Doha: A cultural seminar at the Doha International Book Fair discussed how poetry shapes national identity and strengthens belonging, describing it as a key element of Arab soft power. Poets Faleh Al Hajri and Iraqi writer Aref Al Saadi said poetry remains deeply tied to cultural memory and national sentiment. According to Qatar News Agency, Al Hajri stressed the need for high-quality patriotic works that reflect a country's development, warning against superficial or rushed productions, including those influenced by social media trends. Meanwhile, Al Saadi said Arabic poetry has historically played a major role in shaping Arab cultural identity, noting that national belonging is strongly reflected in moments such as the playing of national anthems. He also cautioned against "populist" content that prioritizes quick online engagement over artistic depth. The session concluded that poetry, in both classical and folk forms, remains a powerful cultural tool for expressing identity and belonging.