Poetry Nights Majlis – Hall 8
In this session, we will showcase the "Scientific Encyclopedia of Nabati Poetry" authored by Dr Ghassan Al Hasan, highlighting the significance of this work in documenting Nabati poetry in all its aspects. Dr Al-Hassan will discuss the history of Nabati poetry, its origins, and its evolution, as well as the specific meters and rhythms that define this poetic form. The session will focus on the challenges the author faced in gathering and documenting information, as well as the encyclopedia's role in enriching studies and research related to this popular art form.
In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.
Author and Poet
Dr Ghassan Al Hassan is a prominent Jordanian poet and writer of Palestinian descent, born in 1944. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Arabic language and literature from Ain Shams University in Cairo, then pursued his graduate studies, earning a master's and a PhD in Arabic literature. He began his professional career as an Arabic language teacher in secondary schools in Jordan, Libya, and the UAE, before moving to work in the Ministry of Information and Culture in Abu Dhabi, where he held the position of Head of the Publishing and Writing Department and Deputy Director of the Cultural Affairs Department.
Since 2006, Dr Al-Hassan has served as the Advisor for Popular Literature at the Poetry Academy of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. He was also a member of the judging committee for the Poet of the Million program. Among his prominent works is the Encyclopedia of Nabati Poetry, which is considered an important reference in this field, in addition to several other publications and research on popular heritage and Nabati poetry.
Dr Ghassan Al Hassan is regarded as one of the leading researchers in the field of popular heritage and Nabati poetry and has made significant contributions to preserving and documenting this cultural heritage.
Media Professional
Aref Omar is a prominent Emirati media figure, writer, and trainer specializing in cultural and poetic media. He has held several important positions, including Director of Program Development at the Arabic Poetry Academy and Head of the Program Development Unit at the Committee for the Management of Cultural and Heritage Festivals and Programs in Abu Dhabi.
One of his most notable contributions to cultural media is his preparation and presentation of distinguished poetry programs such as Poet of the Million and Prince of Poets, which are among the most significant Arabic programs dedicated to poetry. He has also served as the producer and presenter of the Al-Maghani program and participated in numerous other media outlets.
Aref Omar has received several prestigious awards, including the Cairo Radio and Television Festival Award and the Gulf Radio and Television Festival Award. He is well-known for his writings that address media and motivation topics and has a strong presence on social media.
Aref Omar is considered one of the influential figures in the cultural and media scene of the UAE and has played a vital role in the development of cultural and poetic programs in the region.