Dubai, UAE, 22 December 2025: In celebration of World Arabic Language Day, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library hosted renowned Arab composer and musician Marcel Khalife for a special cultural discussion titled “Melodies Pulsing with Arabic.” The event formed part of the Library’s ongoing efforts to promote Arab culture, language, and literature through meaningful dialogue with leading creative figures.
The session explored Khalife’s celebrated musical adaptations of classical Arabic poetry and examined the deep, evolving relationship between music and the Arabic language. It attracted a distinguished audience of intellectuals, writers, artists, and lovers of Arabic poetry and music, alongside attendees of various ages, reflecting the universal appeal of Khalife’s work.
Moderated by Emirati writer Reem Al Kamali, the discussion delved into the creative interplay between poetry and music, the role of Arabic in contemporary cultural expression, and Khalife’s artistic journey. Through storytelling and musical reflections, Khalife revisited several landmark songs from his career, most notably “I Long for My Mother’s Bread,” highlighting its personal resonance and the emotional power of simplicity in musical composition.
He also reflected on “I Walk Tall,” explaining his philosophy of allowing music to serve the poem rather than overshadow it. Khalife spoke about his use of traditional Arabic maqams as a means of expressing dignity, resistance, and inner strength.
Addressing his early artistic beginnings, Khalife shared that his first experiences composing poetry emerged spontaneously, driven by a love for verse and his formal study of music—without any expectation that it would evolve into a lifelong artistic pursuit. He also spoke movingly about his long-standing collaboration with the late poet Mahmoud Darwish, describing it as one of the most influential partnerships between poetry and music in modern Arab culture.
Touching on heritage and innovation, Khalife emphasized the importance of documenting and digitally preserving Gulf musical and poetic traditions. While acknowledging the growing role of artificial intelligence in artistic production, he stressed that true creativity remains rooted in human emotion, experience, and imperfection.
The session concluded with live performances of poems by Mahmoud Darwish and Ali Fouda, transforming the evening into a shared musical experience through audience participation. The performances included “The Doves Fly,” “Rita and the Rifle,” “A Song Comes to Mind,” and “To My Mother” by Darwish, as well as “I Have Chosen You, My Homeland” by Ali Fouda.
Through events such as this, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library continues to serve as a dynamic cultural hub—fostering direct engagement between creators and audiences, preserving Arab heritage, spotlighting contemporary creativity, and offering interactive platforms that enrich cultural and artistic awareness across the community.