I Found My Rhythm and Rhyme in These Spoken Word Nights in Dubai
Dubai Poetry Slam
Media Credit: dubaipoetryslam
Website: https://25hours-hotels.com/dubai/one-central/
Address: 25 Hours Hotel Dubai – Trade Centre 2 – Sheikh Zayed Road
Contact details: +971 4 210 2525
Price: $$
Dubai Poetry Slam is a monthly event that was born out of the passion of famous spoken word poet Omran Al-Mohammad. Today, it’s still one of the best spoken word nights in Dubai.
The first spoken words night was hosted by Dubai Poetry Slam in February 2015 with 20 performers participating in the event.
The organizers didn’t expect much since poetry nights were still not popular in Dubai back then. But to their surprise, more than 50 people showed up and it inspired Omran to keep doing these shows.
Since then, Dubai Poetry Slam has been one of the most popular spoken word nights in the country attracting poets and enthusiasts in its events.
Today, the spoken word night is held every first Saturday of the month at the 25 Hours Hotel with performers coming from different parts of the country.
Each performer is given three minutes to recite their poetry and random judges from the audience will rate each performance and pick the winner with the highest score.
Since this event is just in the name of fun, you can’t expect to win any huge prizes here. In fact, prizes are quite random and even weird – think about taking home a watermelon.
Now anyone can join in the fun and you’ll be able to enter the venue free of charge as long as you’re willing to perform. But if you just want to be part of the audience, you’ll need to pay AED 20.
This fee will help organizers shoulder the cost of renting the space and offer cookies for everyone during the event.
Pro tip:
Do you want to participate in the Dubai Poetry Slam but you’re scared? Do it for fun and excitement because 80% of performers are first timers and you won’t be alone on the stage.
The Poetryhood
Media Credit: thepoetryhood
Website: https://www.thepoetryhood.com/
Address: One Life Kitchen and Cafe – Dubai Design District
Contact details: +971 50 358 5042
Operating hours:
- 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Price: Free
The Poetryhood is a community that has been offering a stage for artists and poets to express their art. It also offers one of the longest running spoken word nights in Dubai.
Originally named Dubai Poetics, the organisation aims to highlight grassroot poetry and invites poets from around the country to showcase their talents and celebrate the art of the written word on live stage and online.
The Poetryhood accepts poems from artists and posts them on its page and social media platforms to promote these artists.
It also has podcasts called “Poetic Conversations” and “Spit Poetry” that talks about topics related to poetry and art.
But the real highlight of The Poetryhood’s activities is its Poetry Night that gathers artists from around Dubai to share their gift of the spoken word.
The event is hosted by The Poetryhood’s founder Jamil Adas and you’ll surely have an amazing night surrounded by artists and poetry enthusiasts who share your passion for honest poetry.
Poetry night is also open for audiences of all ages and you can order food and drinks from the cafe’s menu. You can also order alcoholic beverages if you’re 21 years and older.
Pro tip:
Are you starting out in poetry? Check out The Poetryhood’s guide to poetry that offers insightful tips to help you get started in this craft.