Poetry Committee

Roq Al-Shammari – Iraq (President of the committee)

is a distinguished Nabati poet from Kirkuk, Iraq, with a rich poetic repertoire exceeding 250 poems, both published and unpublished. Her verses are known for their authenticity, emotional depth, and the spirit of the Bedouin heritage. She has a prominent presence on renowned Arab radio stations such as Jordan’s Aman FM and Qatar’s Sawt Al-Khaleej, in addition to being an active voice in Twitter’s poetry spaces for over three years. With more than seven years of experience in poetry critique, she is a respected member of the Iraqi Union of Folk Poets and Writers, recognized for her powerful delivery and mastery of impactful Nabati expression.

Nidhal Ali Hussein Al-Azzawi – Iraq

is an Iraqi writer and poet, and the founder and director of the Women’s League for Innovation and Creativity. She has received numerous Arab literary awards and published several books in Iraq and Egypt, including “Iraqi Flashes” and “Iraqi Chants.” Al-Azzawi has participated in prominent Arab and international poetry festivals in Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, earning honors and accolades. She is a member of the Iraqi Writers and Authors Union and the Raed Center for Media and Strategic Studies. In addition to poetry, she writes short stories and journalistic articles, and currently presents the media program “Voice of Iraq” aired on local Iraqi TV channels.

Alaa Ali Maqbool Hakami – Saudi

widely known as “Abu Haleem,” is a Saudi writer born in the village of Mazharah in 1393 AH. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from King Saud University – Abha Branch. He currently works as a teacher at Mu’adh bin Jabal Secondary School in the city of Jazan. Hakami is an active contributor to both local and online newspapers and maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. His articles are presently published in Majd Al-Watan and Wakeb electronic newspapers.

Raghda Yassin Al-Ali – Syria

is a Syrian writer and retired Arabic language supervisor, born in 1963 and residing in Mezzeh, Damascus. She is a distinguished voice in very short fiction, with three notable collections, including Between Two Souls, winner of the Damascus Literary Award. Her work has been featured in numerous Arab anthologies in both prose and poetry, and published widely across Arab literary magazines and newspapers. She has received multiple national and regional literary awards, and her writings have been included in critical studies. Author Abdul Zahra Amara dedicated a chapter to her in his book Shining Names in the City’s Sky. She currently has unpublished works ready for print in flash fiction and classical Arabic poetry.

Jahez Saif Al-Otaibi – Qatar

is a distinguished Bedouin poet, born in the heart of the Arabian Desert in 1958, at a time when hospitals were scarce — a birth date confirmed and rooted in the oral traditions of the land. Often described as “accused of poetry,” he emerges from the dust of galloping horses, carrying with him the soul of the desert and the legacy of ancient chivalry. His poetic journey began in 1980 with the broadcast of his first poem on Qatar Radio. He later took charge of the poetry section in Al-Ahd Magazine, followed by editorial roles in Al-Raya and Al-Arab newspapers. Al-Otaibi also produced and hosted several poetry programs on Qatar Radio and participated in numerous poetry evenings across Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Mauritania, and Saudi Arabia. With a rich portfolio of songs based on his verses, he continues to engage audiences through his official YouTube channel under the name (Poet Jahez Saif Al-Otaibi), where he shares the enduring essence of authentic Nabati poetry.

Mohammed Belmo – Morocco

is a Moroccan poet and journalist, born in 1964 in Kasbat Bni Ammar Zerhoun. He holds a degree in philosophy and sociology, along with diplomas in journalistic writing techniques from institutions in London and Rabat. With a long career in cultural journalism, he has contributed to numerous Moroccan and Arab newspapers and appeared on various television and radio programs. His published works include several poetry collections and play, such as “The Voice of the Soil”, “The Ashes of Certainty”, and “A Black Button to Kill Spring.”
Since 2004, Belmo has served as Press Officer in the cabinets of several Moroccan Ministers of Culture. He is the founder and director of the Bni Ammar Zerhoun Festival and an active figure in the Moroccan and Arab cultural scene.

