In a distinguished cultural evening that reflected the depth of Saudi folk heritage, the fourth season of the "Poet of the Banner" program concluded last night with the crowning of poet Mohammed Al-Mahalkam as the winner and his receipt of the one million riyal prize. This took place during the closing ceremony held at the Diriyah Theater at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari.
Official presence and fierce competition
The event was graced by the presence of a distinguished group of prominent figures, including His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Mohammed and His Royal Highness Prince Abdulrahman bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz, along with the President of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Amri, and a large gathering of intellectuals, media professionals, and poetry enthusiasts. The final episode was characterized by fierce and enthusiastic competition among the four finalists: Mohammed Al-Mahalkam, Abdullah Al-Jahmi, Abdullah Al-Salakhi, and Mishari Al-Abdali, who presented eloquent poems that were well-received by the judging panel and the audience.
List of winners and prizes
The final results saw poet Mohammed Al-Mahalkam crowned the "Poet of the Banner" and win the first-place prize of one million Saudi riyals, presented to him by the President of the Broadcasting and Television Authority, Mr. Ali Al-Zaid, and the Authority's Deputy CEO, Mr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi. The remaining positions were ranked as follows:
- Second place: Poet Abdullah Al-Salakhi, who received a prize of 500,000 riyals.
- Third place: Poet Mishari Al-Abdali, who received a prize of 300,000 riyals.
- Fourth place: Poet Abdullah Al-Jahmi, who received a prize of 200,000 riyals.
A cultural platform that promotes national identity
The "Poet of the Banner" program is one of the most important cultural programs produced by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority. Over its four seasons, it has successfully established itself as a leading platform for reviving Nabati poetry and discovering young poetic talents. The program's role extends beyond mere competition; it represents a significant contributor to the literary movement in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf, helping to preserve authentic linguistic and cultural heritage and presenting it in modern, creative formats that resonate with the tastes of the Arab audience.
Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The success of this season is a culmination of efforts in the culture and media sector, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on strengthening national identity and supporting creative individuals in all fields. Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari noted in a tweet on the "X" platform that the program has transcended being merely a competition to become a "major national cultural platform," emphasizing its role in fostering a sense of belonging and inspiring generations. This reflects the national strategy aimed at making the Kingdom a center of cultural and civilizational influence in the region.
A musical evening
The evening was not without artistic creativity, as it included a distinctive musical performance by the "Octopus of the Oud" artist Abadi Al-Johar, who sang works with lyrics by the two members of the judging panel, Saleh Al-Shadi and Nasser Al-Subaie, and melodies by Khaled Al-Saleh, with the participation of the Al-Rayah Folk Band, which added an atmosphere of joy and authenticity to the conclusion of this great cultural celebration.
