Collection of Mohammad's poems set for release

In a unique commemoration marking the 40th National Day of the UAE, the Government of Dubai Media Office is set to release a new book of poems titled 40 Poems from the Desert featuring selected poems of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The diwan (poetry book) will be launched during a special ceremony on Sunday at the Ara Gallery; the ‘concept' art gallery located in Downtown Dubai, in the area of Burj Khalifa. A number of poetry and literary icons, prestigious cultural figures and media personnel will be attending the event, according to Dubai Media Office press release issued on Saturday. Highlighting Shaikh Mohammad's keenness on supporting and nurturing Emirati talent, the diwan will include special paintings by Emirati artists who drew their inspiration from the poetry of Shaikh Mohammad. The diwan also features poems that are published in a print edition for the first time. Ara Gallery will also host an exclusive art exhibition showcasing the work of Emirati artists whose paintings were featured in the diwan.