The Middle East’s longest-running poetry open mic event enters its twelfth season. Rooftop Rhythms Poetry Open Mic has played a major role in establishing and sustaining a supportive community for creative expression in the UAE.

Join leading and up-and-coming spoken word artists, poets, and musicians presenting original material. Experience culturally-diverse voices with a lineup which features open mic nights and poetry slam competitions. Rooftop Rhythms is hosted by founder Dorian Paul Rogers, Ed.D.

Season 12 lineup:

  • Friday, September 29 — Season Opening
  • Friday, October 27 — Slam Competition and Open Mic Night
  • Saturday, October 28 — Rooftop Junior Open Mic
  • Friday, November 17 — The Sustainability Edition*
  • Friday, December 15 — Slam Competition and Open Mic Night

Rooftop Rhythms is presented in partnership with The Arts Center at NYUAD with official support of the US Mission to the UAE.

Rooftop Rhythms and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi are committed to providing a platform for locally based artists to share their original creative work in front of a supportive community. In an effort to foster local talent, we ask that all poets and musicians perform original material. All languages are welcome.

Event information:* Registration for the open mic list is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sign up by sending a request to info@rooftoprhythms.org.

*The Sustainability Edition is presented in support of COP28. NYU Abu Dhabi currently chairs the Universities Climate Network, which comprises UAE-based universities and higher education institutions to facilitate dialogs, workshops, public events, policy briefs, and youth participation in the lead up to and beyond COP28.

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