Speak your truth from the roof!

The Middle East’s longest-running poetry open mic night enters its second decade while doing its part to build the performing arts scene of 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

Season 11 / 2022-2023 Lineup and Dates:

  • Slam Competition and Open Mic Night – Friday, Jan 27
  • Open Mic Night – Friday, Feb 24
  • Slam Competition and Open Mic Night – Friday, Mar 31
  • Open Mic Night – Friday, Apr 28
  • Open Mic Night – Friday, May 19
  • Grand Slam Finale Competition / Season Closing – Friday, Jun 16

Discover the show:

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-served basis. Sign up by emailing Rooftop Rhythms at info@rooftoprhythms.org