activities designed to engage both the local community and visitors from across the globe. These include poetry recitals, literary discussions, and exhibitions that highlight the region’s rich cultural traditions. The opening day of the forum featured 14 poets, each presenting their work in three engaging sessions, which captivated an enthusiastic audience of literature lovers and intellectuals.
In addition to the poetry sessions, the forum also celebrates the region’s visual arts and craftsmanship. Exhibitions showcasing fine arts and traditional handicrafts native to the Farasan Islands offer a glimpse into the local artisans' creativity and the cultural legacy of the archipelago. The event is further enriched by performances from the Folk Arts Troupe, whose performances highlight the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of the islands, blending music, dance, and traditional storytelling.
As the forum progresses, it continues to underscore the importance of the Farasan Islands not only as a cultural hub but also as a growing destination for tourism and intellectual engagement. The Farasan Poetry Forum is now firmly established as a symbol of the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and preserving the rich literary traditions of the Arab world. By offering a platform for both established and emerging poets, the forum plays a crucial role in advancing the literary landscape of the Arab region while fostering greater appreciation for the cultural diversity that exists across the Kingdom.
This year’s event is a testament to the Farasan Islands’ rising cultural stature, where the poetic arts, local heritage, and intellectual exchange converge to create an unforgettable experience for all involved.
