Mohammed Al-Mahalkam wins the title of "Poet of the Banner 4"... Details of the final night
In an exceptional cultural evening held in Riyadh, specifically at the Diriyah Theater at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, the curtain fell last night on the fourth season of the popular program "Poet of the Banner." The closing ceremony witnessed the crowning of poet Muhammad Al-Mahalkam as the winner, along with his receipt of the first-place prize of one million Saudi riyals, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yusuf Al-Dossari.
The importance of the program and its cultural standing
The “Poet of the Banner” program, produced by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, is one of the most prominent cultural initiatives aimed at reviving the authentic poetic heritage of the Kingdom and the Arabian Peninsula. The program is not merely a competitive event; it serves as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing young poetic talent, thus contributing to the strengthening of national and cultural identity. This approach aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places great importance on the culture and literature sector and works to support creative individuals to become ambassadors of their rich heritage.
Official attendance and public interaction
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of prominent figures, including His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Mohammed, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulrahman bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz, and the President of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Amri, along with a distinguished group of dignitaries, media personalities, and a large audience of poetry enthusiasts. This attendance added significant momentum to the event, underscoring the esteemed position poetry holds in the Saudi consciousness.
Competition details and prizes
The final night was marked by fierce competition among the four finalists, who presented poems that combined creativity, eloquent language, and profound meaning. After the results were tallied, the winners and prizes were awarded as follows:
- First place: Poet Mohammed Al-Mahalkam, who received the title of “Poet of the Banner” and a prize of one million riyals.
- Second place: Poet Abdullah Al-Salakhi, who received a prize worth 500,000 riyals.
- Third place: Poet Mishari Al-Abdali, who received 300,000 riyals.
- Fourth place: Poet Abdullah Al-Jahmi, and his prize is 200,000 riyals.
Artistic touches and tribute
The evening featured a captivating musical performance by the renowned artist Abadi Al-Johar, who sang lyrics penned by judges Saleh Al-Shadi and Nasser Al-Subaie, with music composed by Khaled Al-Saleh. The performance, accompanied by the Al-Rayah Folkloric Band, added a delightful artistic dimension to the event. In closing, the President of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, Mr. Ali Al-Zaid, and the Authority's Deputy CEO, Mr. Khaled Al-Ghamdi, presented the awards to the winners amidst great celebration of the success of the fourth season, which has solidified the program's position as a beacon of poetry and literature in the region.
