Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority Announces 20 Poets Qualified for Amir Al‑Shuara Season 12
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Heritage has released the list of twenty poets who will compete directly in season 12 of the Amir Al‑Shuara programme. The announcement takes effect with the first broadcast on Wednesday 11 November 2026 and applies to the selected poets, judges and the programme’s audience.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Twenty poets are now qualified for the direct competition stage of season 12
- Timing
- Effective from the first episode on Wednesday 11 November
- Who is affected
- Selected poets, competition judges and programme viewers
The details
- Announced by
- Abu Dhabi Authority for Heritage
- Takes effect
- Wednesday 11 November
- New rule
- Twenty poets and poetesses from Arab and African countries have been selected to move directly to the competition stage of season 12.
Announcement and Cultural Context
During a press event at the Beach Resort Theatre in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Heritage presented the list of twenty poets who will take part in the direct competition stage of the twelfth season of Amir Al‑Shuara. The programme, a flagship cultural initiative, aims to discover and nurture talent in classical Arabic poetry.
Selection Process and Participants
The twelfth season received more than 1,600 submissions from 38 countries, including 270 entries from women poets. After reviewing texts and conducting 144 interviews over three days, the jury approved 97 participants, narrowed to 40 for additional tests, and finally chose twenty poets to advance directly.
- Poets represent countries such as the UAE, Syria, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Morocco, Bahrain, Gambia, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Oman, Mauritania, and Nigeria
- The jury this season includes Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Dr. Muhammad Hajjo, and Dr. Saad al‑Din Kleeb
Broadcast Schedule and New Competition Elements
The first episode of the new season airs on Wednesday 11 November at 9 p.m. on the Abu Dhabi and Binuana channels, hosted by Lebanese presenter Neshan and Emirati presenter Naâma Muhammad. For the first time, the competition adds written tests alongside improvisational poetry to assess technical skill and creative expression.
- Live broadcast will be streamed simultaneously on both channels
- Written tests evaluate poetic meter, rhyme, and thematic development
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers planning to attend the live audience at Beach Resort Theatre should note the event date is 11 November 2026
- No changes to existing travel itineraries are required unless attending the live recording
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation are introduced for participants or attendees
- Existing ticket prices for the live event remain unchanged
What you need to do
- Selected poets must confirm participation with the programme organisers before 20 November 2026
- Audience members should book seats for the 11 November broadcast if they wish to attend in person
Who this affects
-
Selected poets for season 12
They have been named among the twenty qualifiers for the direct competition stage
What to do They must confirm their participation with the programme organisers
-
Competition judges
They will evaluate the twenty qualified poets during the live broadcasts
What to do They will prepare assessment criteria for the new written‑test component
-
Live‑event audience
The first episode will be recorded at the Beach Resort Theatre in Abu Dhabi
What to do They should secure tickets for the 11 November session if they wish to attend
Frequently asked questions
Who are the twenty poets selected for Amir Al‑Shuara season 12?
The twenty poets include representatives from the UAE, Syria, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Morocco, Bahrain, Gambia, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Oman, Mauritania and Nigeria, as announced by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Heritage.
When does the new season of Amir Al‑Shuara start?
The first episode of season 12 airs on Wednesday 11 November at 9 p.m., broadcast live from the Beach Resort Theatre in Abu Dhabi.
What new competition element was introduced this season?
For the first time, the programme includes written tests in addition to improvisational poetry to assess poets' technical mastery and creative ability.
How many submissions were received for season 12?
More than 1,600 submissions came from 38 countries, including 270 entries from women poets, according to the programme’s executive director.
Do I need a visa to attend the live recording in Abu Dhabi?
Travel requirements depend on the visitor’s nationality; the announcement does not change any visa rules, so standard UAE entry regulations still apply.
