Rooftop Rhythms - Season 12

Speak your truth from the roof!

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 that features open mic nights and poetry slam competitions. Rooftop Rhythms is hosted by founder Dorian Paul Rogers, Ed.D.

“A great night of poetry filled with passion…” – BBC

“Performance poetry with a global touch.” – Khaleej Times

Season 12 / 2023-2024 Lineup and Dates:
* Season 12 Opening - Friday, Sep 29
* Slam Competition and Open Mic Night - Friday, Oct 27
* Rooftop Junior Open Mic - Saturday, Oct 28
* The Sustainability Edition - Open Mic Night - Friday, Nov 17
* Slam Competition and Open Mic Night - Friday, Dec 15
* Open Mic Night - Friday, Jan 26
* Slam Competition and Open Mic Night - Friday, Feb 23
* Ramadan Open Mic Night - Friday, Mar 29
* Open Mic Night - Friday, Apr 26
* Grand Slam Competition / Season Finale - Friday, May 24
* Rooftop Junior Slam - Saturday, May 25

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 dialogues, workshops, public events, policy briefs, and youth participation in the lead-up to and beyond COP28.



The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all patrons.

See below the guidelines for attending events at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi.

● Entry to the NYUAD Campus is through either the East or West Parking or the Welcome Center.
● Patrons will be required to present a valid ticket to an event at The Arts Center upon entry to the campus.
● As per current Department of Culture and Tourism guidelines a Green Al Hosn is NO LONGER needed to attend public events in Abu Dhabi.
● The wearing of face masks is NO LONGER required in most indoor public places, including campus buildings.

For access and wheelchair bookings please email nyuad.boxoffice@nyu.edu