Mohammad Noaman Al-Hakimi Biography

CV of the Yemeni Man of Letters Mohammad Noaman Al-Hakimi

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Biographical Profile: Mohammad Noaman Al-Hakimi
Mohammad Noaman Al-Hakimi is a contemporary Yemeni writer whose creative contributions span poetry, translation, cultural criticism, investigative journalism, and education. He belongs to a generation for whom knowledge is an act of resistance. Through his works, he has developed a literary project that blends a Sufi spirit with modernity, rooted in Yemen's spiritual and cultural heritage, while striving to transcend geography to reach the human being in his fragility and consciousness.

He began his literary journey in the 1990s and has published twelve poetry and prose books in Yemen and abroad, with some works translated into English. He has also contributed to developing the local cultural scene by supporting young talents and organizing literary events, leaving a tangible mark on Arab cultural journalism.

His work has been addressed by critics and academics from inside Yemen and abroad through critical studies and in-depth readings. He has received local and Arab awards and honors in recognition of his distinctive creativity and literary mission, which restores the essential meaning of language and upholds writing as a metaphorical path toward truth.

Key Milestones Birth and Upbringing: Born in Al-Mualla - Aden on September 2,1972, and later moved to Taiz where his creative journey began. He was influenced by the local Sufi environment, especially the legacy of Sheikh Ahmad bin Alwan (d.665 AH) , which imparted spiritual and intellectual depth to his writings.

Academic Formation: Graduated from Sana'a University (1994-1995) with a Bachelor's degree in English Language, ranking fifth in his department.

Chapter One: Literary Characteristics

Experimentation and Innovation: He blended Yemeni heritage with modernity in experimental works such as Bilqis' Basil (bilingual) and Texts Defiant of Convention (expressing alienation) .

Sufi Spirit: His Sufi inclination is evident throughout his poetry, as discussed in Dr. I'tidal Al-Kathiri's study The Impact of Sufism on Al-Hakimi's Poetry.

Distinctive Titles: Examples include Delayed Echoes of the Ant Valley and Sensing Beyond the Hamza.

Genre Diversity: His writings span poetry, criticism, journalism, and translation, often provoking social and political reflections.

Cultural Contributions

Supporting Young Talent: He dedicated a column in Al-Jumhuriya Newspaper (Taiz) to highlight new voices and helped introduce emerging writers through the Popular Poets Association and the Yemeni Writers Union, Taiz Branch.

Critical Journalism: He wrote for Yemen Times and Al-Jumhuriya on social and political issues.

Investigative Journalist and Cultural Editor at Yemen Times

Fields of Expertise: Investigative journalism, field reporting, cultural editing, and documentation of Yemeni heritage
Years of Experience: 6 years

As Cultural Editor:

Supervised and curated cultural content for Yemen Times, with a focus on preserving and promoting Yemeni cultural heritage.

Documented local customs and traditions through projects such as the renowned " Yemeni Superstitions" series.

Fostered cross-cultural collaborations with international writers and researchers, including partnerships with Canadian author Larry Frolick.

Key Achievements

Investigative Report " Hays: City of Bats and Political Maneuvering"
Uncovered severe neglect of public services in Al Hudaydah Governorate, leading the local governor to announce immediate reforms.

" Yemeni Superstitions" Series
Attracted international interest and directly inspired a Canadian publication highlighting Yemen's cultural heritage.

Women's Rights Investigations
Exposed critical issues such as child marriage and the trafficking of young brides abroad, exemplified by the report " Gone to the Unknown."

Advocacy for Marginalized Communities
Investigated the plight of the Al-Akhdam (Muhamasheen) community in " Combating Centuries-Old Isolation, " which spurred humanitarian initiatives, including significant support from embassies like the Embassy of Japan to improve living conditions for this historically marginalized group.

Impact and Recognition

International media coverage of his work, including references in Larry Frolick's book on Yemen.

Tangible governmental and diplomatic responses triggered by his investigative reporting.