Lahdan bin Sabah Al-Kubaisi – Qatar

known by the nickname “Al-Hafeed”, is a Qatari poet and researcher, and a member of the Studies Committee at the Qatar Poetry Center (Diwan Al-Arab). He has previously served as a judge in prestigious competitions such as “Ad Al-Qaseed” and the Katara Prize for the Prophet’s Poet and currently serves as a judge for the University Poet Competition. Al-Kubaisi has produced several radio programs, including “A Story and a Poem” and “Rare Poems,” and has been a regular contributor to the poetry program “Ram‘ah” on Al Rayyan TV since 2013. He has contributed to the compilation of multiple poetry collections and curated the anthology “Al-Qawafi Al-Hissan”, a collection of poems dedicated to Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa. He is also the author of an unpublished work titled “The Meters of Poetry and Al-Khalil’s Prosody.”

Hamda Al Marri Al Muhairi – UAE

is an Emirati poet, media personality, and visual artist from Dubai. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, along with diplomas in Media and Communication, and is a certified international trainer and lecturer.She has published two Nabati poetry collections: “Khafaya Khfooq” under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi (2017), and “Lebest ‘Itrak” (2019). Al Muhairi has participated in prominent poetry festivals such as the Sharjah Festival of Nabati Poetry and Salalah Autumn Festival and was a finalist in Million’s Poet (2020), winning multiple literary awards across the Gulf.As a visual artist, she has showcased her work in exhibitions like “Emirati Expressions” and “Art Tunes”. She has also received recognition from American and British organizations for innovative initiatives such as “Sustainability Ambassadors”, in addition to winning the Emirates Quality Award.With over 500 lectures and workshops delivered across fields such as heritage, poetry, media, sustainability, quality, and creative thinking, she remains a prominent cultural and intellectual figure in the UAE.

Abdulrahman Shaheen Abdulaziz Al-Mudhahkah – Bahrain

is a Bahraini poet and researcher, born in 1958. He specializes in Arabic and folk literature, as well as history. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and a master’s degree in Folk Literature from Cairo University. Al-Mudhahkah has produced and presented numerous radio and television programs focused on heritage and poetry, including Nafh Al-Qawafi and Fi Al-Asr. He has authored several literary and historical works, such as Memories of a Lifetime and The Precious Necklace in the History of Al-Busaiteen. His contributions are distinguished by a strong commitment to documenting poetry and preserving cultural heritage.

Majdi Bin Nadhar Hasan Khashoggi – Saudi

A Saudi poet born in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah in 1382 AH (1962 AD), Khashoggi is considered one of the distinguished poetic voices in contemporary Arabic literature. Since the release of his first collection Banks of Memories in 1402 AH, he has published dozens of poetry books spanning classical and modern styles. Among his most notable works are Fragments of Fragmentation, Signs of the Attar, The Wonders’ Memory, and Pillows of the Soul. Renowned for his prolific output and stylistic diversity, his body of work—exceeding thirty collections—blends contemplative verse, poetic dialogues, and spiritual illuminations.

Matar Saleh Al-Rouqi – Saudi

Matar Saleh Al-Rouqi is a Saudi poet and academic researcher, holding a master’s degree in public administration and currently pursuing his PhD at Cairo University. Known for his distinguished national presence, he has performed poetry at official events before Saudi leaders, including the late King Abdullah and King Salman bin Abdulaziz. He is the founder of the Annual Forum for Poets, Writers, and Media Professionals in the Western Region, and has served as a judge in numerous poetry competitions. His work has been featured in prominent Gulf literary publications, and several of his poems have been the subject of academic critique. His publications include a national poetry collection and an educational book on drug prevention.

Dr. Mohammad Raed Bin Abdul-Majeed Al-Hamdo – Syria

A specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology, Dr. Al-Hamdo was born in 1961 in Al-Maghara village, Jabal Al-Zawiya, Syria. He is also a poet and writer, with a published collection titled From the Memory of the Heart, and an upcoming work titled Shadows, in addition to a children’s educational poetry collection entitled In the Realm of Childhood. His poems and articles have appeared in Syrian and Arab newspapers, and one of his poems is featured in school curricula in both Saudi Arabia and Algeria. He has authored and translated several health education publications, particularly in school health. He received an Islamic award for his research What the Prophetic Message Offered to Women, which has been translated into multiple languages. He dedicates his humanitarian efforts to easing the suffering of patients through both medical and literary contributions.

