Poetry Nights Majlis – Hall 8
In a vibrant celebration of heritage, the evening "The Folk Voices” brings together rhythm and word, evoking oral performance arts that have shaped the soul of communities across generations. From the Al-Shallat, which express pride and belonging, to the Al-Tareej, which reveals the secrets of love and longing, and finally to the Al-Ridh, with its collective energy and unique social interaction, these arts represent a mirror to the heartbeat of the people and an oral record of their daily stories and aspirations.
The evening features performers and poets who reintroduce these authentic forms in a way that preserves their essence while giving them a fresh presence in contemporary memory. It is a moment of convergence between voice and identity, where folk performance becomes more than just art—it transforms into a living narrative of culture and belonging.
Poet and Al-Wannah Performer
Ahmed Salem Balabda Al-Shamsi is a prominent Emirati poet from the city of Al Ain, considered one of the pioneers of the Tighrooda art, a form of traditional Bedouin poetry that is performed orally and reflects the life and culture of the Bedouins. He has participated in television programs specialized in poetry, such as the show Majlis Al Shuwaara, where he presented his poems and spoke about his poetic journey. His works highlight his commitment to preserving the Emirati heritage and passing it on to future generations.
Taghrooda Poet
Media Professional and Heritage Researcher