Prince of Poets Season 12 has received more than 1,500 entries from 38 countries, with 150 poets set to advance to the next stage in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI: More than 1,500 poets from 38 countries have signed up for Prince of Poets Season 12, bringing together writers from different backgrounds for one of Abu Dhabi’s best-known Arabic poetry competitions. Registration was open from July 7 to August 6, 2026, with entries received from both male and female poets.
The large number of entries shows the growing interest in the competition and Arabic poetry. With poets joining from 38 countries, this season will bring different writing styles, ideas and cultural influences to the stage. It will also give new and emerging poets a chance to share their work with a much wider audience and be recognised for their talent.
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Now that registration has closed, Prince of Poets Season 12 will move to the next stage. The judging panel will go through more than 1,500 submissions and choose 150 poets for the longlist. These selected poets will then travel to Abu Dhabi, where they will meet the judges and perform their poems in person. This will take the competition from written entries to live poetry performances.
For Abu Dhabi, the programme is about more than finding talented poets. It is also a way to keep Arabic poetry and the Arabic language connected with new generations. By bringing poets from different countries together in one place, the competition creates a space where writers can share ideas, learn from different experiences and celebrate a literary tradition that has been part of Arab culture for generations.
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority continues to support programmes that keep Arab culture and heritage alive while making them relevant to audiences today. Prince of Poets has become an important part of these efforts by giving writers a major platform and encouraging younger poets to explore the Arabic language through creative writing.
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Prince of Poets Season 12 will now enter an important part of the competition as the judges begin narrowing more than 1,500 entries down to 150 names. Attention will then turn to Abu Dhabi, where the selected poets will take their words from the page to the stage and compete in front of the judging panel.
Impact to expect
The new season could introduce audiences to fresh poetic talent while helping Abu Dhabi bring Arabic poetry to younger generations and a wider international audience.
