Damascus, August 02 (QNA) – The inaugural Damascus International Festival of Arabic Poetry kicked off Sunday at the Damascus Opera House.

Held under the theme “Poetry Begins in Damascus”, the event features broad Qatari and Arab participation, alongside 55 poets, writers, and lecturers from 16 Arab nations.

Running until Aug. 7, 2026, the festival has shed light on Qatari innovation and paid homage to Qatari poet and writer Dr. Hassan Ali Al Nimah in recognition of his instrumental intellectual and diplomatic career.

Also recognized was Qatari media figure and poet Ali Al Masoudi, amid great Arab pageantry celebrating the State of Qatar’s cultural footprint in this global forum.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammad Yassin Saleh said the festival likewise recognizes top-rung artistic phalanxes, including Kuwaiti poet Dr. Suad Al Sabah, Saudi critic Dr. Abdullah Al Ghathami, Kuwaiti poet Dr. Mishal Al Zaabi, Lebanese poet Chawki Bzai, and Syrian critic Dr. Khaldoun Al Shammaa, for their unwavering intellectual and humanitarian contributions.

The festival’s program features poetry evenings, intellectual seminars, artistic and musical performances, and critical lectures, alongside cultural and sightseeing tours introducing guests to Damascus’ historical and civilizational landmarks. (QNA)