International Presence: His English texts were discussed by the Canadian researcher Larry Frolick, who proposed publishing them under the title One Hundred Poems for God. He has also participated in Arab cultural festivals.

Chapter Two: Notable Published Works

• The Gate of Longing (2004) : A work combining emotional expression and identity issues. Abadi Studies and Publishing House, Sana'a.

• The Lote Tree of Azal (2007) : A poetry collection exploring the depths of human existence. Abadi House, Sana'a.

• Trembling Heartstrings (2011) : Poetry reflecting social and political transformations and their impact on the artist's spirit. Abadi House, Sana'a.

• Bilqis' Basil (2012) : A bilingual poetry collection in English focusing on love, homeland, and beauty. Introduced by Canadian writer Larry Frolick and Indian critic Dr. K. M. Tiwari. Abadi House, Sana'a.

• Texts Defiant of Convention (2014) : A blend of classical and free verse emphasizing individual freedom and openness to the unknown. Abadi House, Sana'a.

• Delayed Echoes of the Ant Valley (2016) : Concise, intense texts addressing existence, history, values, and personal reflection. Department of Culture, Sharjah, UAE. ISBN 9789948138013

• Carbon Copies of Water's Migraine (2021) : A prose poetry collection tackling social conflict and life's dissonances. Department of Culture, Sharjah, UAE.

• What Scarcity Doesn't Hide in Meaning (2019) : Explores marginalization with a focus on neutrality, innocence, and peace. Department of Culture, Sharjah, UAE.

• Forward... Forward (2021) : A collection of journalistic work, including research articles, investigative reports, travel writing, translations (English-Arabic) , and interviews with local, Arab, and American writers. Culture Office, Taiz.

• Creative Duplicity (2022) : A book of dialogues on creativity and art, featuring in-depth conversations with Arab thinker and critic Dr. Omar Abdulaziz. Department of Culture, Sharjah, UAE.

• Sensing Beyond the Hamza (2022) : A collection addressing hidden and unheard meanings, exploring language as a tool for overcoming pain and suffering. Department of Culture, Sharjah, UAE. ISBN: 9789948041771

• Dialogues of Meaning (2024) : Reflections on cultural and intellectual dialogues with Dr. Omar Abdulaziz, covering desire, fear, reception, and critical readings of global writers and artists. Department of Culture, Sharjah, UAE.

• Wine of Daily Ecstasy (2024) : Poetry capturing the essence of daily life through verses expressing joy, comfort, and tranquility. Arwiqa for Studies, Translation, and Publishing, Egypt.

His works address the suffering of both the Yemeni and universal human being, employing language to confront reality and reveal the unspoken. His books have been showcased at international exhibitions such as Dubai Expo, Riyadh, Egypt, and Greece. They are also available at Yemeni universities including Sana'a, Al-Bayda, and Taiz, as well as Arab libraries such as the Arab Book Forum (Jordan) , University of Khartoum Library, UAE Writers Union, Al-Babtain Library, and others.

Unpublished Manuscripts

Poetry (Arabic & English, ready for publication) :

• Names Built Upon Adam (poetic texts)

• Glimmers in the Darkness' Wrinkles (rhymed poems)

• The Truth Beyond the Hamza (spiritual texts)

• Avocado Disappointment (English poetry)

• Water's Migraine (English translation of the published Arabic collection)

• Sung Poems (classical Arabic and dialect)

Prose & Narrative:

• Literary Mediums (journalistic articles)

• The Bead (multivocal experimental narrative on war)

• The Devil's Trail (short fiction)

• Benjelous: The Yemen Few Have Seen (English essays, reportage)

• Between Two Floods: Noah and the Metaverse (study)

• They Write Poetry, We Don't Write Their Lives (interviews with hidden creatives)

Criticism, Studies & Essays:

• The Point's Tanween (critical studies)

• Rhythms of the Other (English essays)

• Interrogating the Movement of Narratives (literary interviews)

• Game of the Snail (philosophical dialogues)

Translations:

• The Treasures of Bilquis (translation from English to Arabic)

• The Apathetic Dinosaur (translated into Arabic)

Chapter Three: Anthologies and Literary Contributions

I. Collective Works:

• Poets of the Prophet (Cairo,2018)

• Poets of Yemen (Cairo,2018)

• Ten Thousand Scorpions - by Larry Frolick (Canada,2002)

• A Poet and a Poem - Ibdaa Foundation, Sana'a (2008)

• Patriotic Poetry by Yemeni Poets - Ministry of Culture, Sana'a (2005)

• In the Shrine of Tam - Tam Literary Association, Marib (2018)

• Spikes of the Oasis 1 & 2 - Al-Waha Cultural Association (2007)

• Encyclopedia of Yemeni Figures and Authors - Dr. Abdulwali Al-Shamiri (Beirut,2018)

II. Cultural Participation: In Yemen:

• Al-Saeed Foundation for Science and Culture (Taiz) : 2006,2008

• National University (Taiz) : Poetry evening (2007)

• Yemeni Writers Union (Taiz Branch) : Ongoing activities

• Taiz University: Various activities (2008-2019)

• Taiz Culture Office: Events (2018,2020)

• Ibb Governorate: Annual Poetry Festival (2009)

• Aden & Sana'a: Joint evenings with Arab and Yemeni writers (2005-2010)

Musical Productions: Two albums: Land of Hope and The Most Precious (performed by Al-Ruwad Band, Taiz,1999)

Chapter Four: Awards and Honors

Literary Awards:

• Yemeni Poetry Festival Award (1998) - Ministry of Culture, Sana'a

• Al-Thaqafiah Newspaper Award (2002) - Second place in a poetry competition

• Saudi Family Magazine Award (2004) - First place for a poem on Darfur

• Yemen Ministry of Culture Shield (2006 & 2008)

• Golden Shield - Al-Waha Cultural Association (Sweden,2010) for Olive Woman (First Place)

• Taiz Culture Office Shield (2018 & 2021)

• Best Arabic Poem Award (2019) - Maraya Literary Association, Iraq

• Literary Peace Award (2020) - for Water's Protest (Tam Literary Movement, Marib)

• Recognition for Delayed Echoes of the Ant Valley (2016) - among the Top 8 Arabic Books at Sharjah International Book Fair

Special Honors:

• Shield of Tarim - Islamic Culture Capital, for excellence in prophetic poetry

• Featured in Towards the Mind - Al-Saeed Foundation for Culture

Chapter Five: Academic Qualifications and Professional Experience

I. Academic Credentials:

• Bachelor's in English Language - Sana'a University (1994-1995)

• Certified TKT Trainer - British Council, Sana'a (2009)

II. Professional Experience:

Education & Training:

• English Teacher in public schools (1995-2004)

• TKT Trainer (2009-2013)

• Lecturer in English Literature - National University, Taiz (1999-2002)

• Translation Lecturer - Al-Saeed University, Taiz (2018)

Cultural & Media Roles:

• Secretary, Yemeni Writers Union (Taiz Branch,2003)

• Writer for Al-Jumhuriya and Al-Thaqafiah, Taiz

• Literary Translator - Taiz Culture Office (2020-2022)

III. Professional Memberships:

• Member, Yemeni Writers Union - Yemen

• Secretary-General, Popular Poets Association (Taiz)

Chapter Six: Cultural Activities

Foundations of Cultural Presence:

Local Activities:

• Literary participations in Aden, Ibb, Sana'a, and Taiz Governorates

• Poetry Festivals: First Yemeni Poetry Festival (Taiz,2000)

• Ministry of Culture festivals (Sana'a) over several years

• Critical workshops and creative writing (1999-2010) at Al-Saeed Foundation, Writers Union - Taiz, Taiz University, and other local cultural institutions

Organizational Activities:

