Beginning on 17th October 2011, Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtain Foundation hosted a 3 day International Poetry Conference in Dubai, “Poetry for Peaceful Co-existence”. UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the opening session of the “Poetry for Peaceful Co-existence” Forum held at Dubai Festival City.
What a treat it was! Good English translation work, receptive audience, fine verse from international poets and many awards. What a great gesture by Mr. Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtain to have created this splendid organization where poets and writers shook hands and discussed poetry and literature for hours for the sake of promoting dialogue between civilizations. The overall arrangements and hospitality will be remembered by those who attended the meet. And those who missed should pursue the event in the coming year.
Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtain Foundation has been established by a prominent Kuwaiti poet and businessman who is well-respected in Kuwait, the Gulf area and the Arab world for his dynamism. The founder – Mr. Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtain’s first book of poems,
Bauhel-Bawadi (Intimations of the Deserts) was published in 1995. And his second collection,
Mosafer Fil-Qefar (Wastefarer) was published in 2004. Mr. Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtain constantly delivers lectures and participates in great number of seminars.
Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtain Foundation has worked with foresight and fully financed the activities of the organization. There is an annual prize of U.S. $100,000 to restore the genuine cultural bridges between the Arab Nations and the recently independent Asian Islamic states. Al Babtain's Central Library for Arabic Poetry in Kuwait was established in Jan, 6 2002 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed, Emir of Kuwait.
Geeta Chhabra
