Abu Dhabi has opened entries for the 12th season of the Abu Dhabi Prince of Poets competition. The famous TV show gives poets from across the Arab world a chance to share their work with millions of viewers. It also offers a top prize of AED1 million, equal to about $272,000.
The competition has become one of the biggest literary events in the Arab world. It celebrates classical Arabic poetry while using modern television to reach a wide audience. Many young poets have used the show to launch their writing careers.
Applications are now open. Poets have until August 6 to submit their work. Organizers hope the new season will attract fresh talent from across the region.
The competition is organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. For more than 10 years, it has helped protect Arabic poetry while making it popular with younger generations.
The contest is open to poets between the ages of 18 and 45. Each applicant must submit original work that follows the competition rules. Writers may enter with a traditional qasida made up of eight to 20 verses. They may also choose a taf’ila free-verse poem with no more than two stanzas.
A panel of poetry experts will review every entry. The judges will select the strongest poems for the next stage. Shortlisted poets will then travel to Abu Dhabi to compete in live television episodes.
The live shows will take place at Al Raha Beach Theatre. During each round, contestants will perform their poems before a panel of specialists. Viewers from many Arab countries will also watch the performances as the competition moves toward the final round.
The winner will receive the title of Prince of Poets. The champion will also receive the traditional Burdah cloak, the Championship Ring, and the AED1 million grand prize. Other top finalists will share an additional AED1.15 million in prize money.
The competition has grown into one of the most respected poetry events in the region. Since it began, thousands of poets have entered from countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Many contestants have gained public attention and continued successful literary careers after appearing on the show.
The program also plays an important role in keeping Arabic poetry alive. Classical Arabic verse has been part of the region’s culture for more than one thousand years. The competition gives young writers a chance to study these traditions while adding their own modern ideas and styles.
Organizers believe this mix of old and new has helped the program stay popular. The television format allows people of all ages to enjoy poetry in an easy and exciting way. It also brings literary culture into homes across the Arab world.
The event supports Abu Dhabi’s wider cultural goals. The city continues to invest in projects that protect the Arabic language and celebrate Arab heritage. Public cultural programs like this help keep traditional arts strong while encouraging new creative voices.
The previous season showed the growing reach of the competition. Poets from several Arab countries reached the final stages. Emirati poet Abdulrahman Al-Humairi won the Prince of Poets title after impressing both judges and viewers with his performances.
Yemen’s Abdulwahid Omran finished in second place. Syria’s Yazan Issa claimed third. Morocco’s Othman Hichou Krabchi, Mauritania’s Al-Mukhtar Abdullah Salahi, and Emirati poet Asma Al-Hammadi completed the list of the top six finalists.
Organizers expect another strong group of contestants this year. They believe the new season will continue to discover talented poets from across the Arab world. At the same time, the competition will help preserve Arabic literary traditions and introduce them to new audiences.
As the submission deadline approaches, poets have a chance to compete for national recognition, valuable prizes, and the opportunity to become the next face of classical Arabic poetry on one of the region’s biggest cultural stages.
