Hundreds step up to be Prince of Poets

Only two weeks after applications opened for the Prince of Poets competition, the Poetry Academy at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) has received hundreds of applications. The popular television show, which pits Arabic classical poets against one another, attracts millions of viewers across the Middle East. "The competition is well respected and popular and has become the premier cultural and literary competition specialising in classical poetry," said Sultan al Amimi, the director of the poetry academy. Mr al Amimi said that the programme serves to enhance Arabic poetry and give it exposure. The closing date for applications is 15 August. * WAM