The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of the Arab world’s premier platform for classical Arabic poetry. Registration is officially open for Season 12 of the Prince of Poets, inviting talented wordsmiths from across the globe to showcase their literary mastery. Aspiring contestants can submit their applications through the programme’s official website from July 7 to August 6, 2026, marking the beginning of a brilliant cultural journey that promises to captivate millions of viewers.
A Powerful Platform for Literary Excellence
Over the past decade, the Prince of Poets has firmly established itself as a leading cultural programme dedicated to discovering new poetic talents and introducing them to a vast, eager Arab audience. The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority warmly welcomes both male and female poets from across the Arab world to participate, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment that powerfully promotes the growth and contemporary relevance of classical poetry.
By bridging generational gaps and connecting poets with millions of viewers who share a common linguistic and literary tradition, the competition serves as a vital pillar of the region’s cultural movement. Highlighting the deep-rooted mission of the programme, an official statement from the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority emphasized:
“Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority remains committed to safeguarding the Arabic language and promoting poetry as a vital expression of Arab identity. Through initiatives such as Prince of Poets, the authority continues to preserve literary heritage, encourage creativity, and inspire young people to engage with the richness of Arabic poetry.”
Application Requirements and Competition Structure
To maintain the exceptional calibre and rigorous standards of the competition, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority has outlined specific requirements for all applicants. Candidates must be between 18 and 45 years old. The submitted poetry must strictly adhere to structural criteria, requiring either a printed traditional vertical classical poem ranging from 8 to 20 verses, or a free verse Taf’ila poem consisting of no more than two stanzas, with each stanza spanning 10 to 15 lines.
Participants must complete the online registration form via the official website, princeofpoets.ae. Along with the poem, applicants are required to submit a brief CV and official documents, including a passport copy valid for at least one year. Following the registration deadline, a distinguished judging panel will meticulously review all submissions based on strict artistic and literary standards. Shortlisted poets will then be invited for individual interviews, ultimately leading to the selection of contestants who will compete in the thrilling live television episodes held at the iconic Al Raha Beach Theatre in Abu Dhabi.
Spectacular Prizes and Previous Triumphs
The stakes for Season 12 of the Prince of Poets are incredibly high, reflecting the prestige of the event. The ultimate winner will receive the revered title of Prince of Poets, the traditional poetic cloak known as the Burdah, the Championship Ring, and a life-changing cash prize of AED 1 million. Generous rewards also await the runners-up, with the second-place winner receiving AED 500,000, followed by AED 300,000 for third place, AED 200,000 for fourth, AED 100,000 for fifth, and AED 50,000 for sixth place.
The phenomenal success of the show’s 11th season set a towering benchmark for incoming competitors. Season 11 witnessed fierce competition among the Arab world’s elite poets, culminating in Emirati poet Abdulrahman Al-Humairi claiming the coveted Prince of Poets title. He was followed closely by Abdulwahid Omran of Yemen in second place and Yazan Issa of Syria in third. Fourth place was awarded to Othman Hichou Krabchi of Morocco, while Al-Mukhtar Abdullah Salahi of Mauritania took fifth, and Emirati poet Asma Al-Hammadi beautifully rounded out the top spots in sixth place.
The exceptional calibre of Season 11 highlighted the growing sophistication of the competition, showcasing incredibly diverse poetic styles and rich artistic visions. As the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority continues to champion the art of poetry, Season 12 is expected to attract thousands of participants, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s expanding role as a global epicentre for culture, literature, and creativity.
