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Are You in Fray for the Million’s Poet?

DUBAI — Poets from the Gulf will battle it out in yet another season of the hit TV show, ‘Million’s Poet’, where up for grabs is the coveted prize of Dh5 million. In its third season, the competition invites participants to send in a 20 verse poem in the style of Nabati poetry.

Also called the “the people’s poetry” and “Bedouin poetry”, the Nabati style reflects the everyday Arab dialect as well as the realities of everyday life.

With the objective of promoting the Arab culture and tradition, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage has teamed up with Pyramedia, an Abu Dhabi-based production company, to launch a show that airs on Abu Dhabi TV, and has a dedicated channel, The Millions Poet Channel.

After touring the Gulf region and Jordan for five weeks, the tour has arrived in Abu Dhabi for three days, with the auditions that started on October 6 and ends today (October 8). The auditions are being held at the National Theatre.

“The competition is stronger and more intense this year,” said Mira, spokesperson for Pyramedia.

The panel of judges includes Sultan Al Amimi, an established writer and Nabati poet from the UAE, and Dr Ghassan Al Hassan, a professor and Arabic poetry specialist from Jordan.

Contestants will be judged on various criteria, including rhythm, rhyme, presentation, language and style. The winner will be entitled to prize money along with a promotion of his works and publishing of his poems.

afshan@khaleejtimes.com