DUBAI: This Valentine’s Day, we explore some of the Middle East’s legendary poetry about love and longing. From Lebanese great Gibran Khalil Gibran to the Syrian wordsmith Nizar Qabbani, these verses have stood the test of time and offer up a poignant look at what it means to be in love. Legendary poet Nizar Qabbani (1923-1998) was born in Damascus, Syria and was one of the most popular Arab poets of the 20th century.