• Organizing poetry evenings at universities and cultural centers in Taiz

• Book signings, such as Delayed Echoes of the Ant Valley (Cairo,2016 - Arouqa Publishing)

Media Contributions:

• Weekly column: Lanterns in the Light's Trust - Al-Jumhuriya Newspaper (Taiz) , dedicated to discovering poets away from the spotlight

External Openness:

• Member since 2006 of Al-Waha Cultural Association - Sweden

• Member of Poem Hunter Literary Association - New York

• Nature of participation: publishing poems, narrative texts, articles, literary translations, and serving as media officer at Al-Waha (2012)

Chapter Seven: Journalism Career and Works in English

I. Journalism Career

A. Positions and Contributions

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Journalist and Editor Yemen Times (English) : Covered cultural events, investigative reporting, and feature articles (until 2003) . You can find his archived articles using the search query: (" Noman Al-Hakimi" OR " Mohammed Al-Hakimi" ;) site: yementimes.com? ? Google Search Link

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" Family and Development" Magazine (Arabic) : Editorial Secretary (2003) .

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Xinhua News Agency (China) : Correspondent from Taiz covering news and managing advertisements (2009) .

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Local Newspapers: Journalism and literary contributions to:

• Al-Thawra (Sanaa)

• Al-Jumhuriya (Taiz) from 1993 to 2008

• Al-Thaqafiya (Taiz) (1993-2011)

B. Nature of Journalism Work

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Specialized Articles:

• Articles on Yemeni folk literature.

• Investigative series (e.g., " Yemeni Superstitions" ;) .

• Coverage of local seminars and conferences.

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Interviews: Conversations with Arab and international thinkers and artists, including:

• Dr. Samir Al-Omari (Palestine)

• Dr. Shihab Ghanem (UAE)

• Ismail MacDonald (Canada)

• Larry Frolick (Canada)

• Dr. Omar Abdulaziz

C. Journalism Impact

Social and Official Engagement:

• His investigative report on the Hays District in Al-Hodeidah, published in Al-Thaqafiya (Taiz) under the title Hays: City of Bats and Political Controversy, prompted then-Governor Shamlan to respond within a week by sending a fax promising urgent provision of water, electricity, and essential services.

• His Yemen Times series on Yemeni Superstitions inspired Canadian writer Larry Frolick to visit Yemen in 2000. Frolick traveled to Taiz to meet journalist Mohammed Noman Al-Hakimi to learn more about Yemen's heritage and culture — documented later in Frolick's book " Ten Thousand Scorpions: Searching for the Treasure of the Queen of Sheba." ? ? Related Articles? ? Interview? ? Part of the Superstitions Series

II. Selected Research Articles in English

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" The Sweepers: Fighting Centuries-Old Isolation" - An analysis on marginalized communities in Yemen, published in Yemen Times,2001.? ? Read it here

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" Dream and Demon" - A study on the suffering of Yemeni women facing early marriage (Yemen Times) .

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" Has Gone to Dra" - An investigation into the trafficking of Yemeni girls through arranged marriages.

III. International Dialogues

Engaged in extended discussions with writers, thinkers, and artists from Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine.

Chapter Eight: List of Critics and Researchers Who Studied His Works

Most studies are available online:

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Abdulrahman Tayyib Ba'akar: Prominent Yemeni writer, poet, and historian.

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Dr. Omar Abdulaziz: Leading Arab critic.

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Dr. Samir Al-Omari: Palestinian researcher (Sweden) .

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Mohammad Ibrahim Al-Hariri: Syrian writer and poet (Kuwait) .

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Dr. Abdul Wali Al-Shamiri: Yemeni poet and Ambassador to the Arab League.

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Mohammad Bin Mohammad Al-Mujahed: Writer and founding member of the Yemeni Writers' Union.

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Fouad Al-Mahanbi: Poet and writer, Ministry of Culture - Sanaa.

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Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Maqaleh: Yemeni poet and scholar, Yemeni Research Center.

