The Urdu speaking community will get a rare treat next month as famous poets from India and Pakistan will be in Dubai to take part in a mega Mushaira (poetry recitation).

The first Kaifi Azmi International Award for Service to Urdu Poetry and Literature will also be awarded at the mushaira, to be held on September 6 at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel.

Poets such as Ahmed Faraz, Pirzada Qasim and Athar Shah Khan (Jaidi) from Pakistan will be present, while Javed Akhtar and Saghar Khayami from India have already confirmed their participation.

Some other known poets who will recite their work include: Dr Malikzada Manzoor, Dr Rauf Siddique, Waseem Barelvi, Naseem Nikhar, Saleem Kausar, Zaika Ghazal, Irfan Siddiqui, Manzoor Bhopali, Krishan Bihari, Aqeel Ahmed, Fiza Azmi, Salim Kausar, and Sangiya Tiwari.

Well known poet and writer Ahmed Nadeem Qasimi from Pakistan will preside over the mushaira which will be conducted by Dr Mansur Usmani.

"The award will be presented by the late Kaifi Azami's wife Shaukat Kaifi and daughter Shabana Azami," said Ahmed Saud Hashmi, organiser of the programme. He said the mushaira will be an annual event.

The main objective of organising the event is to eulogise the Late Kaifi Azami and entertain the Urdu speaking community.

Kaifi Azmi, who died earlier this year after a protracted illness, was a veteran Indian poet known for his life-long struggle against human degradation.

He will be remembered for his humanistic and progressive approach. His daughter Shabana Azami, a famous Indian film actress, is also a dedicated social activist.

Patrons of the mushaira are noted community members both from India and Pakistan living in Dubai. They include: Jalil Ahmed, Dr Akhtar Jahan Malik, Syed Salahuddin and Waseemul Haq Chishti.