Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain Cultural Foundation concluded the activities of its 18th session with the gracious patronage of His Highness the Amir Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God protect him). His Highness was represented by the Minister of Information, Culture, and Youth, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, who attended the opening ceremony. The event aimed to honor the creative poets and critics who won awards from the Foundation in the 17th and 18th sessions. It also celebrated the release of the "Albabtain Encyclopedia for Arab poets during the era of states and emirates".

The celebration also included a special tribute to the poets Ibn Sanaa Al-Mulk and Ibn Maleek Al-Hamawi. The event took place from Sunday, March 19th to Tuesday, March 21st, on the theater of Albabtain Central Library for Arabic poetry. Over the course of three days, various literary sessions were held, and the closing day featured three literary sessions and a poetry evening that marked the culmination of the poetic evenings.

During the closing ceremony, a final statement was delivered by the participants of the session, including researchers, poets, and writers. This statement contained the recommendations that the participants had formulated. Additionally, Dr. Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain, the Foundation's Chairman, delivered a speech during the event.

With warm affection, and as they were warmly received, Dr. Abdulaziz Albabtain, the President of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, bid farewell to the participants with even greater affection. He expressed his hope for a soon reunion in another cultural gathering.

In his address to the audience, Albabtain stated, "Like a fleeting lightning, the days of this session have passed, during which we were delighted by your splendid presence. Our hearts were filled with camaraderie due to your presence among us in your country, Kuwait, and within your home, Albabtain Central Library of Arabic Poetry."

He further added, commending the efforts made by the participants, researchers, and poets, "Your research and discussions have been sources of enrichment for our minds, and your poems have brought joy and delight to our souls. Thank you for being with us during these joyful days." He continued, "We hope that we have achieved our objectives for this session through its sessions, evenings, and publications, which we offer to you and to the Arabic reader in every time and place."

Mr. Abdulaziz Albabtain addressed the guests, saying, "Dear guests, we promise to always uphold our commitments and continue our journey with authentic Arab creativity. We will proceed on our path through dialogue, understanding, and advocating for just peace. As we bid you farewell, our hearts go with you, knowing that your hearts are with us as well. We look forward to a near future where we will meet again in another cultural event, by the will of God."

Recommendations:

The final day of the events witnessed the reading of the concluding statement by the participants in the session, including poets, researchers, and literary figures. The statement encompassed a number of recommendations, such as:

 Conveying messages of gratitude, pride, and affection on behalf of all participants and guests to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as to His Excellency the Minister of Culture and to the Honorable President of Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain Cultural Foundation.

 The importance of continuing the tradition that the Foundation has diligently maintained, which involves updating the encyclopaedias of contemporary poets to accommodate new names and experiences.

 The commitment to openness towards modern poetic forms and the interconnected fields related to poetry.

 Deepening the interest in poetry and poets within cultures adjacent to Arab culture, while also fostering opportunities for comparison, understanding the dynamics of influence and impact.

 Enhancing the Arab reception of poetry through performance arts such as singing and theatre, as well as visually through visual arts, and exploring new possibilities in fields of technology and artificial intelligence.

 Sustaining the Foundation's initiatives in strengthening collaborations with similar institutions across the Arab world, and supporting academic initiatives that target the youth at all levels of education.

 Undertaking efforts to translate the encyclopaedias published by the Foundation into influential and living languages worldwide.

 Publishing a monthly cultural poetry magazine that strengthens the connection between poets and critics with the Foundation.

 Facilitating access for researchers from around the world to the encyclopaedias by issuing free electronic versions available on the Foundation’s website, equipped with advanced and intelligent search tools and options.

 Allocating research scholarships for studies on Arabic poetry to attract scholars from diverse cultures.

 Continuing the Foundation’s commendable efforts to deepen partnerships with universities and scientific centers worldwide.

The statement concluded by congratulating the Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain Cultural Foundation on the success of this inaugural celebration in a new era following the COVID-19 pandemic. These sessions were organized through sincere and blessed efforts from the primary sponsor, Dr. Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain, and the Secretary-General of the Foundation, Mr. Abdulrahman Khaled Albabtain. The exceptional supervision and execution by all members affiliated with this Foundation played a pivotal role in achieving this success.

