Abdelmonem Al-Rifai as Poet for the 2026 Arab Poetry Day

In a speech delivered during the symposium, Al-Daraibeh conveyed the Minister's greetings and appreciation for this occasion, which celebrates a Jordanian literary and national figure who left a mark on the Arab cultural scene. He emphasized that commemorating Al-Rifai is a celebration of the word that remains, of creativity that transcends the boundaries of time, and of literary experiences that form an essential part of the cultural memory of nations.

He pointed out that poetry has remained in the Arab consciousness more than just an aesthetic expression; it is the voice of the human being, the mirror of their identity, a record of their feelings and aspirations, and a means to express the issues of the homeland and the nation.

He indicated that Al-Rifai represented a model of the Jordanian intellectual who combined literary creativity with national responsibility, and contributed through his poetry, thought, and public work to enriching Jordanian and Arab cultural life.

His poetic experience was distinguished by the sobriety of language, sincerity of expression, and depth of human and national sentiment, while his presence as a poet, diplomat, and statesman reflected his belief in the role of culture in enhancing awareness, building bridges of communication between peoples, and consolidating national identity and civilizational belonging.

He added that ALECSO's selection of Al-Rifai as the poet for the 2026 Arab Poetry Day represents Arab recognition of his literary and cultural contributions, and underscores the importance of introducing pioneering poetic experiences and re-presenting them to new generations as part of the shared Arab cultural heritage. He stressed the Ministry of Culture's continued efforts to preserve national cultural memory, document the achievements of Jordanian creators, and highlight their literary and intellectual experiences to ensure this legacy is passed on to future generations.

For his part, Dr. Al-Mustafa Al-Hammadi, in a speech on behalf of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, conveyed the greetings of the organization's Director-General, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, and the Director of the Culture Department, Dr. Hamid bin Saif Al-Nofali, and congratulated Jordan and the family of the late poet on his selection for this session.

He explained that the Arab Poetry Day project, which was approved in 2015, aims to consolidate the status of poetry in Arab culture, preserve linguistic and cultural identity, and celebrate the literary, scientific, and artistic figures who have contributed to enriching Arab heritage.

The symposium featured a documentary film about the late poet's life and career. His son, Dr. Omar Al-Rifai, also delivered a speech on behalf of the family, expressing their thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Culture and ALECSO for organizing the symposium and celebrating his father's legacy, while reviewing the most prominent milestones of his life and his literary and cultural contributions to Jordanian and Arab poetry. At the conclusion of the event, the shield of the 12th session of Arab Poetry Day was presented to the family of the honored poet.

The scientific session, moderated by Mr. Aql Al-Khawaldeh, addressed the Arab Poetry Day project and the honoring of Arab cultural icons. Al-Hammadi gave a presentation reviewing the project's journey since its launch in 2015, and its goals in enhancing the presence of poetry in Arab cultural life and introducing creators and their contributions.

He also reviewed the figures honored by the organization up to 2026, and the criteria for nominating living and deceased poets, including documenting their biographies, publications, and the critical and research studies that have addressed their works, and highlighting their role in enriching Arab culture. He noted the organization's intention to issue a collective volume dedicated to the late poet, featuring readings of his poetic and literary experience.

In turn, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Koufahi presented a paper titled "The Heritage and Literature of the Late Poet Abdelmonem Al-Rifai," in which he discussed milestones in the poet's life, his upbringing, education, and poetic beginnings, as well as the most prominent influences that contributed to shaping his literary experience, alongside his diplomatic and political career.

Al-Koufahi paused at the features of Al-Rifai's poetic output and his national, Arab, and human themes, shedding light on his collection "The Traveler" (Al-Musafir) and its place in his creative experience.

The symposium comes within the framework of cultural cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and ALECSO, and as part of their efforts to celebrate Arab literary icons, introduce their creative achievements, preserve cultural memory, and enhance the presence of Arab poetry among new generations.