'Million's Poet' to start tonight

Abu Dhabi: Tonight, the third edition of the 'Million's Poet' TV competition will be broadcast live from Al Raha Beach Theatre, Abu Dhabi.

In the first episode, 48 Nabati poets will be chosen by audiences, from the 100 selected last week by the judging committee, to participate in the first-of-its-kind competition.

The committee met 16,000 poets in Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah, Amman and Abu Dhabi.

First prize is Dh5 million . The winner will also carry the title and flag of the competition.

'Million's Poet' has been organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage with the support of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The competition brings alive a very ancient form of poetry, which was well known in Arabia and was part of the daily Bedouin life. A majority of the audience are from the younger generation.

Prizes

The first five winners in the competition will be given a total prize of Dh15 million; Dh5 million for first prize, Dh4 million for second and Dh3 million for third place.

Dh2 million will be awarded to the fourth winner and Dh1 million for the fifth.

Cash prizes totalling Dh22 million will also be given for all 48 poets participating in the competition.