Ali Molla Nasan – Syria

is a Syrian poet, translator, and educator, born in 1969 in Afrin – Aleppo, currently residing in Oslo, Norway. He holds a degree in French Language and has extensive experience teaching and translating literary texts. Since 2019, he has published poems in various Arab journals and cultural platforms, and released his poetry collection Winding Paths, showcased at the Sharjah and Cairo Book Fairs. In 2023, he translated a Norwegian novel and participated in several translation workshops. Actively engaged in the cultural and musical scene in Oslo, he is known for promoting human consciousness and cross-cultural understanding through poetry and education.

Engineer Tarek Al-Mamoun – Sudan

 is a multifaceted Sudanese figure who bridges engineering, literature, and intellectual thought. He was among the pioneers who significantly contributed to the development of Sudan’s petroleum sector, managing one of its largest oil fields until 2020. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for Sudanese Civilization and History Research. As a poet, critic, and novelist, he has published two poetry collections: Tears of the Poem and Sting of Passion. He is preparing to publish a novel titled The Lame Lion of Umm Jafeel and a philosophical book, The Centrality of the Prophet ﷺ in the Holy Qur’an. His work reflects refined literary style and deep intellectual insight.

Dr. Khaled Al-Mayyas – Jordan

is a Jordanian poet, critic, and academic, born in 1963. He holds a Ph.D. in Arabic language with a specialization in syntax from Al-Balqa Applied University. He currently serves as the Head of the Arabic Language Department at the Faculty of Arts, Jadara University, Jordan.Dr. Mayyas is an active member of several cultural and academic associations, including the Jordanian Writers Association, the International Association of Arabic Departments (Dubai), and the Literary Criticism and Publishing Association (Istanbul). He has delivered lectures and participated in numerous academic conferences both locally and regionally and has presented poetic and cultural sessions at major Jordanian universities, including the University of Jordan, Yarmouk University, Al al-Bayt University, Jerash University, and Zarqa University.His scholarly contributions span linguistic and literary research, with notable works such as his poetry collection Balconies of Longing, and critical publications including Prosody and Poetic Rhythm and Quranic Readings: A Linguistic Study. Several of his works are included in academic curricula and peer-reviewed journals. He remains deeply committed to promoting the Arabic language and advancing scientific literary and linguistic research.

Malika Talib – Morocco

is a Moroccan poet, author of two poetry collections: “Hadeeth Al-Wijdan” and “Abq Al-Jullanar”. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic literature and a Diploma in Educational Sciences from Hassan II University. She previously held a senior position at Morocco Post and currently serves as the Financial Director of the Center for Creativity and Sustainable Development in Casablanca. She was awarded the National Order of Merit (First Class) by the King of Morocco and has received honors from prominent Arab figures. Active in numerous literary and cultural associations across the Arab world, she has participated in and been honored at national and international forums.

Mohamed Kalim Mzee – Comoros

born in 1968 on Grande Comore Island in the Union of the Comoros, is a distinguished academic researcher and diplomat. He holds a master’s degree in philosophy and Islamic Creed from the European Institute of Human Sciences in Paris and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same field. With extensive practical experience, he has held several prominent diplomatic positions, including serving as the Personal Representative of the Head of State and as Minister of State for Relations with the Arab and Islamic World. In addition, he is a writer and poet with several publications and has been serving as a Roving Ambassador for the Union of the Comoros since 2010.

Mohammed Ahmed Abdulqader Qashqari – Saudi

is a Saudi poet, born in Madinah in 1960.He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature.He has published six literary works, mainly in poetry and prose.Among his notable poetry collections are Last Moon and Gardens of Longing.His poetic style is heartfelt, tender, and expressive.He is preparing to release his upcoming poetry book titled Free Roses.