Sessions:

The final day also featured three sessions from the series of sessions organized by the Foundation, which were dedicated to discussing the "Albabtain Encyclopaedia and the Spaces of Arab Poetry in Different Countries and the Emirates." These sessions aimed to celebrate the poets Ibn Sanaa Al-Mulk and Ibn Maleek Al-Hamwi. One of these sessions was titled "Albabtain Encyclopedia and the Spaces of Arab Poetry in Egypt and the Levant," during which Dr. Ibrahim Abdulaziz Zaid discussed the movement and trends of poetry in Egypt and the Levant, and a research paper by the late Dr. Ahmed Fawzi Al-Heib, which focused on the movement and trends of poetry in the Levant, was presented. The presentation of the paper was conducted by Dr. Ahmed Al-Hifian, and the session was moderated by Dr. Abdulrahman Tenkoul.

The other session revolved around "Albabtain Encyclopedia and the Spaces of Arab Poetry in the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and the Islamic East." During this session, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Batshan discussed "The Movement and Trends of Poetry in the Arabian Peninsula," while Dr. Abdulhamid Al-Hussami presented on "Poetry Movement in Yemen during the Era of States and Emirates." Dr. Abbas Al-Jarraakh shed light on "Poetry Movement and Trends in Iraq and the Islamic East." The session was chaired by Dr. Meshari Al-Mousa.

The final session in the series of sessions addressed the topic "Albabtain Encyclopaedia and the Issue of Authenticity." In this session, Dr. Nasima Al-Ghaith discussed "The Model and Poems of Opposition in the Encyclopaedia of States and Emirates." Meanwhile, Dr. Youssef Wighlisi explored "The Evolution of Rhythm and the Diversity of Poetic Forms among Arab Poets in the Era of States and Emirates." The session was moderated by Dr. Abdullah Al-Tatawi.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of the events of the 18th edition of the Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain Cultural Foundation bore a poetic essence. The final day witnessed the culmination of an evening, the third of its kind, dedicated to poetic recitals. Enhancing the allure of the evening was its synchronicity with the celebration of World Poetry Day. The poets found this occasion opportune to elevate the audience to the realms of poetry, to craft verses, and to compose elegant expressions.

This evening, moderated by Dr. Falah bin Tafla, witnessed the participation of various poets. Anas Al-Dighaim from Syria, Badriyah Al-Badri from Oman, Jassem Al-Suhayeh from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Khalifa bin Arabi from Bahrain, Dr. Sabah Al-Dibi from Morocco, Abdullah Al-Failakawi from Kuwait, Latifa Hassani from Algeria, Hajar Omar from Egypt, and Hazbar Mahmoud from Iraq all took part. Upon a special request from the audience, the evening witnessed the participation of the Iraqi poet Walid Al-Sarraf, who captivated the audience with the beauty and elegance of his verses, igniting enthusiasm among those in attendance.

During the evening, the poets engaged in a poetic competition, presenting verses that mesmerized the audience with realms of beauty and enchantment. The offerings spanned a range of themes, from amorous verses that brimmed with expressions of longing and nostalgia to a sublime portrayal of homelands, an exploration of places, and observations of scenes from reality.

At the outset, poet Anas Al-Dighaim presented a poetic composition praising the Prophet, peace be upon him, akin to musical rhythms. Through this composition, he demonstrated exceptional skill in crafting images laden with beautiful meanings...

Poet Badriyah Al-Badri, on the other hand, wove a unique feminine fragrance that brimmed with eloquence and creative elegance, employing vocabulary carrying a poetic essence bearing a distinct aesthetic sense in her poem "Parting Would Still Be Lying, Even If It Says the Truth."

As for poet Jassim Al-Suhayeh, he chose to strum the strings of his poetry with the most melodious poetic melodies in a poetic composition that soared through imaginative realms, radiating luminous creative worlds. Through this, and through his poem "The Absurd Game", he harnessed the delicate poetic sentiment that reaches into the hearts, akin to a vast dream.

As for the poetess Sabah Al-Dibi, she presented a poem with a musical rhythm and lavish language, revealing an exceptional ability to marshal the poem with exquisite splendors in her poem "Absence".

The poet Abdullah Al-Failakawi transported the audience to realms of beauty with his verses.

As for the poetess Latifa Hassani, she recited a poetic text that affirmed the eloquence of its language.

The chain of poetic creations continued as the poet Hajar Omar recited the poem "Prayer of Connection":

As for the poet Hazbar Mahmoud, he delivered a poetic composition titled "The Ink's Guide," which captivated the audience and poetry enthusiasts alike.

The conclusion was marked by the Iraqi poet Walid Al-Sarraf, who was invited by the audience for a special reading.