Manama: As part of the celebration of the twelfth edition of the Arab Poetry Day and the recognition of leading Arab cultural figures for 2026, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) selected Bahraini poet Mubarak bin Amr Al Amari to be honoured among a distinguished group of poets from across the Arab world.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this selection was made in the implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers, taking into consideration the views of members of the Permanent Committee for Arab Culture, and based on the Director-General's choice. The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) welcomed this selection, affirming the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the status of poetry and poets in the Arab world.
BACA also commended the selection of Mubarak Al Amari as one of the most prominent figures in heritage and culture, in recognition of his pioneering role in enriching intellectual life in Bahrain and the Gulf region, as well as his diverse societal contributions and intellectual projects.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of BACA, said that ALECSO's decision to honour a distinguished Bahraini figure, represented by poet Mubarak bin Amr Al Amari, reflects a strong connection to national identity and the cultural depth of the Gulf region. He emphasised the importance of highlighting national cultural figures as a reflection of the history of societies and the authenticity of their civilisational heritage.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed congratulated Mubarak Al Amari on this well-deserved recognition, noting that it crowns a distinguished career marked by dedication and achievement. He expressed his appreciation for the poet's outstanding efforts in enriching the intellectual and literary scene through his publications and contributions, which have played a significant role in preserving heritage and promoting cultural awareness in Bahrain and the wider region.
Mubarak bin Amr Al Amari was born in historic Muharraq, where he developed a passion for literature, heritage, history, and the arts, interests that shaped the course of his cultural and creative journey.
He devoted his efforts to documenting and writing about significant events and prominent figures in the history of the Kingdom and the Gulf states, making his works essential references for researchers in Bahraini and Gulf heritage studies. He has received numerous awards, shields of recognition, and certificates of appreciation in recognition of his scholarly and literary contributions.
His work spans poetry, research, and documentation, with a particular focus on studying leading intellectual figures in the region as reflections of Arab heritage and authentic culture. Among his most notable achievements is his book on the life of singer Mohammed bin Faris, which received the Crown Prince's Award for Research and Studies and has become an important reference for those interested in traditional music.
In addition, Al Amari has published numerous books, research works, and poetry collections, reinforcing his prominent presence in the cultural scene and establishing his position as one of the leading figures in documentation and literature in the region. He has participated in numerous lectures, seminars, and poetry evenings, and has appeared in various television and radio programmes, contributing actively to national cultural occasions.