Arabic Poetry is Alive at Rooftop Rhythms in the UAE

If you’ve got an itching to express yourself in limericks and rhymes, then Rooftop Rhythms is the place to go. Founded almost 3 years ago by Dorian “Paul D” Rogers, Rooftop Rhythms welcomes poets, singers and musicians of all ages every month at The Space at twofour54, a cultural venue and social hub in Abu Dhabi that is dedicated to building a sense of a cultural and entrepreneurial environment in the city.

The show has become so successful it is now hosted by MBC3 producer Haifa Beisesso, and is supported by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF). Better yet, this year (in March) marked the first time Rooftop Rhythms hosted an all-Arabic poetry open mic night, which also included live traditional Arabic music. It was the first event of its kind in the UAE.

“Even with all the success of Rooftop Rhythms, it is still Western-oriented with the majority of attendees from the United States. Arab poets and attendees still make a big part of our show. I noticed that these Arabic-speaking poets chose to perform in English since most attendees do not speak Arabic. Arabic-speaking poets deserve a platform to share their works in their native tongue while showing non-Arabic speakers the beauty of their language and culture. It is one way of giving back to a country that has welcomed me with open arms”, Rogers said about the new event.

Are you as excited about the Arabic night at Rooftop Rhythms as we are? Let us know in the comments below, and spread the word about this awesome event!