Poets battle it out with words for Dh15 million contest

Abu Dhabi - The winners will be revealed on April 24, the last day of the show.

Over 1,000 people gathered at a theatre in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to witness an epic battle of words for the world's biggest poetry show. The coveted Million's Poet is back, and at stake are cash prizes worth Dh15 million!
Organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee - Abu Dhabi, the Million's Poet competition is reviving the centuries old Nabati (Bedouin) poetry. It gives the young Arab generation a platform to preserve this art form, which is at the heart of the Bedouin cultural heritage.
Over the next 15 weeks, 48 poets from 10 countries will fight it out for the top prize of Dh5 million. The other top four poets will receive Dh4 million, Dh3 million, Dh2 million and Dh1 million respectively.
The winners will be revealed on April 24, the last day of the show.
Major-General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, chairman of the cultural programmes and heritage festivals committee - Abu Dhabi, said: "The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had instilled a sense of pride and appreciation in the new Emirati generations for their culture and heritage. He taught them to love and care for our customs and traditions. Sheikh Zayed himself was the most ardent admirers and supporters of Nabati poetry, as it represents the conscience of the nation, and expresses our identity and our humanity."
Since the committee launched the Million's Poet and the Prince of Poets back in 2006, 569 poets have had the opportunity to showcase their skills. "Over the eight seasons, the programme succeeded in revitalising this art form as one of the most important pillars of our heritage. The live show highlighted 384 true poetic talents and, in the process, made Abu Dhabi a regional and international cultural hub," added Maj-Gen Al Mazrouei.
This year, the 48 finalists were selected from thousands who applied for the competition. From the UAE, five poets have qualified for the competition.
Through an elimination process, based on the judges and audiences' votes, the best six will qualify to the final round, when the top five will be awarded. The competitions will take place every Tuesday night, from 10:00pm, at Al Raha Beach Theatre.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi