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Arabian Poetry to Go
for a Camel Ride Again

ABU DHABI — The camel is at the heart of Arabian poetry, used not only as the subject of a poem, but often as a form of introduction or metaphor.

The attributes of a perfect camel are described in order to introduce the bravery and manhood of its rider, who becomes the central character in the poem. In other cases, praising the qualities of a camel is, in fact, like singing paeans to the beauty of a woman.

As the nomadic way of life came to an end in Arabia, the Nabati verses describing the camel also declined, but a new revival is now planned.

A new poetry competition was announced recently by the Poetry Academy in Abu Dhabi, to select the most creative, beautiful and musical poems about camels.

The competition will be launched during Mazayin Dhafra Festival, the annual camel beauty show that takes place on the outskirts of Zayed City in Abu Dhabi’s Al Gharbia, from December 23 to January 1.

According to Poetry Academy Director Sultan Al Amimi, the competition is a major support for strengthening the relationship between Nabati and inherited poetry, as well as the local heritage in its different forms.

“It aims to bring camel-portrayal poetry back to the forefront as one of the known and important Nabati poetry aspirations,” said Al Amimi.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com

The competition is open to anyone above 18 years old, regardless of nationality. All entry poems must abide by the Nabati poetry rules of balancing verses and rhymes, as well as following a standard Arabian musical pattern. Submitted poems must have not less than 20 lines and a maximum of 30.

The deadline for entries is December 26 and the winners will be announced during the closing ceremony of Dhafra Festival.

The competition’s prizes are a Range Rover for the first place, Dh100,000 for the second, Dh90,000 for the third, Dh80,000 for the fourth, and Dh70,000 for the fifth.

The top winner will get a chance to recite his poem in the “Million’s Poet” evening programme, which will be 
aired on both Abu Dhabi and Million’ Poet TV channels