ALHOSN University's Reading Club hosts lecture by ADTA adviser Dr. Mohamed Weld Abdi on the future of poetry

September 30, 2013: ALHOSN University's Reading Club recently welcomed poet and critic Dr. Mohamed Weld Abdi, an adviser for the Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture, who delivered a lecture on ‘The Future of Poetry in the World: Towards a Digital Horizon.'

Dr. Abdi gave a brief history of Arabic literature and explained the major impact that the dawning of the digital age has had on the development of poetry.  He also talked about the growing trend among young people to make ‘digital poems' which he said can be of great help in maintaining interest in poetry among youths and empower them to express their thoughts and concerns.

The event was attended by H.E. Prof. Munther Momany, Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University; Dr. Adel Khleifi, Academic Provost; Dr. Mohamed Kashef, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research; Dr. Khalid Hayari, Dean of Student Affairs; Dr. Mohammed Said Hasab Elnabi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the supervisor of the Reading Club; and Dr. Hassan Al-Samerrai, Associate Professor in Education. A number of faculty members, staff and students were also present.

“Poetry is one of the highest forms of literary art. It allows humanity to express its deepest thoughts and voice all its hope and dreams. It is a practice and a passion that we must preserve and uplift among our youths. We appreciate Dr. Abdi's efforts to share the wonders of poetry to a new generation and show how modern facets of life such as digitization can help bring a better understanding and appreciation of literary works,” said Dr. Mohamed Saeed, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ALHOSN University.

Prior to the event, Dr. Elnabi guested in Abu Dhabi TV's ‘From Abu Dhabi' program to discuss the various activities of ALHOSN University's Reading Club which has been active since 2010. He shared the club's vision of hosting intellectuals, writers, poets, those interested in heritage and history, and talented kids and adults. He also touched on the future of poetry, saying that poetry is one of the finest creations of humanity. He particularly lauded the meaning, imagination, morality and creativity conveyed by Arab poetry. Dr. Elnabi added that today's writers have to contend with a younger generation that is generally disinterested with poetry. He said that the Reading Club is trying to revive interest in poetry and reading and writing in general.

Dr. Abdi's talk was followed by spritited discussions where Prof. Momany aired his concerns over the protection of the Intellectual Property Rights of poets on the internet, explaining that texts can be easily added or deleted to uploaded works and thus compromise original versions. He called for new safeguards for literary works and also compared the development of poetry to the historical evolution of architecture.

Prof. Djamal Eddin Laouisset from the College of Business also discussed the important role being played by the UAE in collecting and preserving literary and poetic heritage and presenting it to today's readers.

Prof. Momany presented Dr. Abdi a plaque of appreciation from ALHOSN University for his valuable contributions to the literary arts at the end of the session. The Reading Club also gave Dr. Abdi a Certificate of Appreciation for enriching its activities.