Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority has announced the opening of registration for the twelfth season of the “Prince of Poets” program, a significant cultural initiative focusing on classical Arabic poetry. Registration is available through the program’s official website from July 7 to August 6, 2026.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Authority is inviting poets from across the Arab world to participate in the program, which has become a key platform for discovering and showcasing new poetic talent within the Arab public. It also plays a crucial role in supporting the classical poetry movement and strengthening its presence in the modern cultural landscape.

Eligibility requirements specify that applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old. They are required to submit a printed classical poem of no more than 20 lines and no fewer than 8 lines, or a free verse poem of no more than two stanzas, with each stanza having no more than 15 lines and no fewer than 10 lines. Additionally, participants must provide a brief CV, address and contact information, a copy of a passport valid for at least one year, and a personal photograph for official purposes. Completing the online registration form on the program’s official website, princeofpoets.ae, is also mandatory.

Once the registration period concludes, the judging panel will meticulously review the applications and evaluate the poems based on specific technical and critical criteria. This process will lead to interviews and the selection of poets who will advance to the live episodes at the Al Raha Beach Theatre in Abu Dhabi. Here, a select group of poets will compete for the prestigious title of “Prince of Poets.”

The “Prince of Poets” program remains a cornerstone of cultural endeavors in the Arab world, dedicated to the promotion of classical Arabic poetry. Since its inception, it has drawn thousands of poets from the Arab region and has played a pivotal role in reviving Arabic poetry’s prominence in cultural and media domains.

The initiative highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering Arab cultural interaction and communication, acting as a conduit for dialogue between peoples and cultures. It offers poets a platform to engage with a broad audience connected by a shared language and sentiment.