• Showwelcomes the winner of the 1stepisode, Saleh Al Sahli from Saudi Arabia, during 2ndlive episode
• ‘El Beit’ poetry show is a hub of creativity attracting new poetic talents

Dubai, UAE, 19thNovember 2014:The second episode of the second season of El Beit poetry show was aired at 9pm on Monday, November 17th. This is in line withthe vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai,in terms of reviving heritage particularly Nabaty poetry. The showis organized and produced by Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre. Filming took place at the show’s studio in Dubai Studio City.

Mr Majid Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki, General Coordinator of El Beit show commented: “This week’s chater was exciting as its theme focused on the Gulf region, exploring our pool of talents for Nabaty poetry. We are very pleased with the results as this season has kicked off with a higher number of tweets compared to last season.”MrAl Bastaki also urged the public to register on the show’s website and send their entries via Twitter - especially the young generation, whichmakes up the largest segment of the audience.

Among the most prominent additions this season is a guest of honour who will be hosted in each episode.The co-host for the second season, Emirati poet Ahmed Al Bidwawi, introduced this week’s guest:Saif Al Saadi from the UAE, who is one of the most renowned Nabaty poets. Expressing his delight, Al Saadi explained: “The idea of this show is unique because completing a chater is challenging. This clearly highlightsthe vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,to promote Nabaty poetry through this competition.”

Both judging panels and the guest of honour selected the first winner on the Golden Screen, RajehNayef Al Otaibi from Saudi Arabia, who won AED 200,000. His eloquence and ability to understand deeper meanings qualified him into the Grand Finale episode where he stands to win AED 1 million.

The host of the second episode,Barakat Al Wagayanwelcomed the winner of the first episode, Saleh Al Sahli from Saudi Arabia.Al Sahli was awarded a special trophy and presented with a cheque for AED 100,000. In return, he composed some Nabaty verses to honour this special occasion.

Saleh Al Sahlicommented: “I am sincerely grateful tothe show’s team for implementing a set of new ideasto enrich Nabaty poetry as a whole, and to benchmark a truly unsurpassed competition and weekly show. The show is creating a strongmovement andgrowth towards cultural initiatives, upholdingour values and preserving our poetic culture by supporting our young creative talents.”
Last week’sNabd Al Soura‘Imagery Pulse’ competitionfeatured an image that was personally captured by the lens of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Thefirst prizeof AED 100,000 went to Badr Ali Al Yahya from Saudi Arabia. Two runners-up each won AED 50,000: Ghazi Al Otaibi from Kuwait and Rajeh Al Qahtani from KSA.

The show is hosted by Barakat Al Wagyan and the co-host for the second season is Emirati poet Ahmed Al Bidwawi. Joining the co-hosts was Omani poet Hilala AlHamdani, who expressed her joy and her hopes that her involvement will adda unique perspective to the show.Hilala also focused on the judge’s great ability to select the best poets, and urged participants to show their excellence while sharing their verses.

The judging panels consist of renowned pioneers of contemporary poetry in the UAE and the Gulf:  Verses Panel:Nayef Al-Rashidi | Kuwait; Madgham Bu Chaiba | Saudi Arabia; Zayed bin Krouz | Qatar; Mohammed Al-MurrBalabd Al Muhairi | UAE. Picture Panel: Hamad Al Kharusi | Oman; Saad bin Hindi | Kuwait; AwadhKhalifa Bin Hassoum Al Darmaki | UAE. Division Panel: Mutalq bin Shuwyeh | Saudi Arabia; Mohammed Al Khalaf | Bahrain; Jamal Al Shaqsi | UAE; Hadi Al Hajri | UAE; Nasser Al Hajri | Kuwait; Mueeth Al Otaibi | Saudi Arabia.