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Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi
Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi

Al-Babtain poetry awards honor creative Arab poets

KUWAIT: Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation kicked off the activities of the 19th edition of the Poetry Creativity Awards ceremony, held at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, honoring the creative poets and critics who have won the foundation’s awards.

During his opening speech, Representative of His Highness the Amir, Minister of Information and Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi said the celebration reflects the greatness of Arabic literature. He added that the visionary perspective of Al-Babtain Foundation went beyond words, becoming a comprehensive project that upholds the Arabic language, strengthens its presence, and reinforces the values of cultural dialogue and human communication.

The award winners for this year’s prestigious poetry awards were announced, with several notable recipients recognized for their outstanding contributions. Dr Khalifah Al-Wugayan of Kuwait received the Poetry Excellence Award, valued at $100,000. The Poetry Critique Award was shared by Dr Ahmed Al-Joua of Tunisia and Dr Wahab Roumia of Syria, each receiving $40,000 as part of the $80,000 prize. The Best Poetry Collection Award went to Algerian poet Latifa Hassani, who was awarded $40,000. Egyptian poet Abdul Moneim Al-Oqbi won the Best Poem Award, receiving $20,000. Lastly, the Best Young Poet Collection Award was given to Palestinian poet Jaafar Hajjawi, who also received $20,000.

Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Saud Al-Babtain expressed his appreciation to His Highness the Amir for his kind patronage of the 19th session of the foundation’s awards.

Al-Babtain recalled the legacy of the late poet Abdulaziz Al-Babtain, highlighting his contributions to poetry and the Arabic language, his humanitarian efforts, dedication, and enlightened vision. During the ceremony, Al-Babtain announced doubling the prize amounts in recognition of the poets’ efforts and in honor of this exceptional session named after the late poet Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain.

He also invited Abdulaziz Al-Surayaa, a close companion of the late Abdulaziz Al-Babtain, to deliver a speech on behalf of the foundation, in acknowledgment of his efforts, support, and dedication to the late poet. In his speech, Al-Surayaa shared heartfelt words about his late colleague, recounting moments

from their meetings, the late poet’s contributions, and his commitment to promoting culture and

highlighting the role of poets and intellectuals. The award-winning poet, Dr Al-Wugayan, who received the honorary award for his contributions to enriching the Arabic poetry movement, delivered a speech on behalf of the winners.

He expressed his gratitude to the foundation and for being recognized by such distinguished

institution with a unique Arab and global imprint in the fields of culture, literature, and poetry. This edition will also include panel discussions and cultural seminars addressing issues related

to poetry and literary creativity, featuring several academics and critics participants. The event will continue for three days, and will offer valuable opportunities for the exchange of insights and experiences among individuals interested in Arabic poetry. — KUNA

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By Nermin Al-Houti Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, the 19th edition of the Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain Foundation’s Poetic Creativity Awards was held in mid-December. The event, named the “Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain Session,” featu...
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