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Dr. Bakil Al-Azhari: Yemeni critic and artist.

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Ahmed Al-Jabri: Writer, poet, and Director General of Taiz Radio.

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Ammar Al-Junaid: Modernist poet and innovative critic.

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Alwan Mahdi Al-Jilani: Yemeni writer and poet.

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Farea Al-Shaibani: Yemeni poet and critic.

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Ammar Al-Badhaiji: Yemeni critic, poet, and media figure.

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Abdulrahim Al-Kulaibi: Critic and poet - Taiz.

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Dr. I'tidal Omar Al-Kathiri: Associate Professor - University of Aden.

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Dr. Mubarak Hassan Al-Khalifa: Sudanese researcher - University of Aden.

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Dr. K. M. Tiwari: Indian author and critic - University of Taiz.

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Dr. B. Kumar: Indian professor, English Literature - University of Taiz.

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A. Ammar Za'bal: Yemeni critic, journalist, and media figure.

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Larry Frolick: Canadian writer and researcher.

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Nadia Al-Saqqaf: Editor-in-Chief, Yemen Times.

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Prof. Dr. Abdulhamid Al-Hussami: Professor of Critical Literature - King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

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Prof. Dr. Abdullah Hussein Al-Bar: Author of The Meaning of Text and its Poetic Interpretation: Diverse Readings in Modern Yemeni Poetry.

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Dr. Youssef Hassan Noufal: Author of Encyclopedia of Modern and Contemporary Arabic Poetry.

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Encyclopedia of Yemeni Poets: Comprehensive documentation.? ? Link

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Encyclopedia of Yemeni Figures and Their Works? ? Link

Research Focus Areas:

• Aesthetic and artistic: analysis of text aesthetics, linguistic innovation, stylistic development.

• Thematic and social: representation of Yemeni popular consciousness, resistance to injustice, impact of war, daily life.

Key Critical Conclusions:

• Fusion of heritage and modernity: blending Yemeni heritage with modern techniques.

• Human depth: artistic portrayal of human suffering.

• Social documentation: recording Yemen's transformations through text.

• Stylistic diversity: seamless transitions between poetry, prose, and journalism.

Key References:

• The Meaning of Text and Poetic Interpretation - Dr. Abdullah Al-Bar.

• Encyclopedia of Modern Arabic Poetry - Dr. Youssef Noufal.

• Encyclopedia of Yemeni Figures and Their Works.

• Study: The Impact of Sufism in Al-Hakimi's Poetry - Dr. I'tidal Al-Kathiri.

• Larry Frolick's analysis in Ten Thousand Scorpions.

Chapter Nine: What They Said About Him

Selected Tributes and Critical Comments

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Larry Frolick (Canadian writer and researcher) : " I was astonished by the intrinsic value in Al-Hakimi's poetry and the eloquence of its structural composition... as with all Arab poetry that stirs the auditory sense and the visual imagination alike."

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Walid Al-Saqqaf (Publisher, Yemen Times) : " Al-Hakimi worked with the paper for over six years and was an excellent journalist and capable correspondent throughout."

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Nadia Al-Saqqaf (Editor-in-Chief, Yemen Times) : " I had the opportunity to get to know the creative Mohammed Noman Al-Hakimi very well."

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Prof. Dr. I'tidal Omar Al-Kathiri (University of Aden) : " True poetry shortens distances; what amazes the reader of ‘Sidrat Azal' is that the thread of eloquence never slips from the poet's hand."

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Dr. Abdul Wali Al-Shamiri: " You have amazed me with the remarkable brilliance of your new talent — vivid, youthful poems."

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Ammar Za'bal (on Shighaf Yetada'a) : " To be a poet and a Sufi is to be on a journey uncovering a world that always needs unveiling. Sufism and poetry intertwine and merge with lavish love, an organized introspection into a spiritual experience filled with the pain and wonder of searching, questioning in a strange realm — seeking to sense the unknown, to discover what lies behind this thick curtain of lived reality, in pursuit of meaning and the revelation of feelings and emotions."

