RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission on Saturday launched a televised competition for Arabic poetry titled “Mu’allaqa 45” as part of the activities of the Year of Arabic Poetry 2023 initiative.

It will be broadcast on the Saudi Thaqafiya Channel and will showcase a distinguished array of poets from both Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.

The initiative seeks to revive the tradition of poetic “Mu’allaqat” (Arabic for “hanging poems”) from the heartland of the Arabian Peninsula, which played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s literary heritage.

A total of 36 participating poets will participate in the competition, which will be held annually, to create a timeless poem each year. The winning poems will be displayed across various locations in Riyadh during cultural ceremonies. 

The competition is divided into three main categories: metered verse, folk poetry, and free verse. Financial prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.

In addition to having their poem prominently displayed in the Saudi capital, the first-place winner will receive SR1 million ($266,600). The second-place winner will receive SR500,000, and the third-place winner will receive SR250,000.

Each contestant who qualifies to participate in the competition will receive a financial reward of SR50,000. They will also receive a special invitation to attend the annual poets’ dinner in honor of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

Poets interested in participating can submit their work at https://engage.moc.gov.sa/m45.