Dr. Shihab Ghanem
Emirati Poet, Translator & Author
Biography
Dr. Shihab M. Ghanem is a multifaceted UAE professional; a poet, translator, engineer, manager, and industrial development economist.
He holds degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (Aberdeen, 1964), a Master's in Water Resources Development (Roorkee, 1975), and a Ph.D. in Economics (Wales, 1989). In 2015, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Literature from Soka University, Tokyo.
A UK Chartered Engineer, Fellow of IMechE and the Institute of Management, he served as Deputy Permanent Secretary of Public Works in Aden and Director of Engineering for Dubai Ports and Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Author of 60 books, including 16 in Arabic verse, 2 in English, and 24 volumes of translated poetry. His book "Industrialization in the United Arab Emirates" (1992) remains a key reference.
Life Journey
The Dawn of a Voice
Born in Aden, Yemen, at the crossroads of ancient trade routes and poetic traditions. The seeds of verse were planted early in a land where Arabic literature flourished for centuries.
Northern Horizons
Journeyed to Scotland's granite city to study Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Here, the precision of science met the rhythm of words, a duality that would define his life's work.
The Scholar's Path
Pursued advanced studies in Economics at the University of Wales. These years deepened his understanding of development and industry, shaping his vision for the Arab world's future.
Building Emirates
As Managing Director of industrial parks in the UAE, he helped transform desert landscapes into thriving economic zones. Received the Rashid Award for Scientific Excellence in 1989.
The Literary Economist
Published "Industrialization in the United Arab Emirates" (1992), a landmark reference. Received the Al Owais Prize for Research (1998) and the Book of Verse Prize from Abha Literary Club (1996).
Global Recognition
Featured in Who's Who in the World (Marquis, USA) and Who's Who in Science and Engineering. Received the Sharjah Government Book Award in 2003 and 2007.
Honoured by Yemen
Honoured by the Hayel Saeed Foundation in Taiz, Yemen. The House of Poetry of Yemen named its poetry cycle after him, recognizing his contributions to Arabic verse.
The Poet Laureate's Crown
Became the first Arab recipient of the prestigious Tagore Peace Prize in Kolkata. Also received the Al-Owais Translation Award and the Soka Gakkai International Peace & Culture Award.
A Nation's Tribute
Named Cultural Personality of the Year. Received the Poetry Award for Culture & Humanism from the World Poetry Society Intercontinental, and the Al-Owais Creativity Award.
International Translator
Voted International Best Translator of the Year by IPTRC, China. Honoured by the Kerala Chief Minister and received another Al-Owais Translation Award.
Academic Honours
Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature from Soka University, Tokyo. Featured in the UAE Poets Encyclopedia by Bilal Al-Budoor.
The Living Anthology
With over 60 books published, including 16 poetry collections in Arabic, 2 in English, and 24 volumes of translated verse, his words continue to inspire new generations of poets and readers worldwide.
The Dawn of a Voice
Born in Aden, Yemen, at the crossroads of ancient trade routes and poetic traditions. The seeds of verse were planted early in a land where Arabic literature flourished for centuries.
Northern Horizons
Journeyed to Scotland's granite city to study Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Here, the precision of science met the rhythm of words, a duality that would define his life's work.
The Scholar's Path
Pursued advanced studies in Economics at the University of Wales. These years deepened his understanding of development and industry, shaping his vision for the Arab world's future.
Building Emirates
As Managing Director of industrial parks in the UAE, he helped transform desert landscapes into thriving economic zones. Received the Rashid Award for Scientific Excellence in 1989.
The Literary Economist
Published "Industrialization in the United Arab Emirates" (1992), a landmark reference. Received the Al Owais Prize for Research (1998) and the Book of Verse Prize from Abha Literary Club (1996).
Global Recognition
Featured in Who's Who in the World (Marquis, USA) and Who's Who in Science and Engineering. Received the Sharjah Government Book Award in 2003 and 2007.
Honoured by Yemen
Honoured by the Hayel Saeed Foundation in Taiz, Yemen. The House of Poetry of Yemen named its poetry cycle after him, recognizing his contributions to Arabic verse.
The Poet Laureate's Crown
Became the first Arab recipient of the prestigious Tagore Peace Prize in Kolkata. Also received the Al-Owais Translation Award and the Soka Gakkai International Peace & Culture Award.
A Nation's Tribute
Named Cultural Personality of the Year. Received the Poetry Award for Culture & Humanism from the World Poetry Society Intercontinental, and the Al-Owais Creativity Award.
International Translator
Voted International Best Translator of the Year by IPTRC, China. Honoured by the Kerala Chief Minister and received another Al-Owais Translation Award.
Academic Honours
Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature from Soka University, Tokyo. Featured in the UAE Poets Encyclopedia by Bilal Al-Budoor.
The Living Anthology
With over 60 books published, including 16 poetry collections in Arabic, 2 in English, and 24 volumes of translated verse, his words continue to inspire new generations of poets and readers worldwide.
Achievements
Tagore Peace Prize
First Arab recipient of this prestigious international award (2012)
60+ Books Published
Poetry, translations, and prose in Arabic and English
International Translations
Works translated into numerous languages worldwide
© 2026 Dr. Shihab Ghanem. All rights reserved.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates