Abu Dhabi Stories

When Nhayan AlMansoori steps onto the stage, he feels his father’s presence—smiling, reciting verses, making the audience laugh. Poetry was not just a choice for Nhayan; it was an inheritance. His father, a celebrated poet and a former contestant on Million’s Poet, passed down not only his talent but also the responsibility of keeping their poetic legacy alive. From the beginning, Nhayan knew that honoring this tradition would not be easy.

A Talent or An Inheritance?

Growing up in a home where poetry was woven into daily life, Nhayan admired it deeply, but he wanted to make it his own. He started by reciting verses, then moved into chanting, and eventually stepped into the competitive world of poetry. His first major test came at Al Dhafra Festival, where he earned second place in a competition for Ahl Al-Shillah, a traditional Emirati chanting art. Encouraged by this success, he entered Al Man’koos, a prestigious contest dedicated to preserving one of the oldest oral art forms in the Arabian Peninsula.

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A Legacy that Comes with Responsibility

Backstage at Al Man’koos, Nhayan stood tense, surrounded by competitors sharing the same nerves. But for him, this stage held a deeper weight. It was the same stage on which his father once stood. He steadied himself, remembered his father’s words, and took the first step in carving out his own name in the world of poetry and heritage.

Today, he is not only an accomplished poet but also an administrator for Al Man’koos, working behind the scenes to support and preserve the very art that shaped him. To Nhayan, protecting heritage is not just a job; it is a duty, a continuation of the legacy his father instilled in him.

Rooted in Tradition, Moving Forward

Despite his growing responsibilities, Nhayan’s heart remains tied to the land that raised him. As he puts it, “We are Bedouins, and a Bedouin never strays too far from his herd.” It is more than just a phrase; it is a reflection of his deep sense of belonging, a connection to his people, his land, and the poetic traditions he carries forward for generations to come.

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