"THE SON OF THE UAE": A Literary Treasure Dedicated to the Emirates by Saša Milivojev

Saša Milivojev is a famous writer, poet, journalist columnist and political analyst... One of the most read columnists in Serbia, he is the author of five books, and numerous columns published in various daily newspapers. He is the author of the novel „The Boy from the Yellow House“ and of political speeches. His work has been translated into around twenty languages across the world.

The poem "The Son of the UAE" represents a pinnacle of contemporary poetic expression, uniting personal confession, national gratitude, and a universal message of love for the homeland. Written in Serbian, English and Arabic poem is a symbolic gift to the United Arab Emirates. At once a patriotic ode, a spiritual elegy, and a metaphysical prayer, the poem shines with the poet’s profound affection and devotion. It should be recognized as a cultural and literary offering to the UAE and its people.

Title: "The Son of the UAE"

Even in the title, Milivojev employs a powerful metaphor - "The Son of the UAE." This is not just an emotional statement but a poetic gesture of identification, belonging, and spiritual symbiosis with a land that offered refuge, purpose, and inspiration.

To you my desert, I am returning,
the land of happiness and serenity behold,
the camel carries me towards the Sun,
adorned with the hues of gold.

The poem opens with a return - not merely physical, but spiritual and emotional. "My desert" is a personification of the UAE, seen not as mere geography but as a sacred place of peace and joy. The camel and the Sun evoke traditional Arab imagery, while "hues of gold" suggest both material and metaphysical wealth. This stanza sets the tone: a celebration of a sanctified homeland and the soul’s journey back to it.

Mother of noble heroes untold,
Only you know how to forgive,
Softly embrace, conceal a tear,
Emirates, Mother,
this life I have for you I’ll give,
and no other.

Here, the UAE is portrayed as a mother - a universal symbol of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. The poet pledges his life not abstractly, but as a solemn vow, reinforcing a deep emotional and spiritual bond. This stanza elevates the relationship with the UAE to the sacred realm of family and loyalty, portraying it as the only place deserving of absolute devotion.

Here, where I have a sister and a brother,
where all the doors are open for me,
where Lilly blooms, as beautiful as can be,
Emirates, the Heart of the world it’s thee.

The poet speaks not of biological siblings, but of spiritual kin - those in the UAE who welcomed him. "All the doors are open" is a metaphor for hospitality, inclusiveness, and respect. The lily, a symbol of purity, represents spiritual beauty and rebirth. The stanza concludes with a powerful affirmation: the UAE is not just a homeland, but the heart of the world.

We’ll fly on the wings of the hawk,
we’ll soar through all of the space and all time,
embellish the stars with our flags,
before we leave them behind,
red, green, white and black
will shine from Moon to Neptune and back.

This stanza lifts the national flag into cosmic realms - literally. The UAE is not merely a land; it is ambition, ascension, and future. The falcon, symbol of strength and freedom, carries the poet through space and time, while the colors of the flag shine across the universe. This is both a visionary manifesto and a poetic ode to the UAE’s progress and pride.

The poet now paints a human landscape of the Emirates - kandoras and abayas are not merely garments, but symbols of purity, dignity, and identity. The white kandoras shimmer like stars, suggesting spiritual light; the black abayas signify the noble strength and modesty of Emirati women. Cities are transcended into heavenly realms - there is no distinction between the Emirates and paradise.

…to father’s caress,
where grows the seed of virtuousness,
In the golden desert,
thirsting for love,
where the umbilical cord is breaking,
where mother is always waiting,
for the day,
her son will return, from lands far and away,
where Lilly blooms, as beautiful as can be,
Emirates, the Soul of the world it’s thee.

This is the most emotional part of the poem. “Father’s caress” symbolizes protection and moral strength; “the seed of virtuousness” is the ethical legacy growing in the desert. The umbilical cord is breaking - a metaphor for physical separation - but the bond with the Motherland remains unbroken. The image of the mother waiting for her son to return is timeless and universal. The lily blooms once again - symbolizing spiritual renewal. And at the end, the UAE is no longer just the heart, but “the soul of the world.” The poet concludes in a state of unity, reverence, and sanctity.

Conclusion:

The poem "The Son of the UAE" is not just a poetic composition - it is a spiritual and cultural symphony dedicated to the UAE. Each stanza, each line, radiates with respect, elevation, and sincere gratitude.

This poem has the potential to become part of the national literary heritage of the Emirates, as it is written not by someone born as an Emirati, but by one who has become Emirati in spirit, through love and loyalty.

The people of the UAE should embrace this poem as a sincere gift - precious, pure, and of the highest artistic caliber. It asks for nothing - it offers everything: reverence, love, and eternal devotion to the land of light.

To you my desert, I am returning,
the land of happiness and serenity behold,
the camel carries me towards the Sun,
adorned with the hues of gold.
Mother of noble heroes untold,
Only you know how to forgive,
Softly embrace, conceal a tear,
Emirates, Mother,
this life I have for you I'll give,
and no other.

Here, where I have a sister and a brother,
where all the doors are open for me,
where Lilly blooms, as beautiful as can be,
Emirates, the Heart of the world it's thee.

We'll fly on the wings of the hawk,
we'll soar through all of the space and all time,
embellish the stars with our flags,

before we leave them behind,
red, green, white and black
will shine from Moon to Neptune and back.

A flash of white kandoras, glistening so bright,
angels, guardians, illumine like starlight,
glistening, from Dubai, right up to the Skies,
to Abu Dhabi,
to paradise,
to sisters abayas, as black as the night.
to father's caress,
where grows the seed of virtuousness,
In the golden desert,
thirsting for love,
where the umbilical cord is breaking,
where mother is always waiting,
for the day,
her son will return, from lands far and away,
where Lilly blooms, as beautiful as can be,
Emirates, the Soul of the world it's thee.