Photo Credit : WAM
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority has officially opened applications for Season 12 of the acclaimed Prince of Poets competition, inviting aspiring classical Arabic poets from across the Arab world to compete for the prestigious title and a top prize of AED1 million.
Applications are open from 7 July to 6 August 2026 through the programme’s official website. The competition welcomes both male and female poets aged between 18 and 45 years, continuing its mission of discovering emerging literary talent and promoting the enduring legacy of classical Arabic poetry.
Applicants are required to submit either a traditional vertical classical poem consisting of 8 to 20 verses or a Taf’ila free verse poem of no more than two stanzas, with each stanza containing 10 to 15 lines. Alongside the online application, participants must provide a short biography and supporting documents, including a passport valid for at least one year.
After the submission period closes, an expert judging panel will evaluate entries based on literary and artistic merit. Shortlisted poets will be invited for interviews before competing in the live television broadcasts at Al Raha Beach Theatre in Abu Dhabi.
The Season 12 champion will receive the coveted Prince of Poets title, the traditional Burdah cloak, the Championship Ring, and a cash prize of AED1 million. The runner-up will receive AED500,000, while third, fourth, fifth, and sixth place winners will earn AED300,000, AED200,000, AED100,000, and AED50,000, respectively.
For more than a decade, Prince of Poets has become one of the Arab world’s most influential literary television programmes, attracting thousands of participants and connecting classical Arabic poetry with millions of viewers across the region. The competition has played a key role in discovering new poetic voices while encouraging dialogue between generations of poets.
The initiative reflects the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority’s commitment to preserving the Arabic language, celebrating literary heritage, and supporting cultural creativity. Through Prince of Poets, the authority continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading regional centre for culture, literature, and the arts.
Season 11 concluded with Emirati poet Abdulrahman Al-Humairi claiming the Prince of Poets title. Abdulwahid Omran of Yemen finished second, followed by Yazan Issa of Syria in third place. Othman Hichou Krabchi of Morocco secured fourth place, Al-Mukhtar Abdullah Salahi of Mauritania finished fifth, while Emirati poet Asma Al-Hammadi placed sixth.
The strong performances in the previous season further reinforced the programme’s reputation as one of the Arab world’s premier platforms for discovering, developing, and celebrating exceptional classical Arabic poetry.
