Dubai, UAE: 13th January 2015: Episode 10 of El Beit’s second season aired at 9pm on Monday, and cast the spotlight on the remarkable creative abilities of winners from previous episodes. Their mastery of words, rhythms and imagery proved the saying that: ‘If a novel is words in the best order, then a poem is the best words in the best order.’ The show is helping its diverse audience to become fully immersed in Nabati poetry.

Mr Majid Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki, the show’s General Coordinator said: “Some people have incredible poetic talents which they might not even be aware of. By encouraging everyone to tap into their creative sides, our show is not only uncovering a new generation of poets, but also new poetry readers who were previously not exposed to their Nabati heritage.”

Judges increase the Golden Screen candidates to 13

In a sign of the show’s growing popularity and in line with HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s directive, the jury selected 13 candidates on the Golden Screen as opposed to 12 in previous episodes. Muhammad Owaidhah composed a verse that linked the images of Episode 8 and 10, winning the first prize. Adam Qahtani and Saud Abdullah Al-Ajmi won the second and third prizes respectively.

The jury explained that the roof of creativity has no limits due to the overwhelming level of participation. Judges also praised the sublime talent of the first place winner Meshal Abdullah al-Shammari, who used simple yet powerful vocabulary to evoke beautiful emotions that will remain engraved in the audience’s hearts.

Chater winner

Hamdan Al Marri was crowned the winner by the Guest of Honor. In accordance with the show’s rules, a tie-breaking decision was taken after the jury had awarded equal votes to equally creative verses about the Levant. Al Marri also qualified for the Grand Finale episode and stands to win AED 1 million.

Show promotes literary creativity

On a closing note, Fatima Al Bannai - Media Office Manager of Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center said: “El Beit program continues to raise the bar in various aspects, especially in enriching literary creativity. The submitted tweets reflect a more mature and refined thought process, fluent wordplay and vibrant imagery. This is proof of the shining promise of our poetic rising stars, and this show will strengthen our place on the global map of poetry.”

El Beit inspires an ambitious new generation of poets

Mr Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmouk, CEO of Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center pointed out: “El Beit show is offering a phenomenal opportunity for new poetic talents to showcase their fresh ideas. In return we are rewarding them with a platform where they can capture the attention of the media and a wide audience of poetry lovers across the region and beyond.”

Media delegations from Kuwait and Jordan visited the show and were honored to be taken on an official tour behind the scenes at the studio, where they also met the verses panel of judges.

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-Murr Balabd Al Muhairi, UAE. Picture Panel: Hamad Al Kharusi, Oman; Saad bin Hindi, Kuwait; Awadh Khalifa 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.

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 is Omani poet Hilala Al Hamdani.

The widely acclaimed show is organized and produced by Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center, and filming takes place in Dubai Studio City.