The Emirati Poet and the Problem of Publishing: The Experience of the Emirates Writers Union

Abstract

This symposium contribution examines the publishing problem of Emirati poetry through the experience of the Emirates Writers Union, while situating the issue within the broader relationship between the poet, cultural institutions, publishers, readers, and mechanisms of distribution and reception. The author raises critical questions about whether the problem lies with poets themselves, publishing institutions, the limited reading public, or the weakness of criticism and promotion. The text emphasizes that the issue is not merely the printing of poetry collections, but also involves selection, evaluation, distribution, and the presentation of poetic works to readers inside and outside the United Arab Emirates. It also discusses the possibilities of electronic publishing, the role of cultural pages, and the importance of translation in introducing Emirati literature internationally, while warning against treating publishing as a purely quantitative activity detached from literary quality. The contribution concludes that addressing the publishing problem of Emirati poetry requires an integrated cultural and institutional awareness that supports poets, activates criticism, expands distribution, encourages translation, and uses new media without compromising literary value.