Culture & Education | Wednesday 29 August, 2018 1:20 pm |

United Arab Emirates -  29 August, 2018— The family of legendary Emirati poet Ousha Bint Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Suwaidi – popularly known as Fatat Al Arab (Girl of the Arabs) – has expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the rulers and citizens of the UAE for their prayers, kind words and support following the celebrated poet’s demise late last month.

Representing the late poet’s family, Dr. Hamed Bin Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, grand nephew of Ousha Al Suwaidi and Founder and President of Abu Dhabi Art Society, said, “We feel so grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love and support from our nation’s rulers and from members of the community in the days following the loss of Ousha. The tributes that continue to pour in are illustrative of the special place Ousha holds not only in the rich world of Arabic literature but in the hearts and minds of people across the UAE and the Arab region.”

“On behalf of the Al Suwaidi family, we extend our sincere thanks to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and other ministers and dignitaries for their words of comfort and the appreciation and love they have showered on Fatat Al Arab,” Dr. Al Suwaidi said.

He added, “Special thanks goes out to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Dr. Rafia Ghubash, founder of the Women’s Museum and the official biographer of Ousha, and to the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre for their support and kindness.”

To keep alive the memory of the beloved poet and to familiarise future generations with her work, the Abu Dhabi Art Society, Dr. Al Suwaidi stated, has lined up a number of projects including an official website, exhibitions, awards and more.