Two television shows, one goal – to revive Arabic poetry

Sultan Al Ameemi is the editor-in-chief of Million’s Poet magazine, a monthly publication on poetry, literature and cultural heritage. He is also associated with two television poetry competitions that are broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV – as a judge on Million’s Poet and as a member of the higher committee for the Prince of Poets.

There is one distinct difference between the two TV programmes: the form of Arabic used. Million’s Poet was created to revive poetry that is recited in the ancient Nabati, or Bedu dialect, which also includes the Mwal, Shalla and Qalta dialects and is more than 1,000 years old. Prince of Poets showcases poetry written in classical Arabic. Both shows are broadcast live from Al Raha Beach Theatre, both shows are funded by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA), and both shows are wildly popular, not only in the Middle East, but also across the world.

From Saturday, January 31, until Monday, February 2, Al Ameemi and members of the jury will interview 300 poets from 29 countries – shortlisted from the thousands of submissions of classical Arabic poetry sent in by contestants eager to take part in Prince of Poets. That number will then be whittled down to 20 in the course of three days and live filming for the show will start next month, launching the sixth season of Prince of Poets on Abu Dhabi TV. A specific date has not yet been announced.

Original article by Hala Khalaf

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Two television shows, one goal – to revive Arabic poetry