Nabati Poetry is the vernacular poetry in Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Also known as "the people's poetry" and "Bedouin poetry", Nabati has a long heritage, with examples of the Nabati form referenced by the medieval historianIbn Khaldun in his Muqaddimah, first published in 1377. It is thought that the word Nabati derives from Nabatean, the civilisation that rose in North-Western Arabia and had its core in the city ofPetra. Nabati poetry has a pedigree that reaches back centuries. Bedouin poets composed verse similar in structure, theme, metre and rhyme to the works of Imru'l Qays and other pre-Islamic poets. These qasidas set the classical standard for hundreds of years. Remarkably, until quite recently, verse composed by illiterate Bedouin masters of the art has remained close in spirit and language to these examples. Prominent historical Nabati poets include Ibn Daher who lived in Ras Al Khaimah in the 16th century and whose work still influences the poetry today. Ibn Li'bun, known in the Persian Gulf region as "Prince of the Nabati Poets" was also prominent figure in the form, who corresponded with other poets across the region and whose work has led to many traditional popular tunes in Arabia. Nabati was long an aural tradition and researchers have encountered Bedouin who can memorise 20,000 poems. An important cultural element in the daily life of the region, Nabati poetry was used to declare war, seek peace and resolve tribal disputes. It is considered unique to Arabia. The form was a key element not only of regional culture but communications prior to the 20th Century but lapsed with the development of the region following the discovery of oil. It has enjoyed a considerable renaissance and is now a celebrated medium of both poetry and song, particularly in the UAE where practitioners such as Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi have become celebrated figures.
Nabati poetry in the UAE
Among the first Classical Arabic UAE poets to gain importance in this part of the world during the twentieth century were Mubarak Al Oqaili, Salem bin Ali Al Owais and Ahmed bin Sulayem. Salem bin Ali Al Owais was born in Al-Heera, a village between Sharjah and Ajman. Three other poets of importance in the UAE were Khalfan Musabah, Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi, an ex-ruler of Sharjah, and Sultan bin Ali Al Owais. The three poets, known as the Heera group, grew up in the village of Al-Heera in Sharjah and were close friends. One of the largest Nabati poetry competitions known as Million's Poet has been held biannually in the UAE since 2006 and is broadcast as a reality TV show. The UAE's first Nabati academy was founded in 2008.
