2012 The Circle Rows
More voices. More languages. A growing conversation.
Where words
connect hearts.
A single word can travel across oceans and still find a home in the human heart.
Since 2012 · Dubai · A flagship Soka Gakkai Gulf cultural initiative
16
LANGUAGES
35+
COUNTRIES
83+
POETS
27+
MUSICIANS
165+
SCHOOL POETS
66,000+
CUMULATIVE ATTENDEES
Words cross borders. Hearts come together.
An annual celebration of poetry, music and cultural harmony that brings young voices, established poets and musicians from across cultures and languages onto one stage. Over the years, The Poetic Heart has brought together international poets, musicians, students and cultural lovers, creating a space for dialogue across cultures, languages and generations.
What Is The Poetic Heart?
More than a poetry event, it is a meeting place for hearts
Cultures Meet
Different worlds. Shared humanity.
Generations Meet.
Experience meets young voices.
Ideas Meet.
New perspectives. Brighter possibilities.
Languages Meet.
A richer, kinder tomorrow.
Voices Meet.
Stories that move and inspire.
Art Becomes a Dialogue.
Beyond borders. Beyond differences.
Experiences Meet.
Lives lived. Stories shared.
CONNECTING HUMANITY
Born from a belief.
Grown into a movement.
The Poetic Heart began in Dubai in 2012 with a simple belief – that poetry, music and dialogue can bring people closer, build understanding and nurture a more peaceful, inclusive world.
What began as a poetry symposium has grown into an annual multilingual celebration that continues to bring together poets, musicians, students and audiences across cultures and generations.
Organised by Soka Gakkai Gulf, The Poetic Heart reflects a belief in the potential of every human being and the power of culture to create happier, more compassionate communities.
THE JOURNEY
Every year, a new theme.
Each edition brings different voices together around a theme that speaks to the world we share.
2022
THE BEGINNING
A conversation begins.
2015
VOICES WITHOUT BORDERS
New perspectives take root.
2020
PEOPLE. PLANET. POSSIBILITIES.
A wider circle of hope.
2025
TOWARDS A MORE HUMAN TOMORROW
The journey continues.
Recent editions
2024
Building Kindness In a Fragile World
Explore the poems, performances and moments.
2025
Towards a More Human Tomorrow
Discover the voices and stories from the edition.
Many voices.
One human story.
POETRY
Eminent and emerging poets, bringing perspectives from across the world.
MUSIC
Musicians who give poetry another universal language.
YOUNG VOICES
Students and young people, including People of Determination, finding their voice, sharing their perspectives and hopes.
MULTIPLE LANGUAGES • HUNDREDS OF SCHOOLS • GENERATIONS OF VOICES • DIVERSE CULTURES
ONE SHARED HUMAN STORY
2012 
2013 A Wider Conversation
New connections, ideas and milestones.
2014 The Circle Rows
More voices. More languages. A growing conversation.
2015 The Circle Rows
More voices. More languages. A growing conversation.
2016 Growing Together
A new chapter in the journey.
2017 Growing Together
A new chapter in the journey.
2018 Growing Together
A new chapter in the journey.
2019 Growing Together
A new chapter in the journey.
2020 Growing Together
A new chapter in the journey.
2021 Growing Together
A new chapter in the journey.
2022 Growing Together
A new chapter in the journey.
Impact
Some voices stay with you.
Here are a few.
It was a very emotional and enjoyable experience and I don’t think that the event could have been better. I read from the heart and not from a book.
Ms. Shaikha Al Mutairi,
Poet, 2012
The poetry symposium creates an ideal platform that stimulates the multi-cultural talent present within the UAE fabric.
Dr. Ayoub Kazim,
Managing Director, TECOM
The Poetic Heart continues to create spaces for dialogue across cultures — nurturing a more compassionate, peaceful and creative world, one voice at a time.
The Poetic Heart
A Soka Gakkai Gulf initiative
Keep the poet within alive.
Explore the voices, stories, poems and moments that have shaped The Poetic Heart since 2012.