Poetry is the oldest art in the Emirates. Long before books, history, news and family pride travelled as spoken verse, composed to be recited and passed down by memory. That's why poetry here is a live tradition: it's chanted at weddings, exchanged at camel races and quoted in daily conversation.
Here's the tradition explained and where to hear, read and browse it today.
Nabati is the people's poetry of the region. Composed in everyday spoken Arabic rather than the classical form, so anyone could understand it, memorise it and pass it on. Poems praised leaders, settled arguments, mourned losses and sent messages, and reciting them well is still a respected skill. You'll hear Nabati verse at national celebrations and cultural festivals across Abu Dhabi.
Tahgrouda is poetry composed on the move: short improvised verses chanted by riders crossing the desert, answered back and forth between two groups like a duel of rhyme. Riders believed the rhythm helped their camels walk in time. The themes are courage, generosity, praise and satire, and messages to loved ones, and the form is passed down through families and community elders.
Today you'll hear Tahgrouda at weddings, campfires and national festivities, and especially at camel races, its natural home. Women composed and chanted too, traditionally while working together.
What is Nabati poetry?
The traditional poetry of the Gulf, composed in everyday spoken Arabic rather than classical Arabic so it could be understood, memorised and passed on by anyone. It's still recited at celebrations across the UAE.
What literary events happen in Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair each year, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, and year-round readings and poetry evenings at the Cultural Foundation.
What is Tahgrouda?
A chanted travelling poetry from the UAE: short improvised verses exchanged between riders crossing the desert, believed to help their camels walk in time. You can still hear it at camel races, weddings and national festivities.
Are there public libraries in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, across the city and Al Ain, including the Children's Library at the Cultural Foundation. Most are free to enter.