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Abdulrahim Saeed Ahmed Saif (on Nabuwiya Al-Hakimi) : " In the poet's verses, poetic flow glides like a clear stream, words align like beads in a necklace, poetic images unfold like ocean waves, emotion peaks at full blaze, and you feel immersed in a world brimming with poetry, shadows, green spaces, visions, radiance, imagination, brooks, happiness, and love."

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Mohammad Ibrahim Al-Hariri (on The Leftovers of the Valley of Ants) : " Reading Al-Hakimi's poems is not an attempt to market his verses or promote his pen — already known in Arab poetry circles — but rather the distillation of reading poetry that shows in every line it belongs to this distinctive poet whose quick visual grasp frames each image within a tense sphere before it slips beyond his insight."

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Samir Al-Yousifi (Editor-in-Chief, Al-Thaqafiya) : " Poet Mohammed Noman Al-Hakimi has his own poetic flavor and a style that resembles none but himself... I can recognize Al-Hakimi's poem even if it bears no signature or sign."

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Prof. Dr. Abdulhamid Al-Hussami (on The Gate of Melancholy) : " If Al-Hakimi's debut collection ‘The Gate of Melancholy' (2004) did not plunge into radical experimentation, this does not mean it lacks authenticity — it is undeniably the true work of poet Mohammed Noman Al-Hakimi alone."

Chapter Ten: Institutional Acknowledgment

Major Honors

• Invitation from the 21st Century Foundation (Sanaa,2007) to publish Sidrat Azal to expand cultural reach.

• Invitation from Aruqa Foundation (Egypt,2016) for a cultural event in Cairo celebrating his works.

• Support from the Yemeni Writers' Union (Sanaa,2004) to sponsor the printing of The Gate of Melancholy.

• Backing from Taiz Office of Culture (2021) to publish Quddam… Quddam (journalism/translations) .

• Support for printing Reihan Balqis (2012) — writer/poet Abdul Fattah Al-Asoudi.

• Sponsorship by the Hayel Saeed Anam Group (2005-2007) : a two-year contract as poet and translator providing a stable creative environment, recognition, and care.

Chapter Eleven: Literary Vision

Conclusion: Cultural Impact and Future Outlook

Impact: Mohammed Noman Al-Hakimi's works have bridged heritage and modernity, redefining contemporary Yemeni poetry by:

• Documenting social and political transformations (notably in Shighaf Yetada'a and What Scarcity Doesn't Hide) .

• Keeping Yemeni Sufism alive through an artistic lens addressing modern human concerns.

• Empowering young voices through writing workshops and media recognition.

" His works are a cultural map rediscovering Yemen through language." — Dr. I'tidal Al-Kathiri (The Impact of Sufism)

Future Vision: He aims to:

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Establish a Documentation Center for Yemeni Literature, including:

• A digital archive for young writers' works.

• Extensive translations of Yemeni authors into English.

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Develop the project " Literature as a Way of Life" through:

• Writing workshops for marginalized groups and displaced people.

• Adapting texts into theatrical and visual works.

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Complete his War Trilogy:

• The Bead (published 2023)

• The Devil's Ravine (manuscript)

• Benjelous (in progress)

With God's help, Al-Hakimi hopes to publish these forthcoming works or expand their digital presence.

Word of Thanks: *" I express my deep gratitude to all who contributed to this creative journey:

• The Sharjah Department of Culture for supporting this literary project since 2016.

• The Yemeni Writers' Union for nurturing my beginnings.

• The Hayel Saeed Anam Group for its significant, tangible support.

• Fellow writers whose pens have made words an act of resistance and beauty. This journey is but one chapter in Yemen's story, written by the voices of its own children."

Closing Mark: Thus, Mohammed Noman Al-Hakimi continues to write Yemen with words — trusting that words never die as long as there is a poet on this land to catch their resonance and recreate them as warmth and steadfastness