Urdu literary festival to be held in Abu Dhabi

on Aug 18, 2022

The "Cultural Carwaan" Urdu Literary and Cultural Festival will be held on August 21 in Abu Dhabi. The festival, which lasts all day, aims to bring together Urdu speakers and highlight the UAE's Urdu-speaking culture.

The festival, which will take place at the Armed Forces Officers Club, provides a stage for young artists who will have the opportunity to interact with well-known Urdu poets and writers from south Asia and the surrounding UAE communities. The event will feature storytelling, Mushaira, Music Dastango, and other activities to discuss the Urdu language's past, present, and future. The event will end with an awards presentation.

Both local artists and well-known Sufi singers like Moeed Hashmi and Tabsira Suhrawardi (Tabu) will perform at the event. A funny description of the life of a radio DJ behind the scenes will be presented by the well-known artist Gaggan Mudgal, who lives and works in Dubai. Poets like Abbas Tabish and Hamida Shaheen will be among those in attendance at the event.

Along with a group of regional performers, the festival is directed by Dr. Sabahat Asim Wasti, a well-known rehabilitation specialist in the UAE, and Syed Sarosh Asif, a senior financial manager headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

According to Dr. Wasti, a six-book author, "as a platform, Cultural Carwaan will give the young, future creative artists the chance to not only showcase their talent but also collaborate with some of the worldwide recognised artists.

Syed Sarosh is a well-known poet who has spent the previous 18 years residing in the UAE. Cultural Carwaan will present to its audience the numerous genres of Urdu literature, including play, panel discussions, story-telling, poetry, and music, all under one roof on a single day, he said, in contrast to the way the Urdu community in the UAE has traditionally organised individual programmes.The event is open to public and free of cost.