HEKAYAH: THE LINE-UP

Amal

A key member of female Emirati poetry collective Untitled Chapters, which aims to bring together writers of all ages, Sharjah-born classical Arabic poet Amal is preparing her first poetry collection for publication, in between working in government communications.

Ehrlich Ross Abuan

A nurse based in Abu Dhabi, Filipino expat Ehrlich Ross Abuan began sharing his poetry at live open mics for the first time last year, and was quickly recognised by the NYUAD-hosted Rooftop Rhythms series as “Best Writer – 2017”. Performing primarily in English, he is currently a resident poet and writer for poetry platform Echoes Abu Dhabi.

Jennah Fakhouri

Sharjah-based American-Palestine student and self-defined “third-culture kid” Jennah Fakhouri uses poetry to explore issues of identity and to “give voice to the voiceless”, evocatively drawing stories from her Palestinian heritage.

Mahwash Rehman

Better known for documenting global affairs as an international freelance photographer – who last year published her first photojournalistic book Women

In Green And Beyond, documenting Pakistan’s women’s cricket team – Mahwash Rehman uses verse to turn the focus on her own inner world.

Hiralal Sangar

Born into a family of folk singers, Gujarati vocalist Hiralal Sangar began singing from the age of eight, accompanying his father’s travelling troupe, and has now clocked up more than 750 performances, to a combined audience of more than 10,000 people, over the past 28 years.

Reem Almenhali

A psychology student at NYUAD, young Emirati talent Reem Almenhali explores storytelling, romance and introspection in Arabic verse.

Jorge Monterrosa

A popular force on the capital’s vibrant spoken word scene, American expatriate poet Jorge Monterrosa boasts a powerful, memorable voice, performing in English.

Mohamed Morshed

Billed as “the first Emirati saxophone player”, Mohamed Morshed studied in Egypt, where he was awarded a “musician of the year” accolade. Describing his distinctive brand of instrumental music simply as “Emirati saxophone”, he eschews the label jazz, preferring “cooler music” for hotter climes.

Nabiha Nahyan

Young Emirati poet Nabiha Nahyan’s work was shaped by her experience growing up in the culturally cosmopolitan Abu Dhabi, where she is currently working towards a childhood dream of publishing her first book.

Sara Al Souqi

Winner of Canada’s Edmonton Slam competition and a published author, Palestinian-Canadian spoken word artist Sara Al Souqi’s singular voice speaks from her life as a third generation of diaspora – while her signature works remarkably make use of American Sign Language.

Noon

Formed less than two years ago following a jam at a birthday party, the cosmopolitan oud, drums and electric bass trio Noon compellingly blur Arabic traditions with jazz improv, rock aesthetics and smatterings of electronica. Quickly established as among the UAE’s most original home-grown outfits, for Hekayah the group has conceived a special, seamless 20-minute musical suite.