Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority has announced the closing of registration for the twelfth season of the “Prince of Poets” program, following a month-long application period from July 7 to August 6, 2026. The program received more than 1,500 entries from poets hailing from 38 countries.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this wide-ranging participation reflects a rich poetic experience from multiple cultures, bringing a variety of visions and styles to the competition. The program aims to discover new talents and creative paths, contributing to the vitality and diversity of the Arab poetic scene.

With the registration now closed, the competition moves into its second phase. The judging panel will review the entries to shortlist 150 poets who will be invited to Abu Dhabi for interviews. These poets will have the opportunity to recite their poems and demonstrate their recitation skills, cultural knowledge, stage presence, and potential for advancement in the program. From this group, 40 poets will be selected to proceed to the next stage of interviews, which will determine the 10 finalists competing for the title of Prince of Poets.

The live interviews, scheduled after the shortlist is finalized, are more than just auditions. They serve as a poetic gathering that brings together creative talents from various countries and poetic schools. Participants will have the chance to connect, engage in dialogue, and exchange insights on Arabic poetry and its evolution. This stage underscores the importance of poetry in advancing to the live rounds, where the poets will perform at Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi to vie for the prestigious title.