Meet the poets using words to explore identity, culture, and contemporary life, while helping to shape the future of Emirati literature

The UAE’s literary landscape is rich with voices that explore identity, culture, memory and belonging through poetry. From spoken word performances and contemporary storytelling to classical Arabic verse and award-winning literature, these are some of the Emirati poets who continue to shape important cultural conversations. 

Afra Atiq

Since emerging on the public stage in 2015, Afra Atiq has become one of the UAE’s most recognised spoken word poets. Known for her powerful performances and multilingual approach to storytelling, she explores themes of identity, cultural hybridity, belonging and the experiences of a rapidly globalising society. An award-winning Emirati poet, Atiq has performed internationally and appeared at leading institutions and events, including TEDxFujairah and the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre. Beyond her own writing, she is deeply committed to nurturing future talent through workshops and community initiatives. 

Roudha Al Marri

Author, entrepreneur and cultural advocate Roudha Al Marri has built a career around storytelling and cultural exchange. Born and raised in Dubai, she spent years working in the corporate world before pursuing a more creative path. Her best-known work, UAE 101: Stories and Cultural Learnings, co-authored with Italian writer Illaria Caielli, offers readers a thoughtful introduction to life in the Emirates through personal anecdotes, cultural observations and practical insights. The book seeks to foster greater understanding between the many nationalities that call the UAE home. 

Nujoom Al Ghanem

A poet, scriptwriter and internationally acclaimed filmmaker, Nujoom Al Ghanem has spent decades documenting stories from across the Arab world through both literature and cinema. Born in Dubai in 1962, Al Ghanem began her career as a journalist before earning a master’s degree in Media Production from Griffith University in Australia. Alongside publishing poetry collections, she has directed numerous award-winning documentaries and feature films exploring identity, heritage and social change. Her work has earned recognition at major film festivals regionally and internationally, while her appointment to the board of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction further reflects her influence within the region’s literary and cultural communities.

Amal Al Sahlawi

Sharjah-born poet Amal Al Sahlawi began writing poetry at just 16 years old and has since developed a distinctive voice that moves between classical Arabic traditions and contemporary themes. A graduate in Arabic Literature from the University of Sharjah, she uses poetry as a means of reflection, self-expression and emotional exploration. Her work frequently addresses philosophical questions, social issues and the experiences of women in modern society.