Under the patronage of the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, the fourth season of the popular poetry competition "Poet of the Banner," produced by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, concludes this Tuesday evening. This finale marks the culmination of an exceptional season filled with high-caliber poetic competition and literary creativity. The program witnessed widespread and unprecedented engagement from audiences and critics across Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, solidifying its position as one of the most important poetry platforms in the region.
The final episode, to be held at the Diriyah Theater in Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, will witness fierce competition to determine the "banner" of poetry. Four poets who have deservedly reached the final stage will compete in this elite poetry competition: Muhammad al-Mahalkam, Abdullah bin Baddah al-Jahmi, Abdullah al-Salakhi al-Harthi, and Mishari al-Abdali. The evening is expected to showcase high levels of recitation and stage presence, amidst great anticipation from the audience to discover who will carry the banner of poetry this season.
Reviving the cultural and literary heritage
The “Poet of the Banner” program is not merely a fleeting television competition; rather, it emerges from a profound historical and cultural context, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to reviving the Arab poetic heritage. Poetry in the Arabian Peninsula represents the “register of the Arabs” and a record of their glories, and this program is an extension of long-standing literary traditions aimed at preserving cultural and linguistic identity. Through this ambitious production, the Saudi Broadcasting Authority has successfully brought the brilliance of Nabati and classical Arabic poetry back to the screen, presenting it in a modern format that appeals to younger generations and respects the tastes of the Arab audience.
Supporting talent and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The event gains particular significance in light of the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on the culture and arts sector as a cornerstone of quality of life and soft power. "Poet of the Banner" exemplifies the government's support for national talent, providing a professional platform for young poets to emerge and shine, thus enriching the cultural scene with new names capable of carrying the torch of creativity. The program also reflects the remarkable development of the Saudi media landscape and its ability to produce world-class cultural entertainment content that can compete regionally.
The final episode is scheduled to be broadcast live at 10:00 PM across a wide network of channels and platforms to ensure it reaches the largest segment of the audience. It will be broadcast on Saudi Channel, Riyadh Radio, in addition to the “Al-Oula” and “Shahid” platforms, so that viewers can experience the decisive moments and crowning in a night that promises to be a landmark in the history of poetry competitions.
