Mohammed bin Rashid is the inspiring literary figure for the poets of the Silk Road.

In an international literary tribute that reflects his distinguished cultural and leadership standing, the World Silk Road Forum announced the selection of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as the "Inspiring Literary Figure of the Silk Road Poets."

This selection comes in recognition of his unique cultural vision that has transformed Dubai into a vibrant global hub and a cultural bridge linking East and West, inspired by the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, but with a contemporary Emirati flair.

Dubai to host the fifth edition of the Silk Road Poetry Festival In a move that is unprecedented in the Arab world, the forum announced that Dubai has been selected to host the fifth edition of the Silk Road International Poetry Festival, to be held from May 23 to 29. The Grand Awards ceremony will be held at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library on May 27, with the attendance of approximately 50 poets, artists, and painters from around the world. They will visit UAE cultural and tourist attractions, while 20 Chinese media outlets, most notably the People's Daily, will cover the event.

Poetic Creativity Crosses Borders: A Tribute Based on a Rich Literary Experience Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's choice was not spur-of-the-moment, but rather based on a rich literary legacy, as he is considered one of the most prominent figures in Nabati poetry in the Arabian Gulf. His poetry collections are filled with the wisdom of experience and the sincerity of emotion, and his poems reflect a deep human sense that blends the local environment with global concerns. This poetic contribution has contributed to enriching the Arab cultural scene, as his poetry collections have been platforms for expressing ambition, vision, and identity.

Human and literary vision In this context, Professor Wang Fangwen, Chair of the Forum's International Poetry Committee and Editor-in-Chief of World Poets magazine, said, "The Forum seeks to be a platform that brings together culture, arts, technology, and economics to revive the values of the Silk Road in a contemporary context that calls for peace and understanding among peoples."

She emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was chosen for his inspiring humanitarian and poetic values, adding that his personality will grace the magazine's cover, along with a comprehensive study of his poetic experience, including a translation of several of his poems into Chinese.

Artistic characteristics in Mohammed bin Rashid's poetry: the depth of the desert and the warmth of humanity Poets of the World magazine devoted its editorial to an in-depth artistic study of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's style, which is characterized by powerful language and eloquent expressions, along with profound meanings and sincere emotions.

The magazine noted that his poetic images draw inspiration from elements of the Emirati environment, including the desert, sea, and Bedouin culture, integrating them with unparalleled personal wisdom and human depth.

She also highlighted his poems written in praise of his brother and comrade, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that they are poems that exude love, loyalty, and national pride.

Poetry Awards on the Silk Road: Cultural Diversity and Creative Competition This year's festival will feature a selection of the world's leading poets, competing for prestigious awards including:

Golden Camel Award Silver Camel Award Best Poetry Collection Award Poetry and Cinema Awards The best poet from each continent: Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania A group of Emirati poets were also nominated for these awards, and Poets of the World magazine dedicated a profile to their works. Poet Cao Shui described them as "reflecting the high cultural and creative level of the Emirati people... wonderful texts that will open new horizons for cultural cooperation between China and the UAE."

The World Silk Road Forum: A Cultural Platform with a Humanitarian Spirit It is worth noting that the Global Silk Road Forum is an independent non-governmental organization, legally registered in the US state of Delaware and accredited by the Chinese Consulate General in New York. The Forum includes members from various countries, works in cooperation with international organizations such as UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization, and organizes cultural events aimed at promoting international cooperation and understanding between peoples.

The Forum has previously organized poetry festivals in Madrid (2018), Moscow (2019), and China (the third and fourth editions), and this year it has arrived in Dubai, which has become a cultural platform that pulsates with the spirit of the "Silk Road" in its new form.