The timeless beauty of poetry took centre stage in Edinburgh last week as Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and the Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF) brought together leading voices from the United Arab Emirates and Scotland for Footprints on the Sand of Time, a unique celebration of the poetic heritage shared by both nations.
The event is part of the Exporting Local Literary Talent project by Dubai Culture and ELF, designed to empower Emirati creatives and UAE-based talent by presenting their work on prestigious international forums. Falling under the Dubai Cultural Grant programme, it creates pathways for poets, authors, and artists to engage with audiences abroad, build networks, and represent the UAE’s flourishing literary scene. The initiative supports Dubai’s vision of positioning the emirate — and the nation — as a hub for creativity and cultural diplomacy, while equipping participants with the skills and resources to succeed globally.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to celebrating homegrown writing and poetry, expanding the reach of Emirati creatives, and showcasing their ideas and works to strengthen Dubai’s cultural and creative industries. She said: “At Dubai Culture, we strive to build bridges with communities and cultural institutions worldwide. The Exporting Local Literary Talent project is an innovative platform that reinforces Dubai’s leadership internationally. Its value lies in opening new horizons for the exchange of expertise and cross-border collaboration, and in providing quality opportunities for local creators to engage with the wider arts movement, enriching Dubai’s creative landscape.”
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, said: “With the Exporting Local Literary Talent initiative, we’re creating meaningful connections, ensuring that the UAE’s vibrant literary voices are celebrated on the world stage. Our landscapes—from sweeping deserts to rugged highlands—may differ, but we are bound by poetry’s powerful ability to preserve memory, identity, and soul. Footprints on the Sand of Time stands as a bridge between our worlds—where folklore, language, and emotion meet, weaving stories that honour our heritage and inspire our shared future.”
Held during Edinburgh’s renowned month-long festival season – a global gathering for music, drama, literature, and performance – the programme featured two exclusive events highlighting the enduring poetic traditions of both countries. The afternoon session at the Poetry Library of Scotland welcomed an audience of senior cultural figures, including Dr Harriet MacMillan, Director, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust; Claire De Braekeleer, incoming Director, British Council Scotland; and Norah Campbell, Head of Arts, British Council Scotland.
The UAE’s literary heritage was represented by celebrated poets Dr Afra Atiq, Ali Al Shaali, and Shamma Al Bastaki, whose works were performed alongside prominent Scottish figures, including Peter Mackay, Makar (Poet Laureate) of Scotland; Michael Pedersen, Edinburgh Makar; and Janette Ayachi, the Scottish-Algerian poet.
Poems were shared in English, Scottish Gaelic, Scots, and Arabic, reflecting the deep oral traditions, musical rhythms, and intimate connections to land and language cherished in both cultures.
In the evening, an exclusive private reading was hosted at Gleneagles Townhouse, offering select guests an intimate experience of this rich poetic exchange.
