Sharjah 24: The Cultural and Media Office of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah is hosting many high-profile events during the 41st annual Sharjah International Book Fair. A seminar hosted by the office Monday focused on Vernacular and Standard Poetry in the Gulf: A Reading in the Social and Cultural Impact.

The seminar was moderated by author Aisha Al-Ruwaimah and presented by Dr. Maryam Al-Hashimi.

Dr. Maryam Al-Hashimi began by describing the nature of Nabati (vernacular) poetry before moving on to explore common poetic themes in both vernacular and standard poetry.

She emphasised the importance of family and education in preserving national identity, and she praised the "Million's Poet" programme, which promotes vernacular "Nabati" poetry.