The fourth season of the Poet of the Banner competition concludes tonight under the patronage of the Minister of Information
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, the fourth season of the popular program “Poet of the Banner,” produced by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, concludes this Tuesday evening. This finale marks the culmination of a season brimming with poetic creativity and fierce competition that captivated lovers of Nabati poetry and literature from across the Kingdom and the Arab world, reaffirming the program's position as one of the most important cultural platforms in the region.
The decisive night at the Diriyah Theater
All eyes will be on the Diriyah Theater at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh tonight, where the final competition for the title of "Al-Raya" and the valuable prizes awarded to the top winners will take place. Four poets who have proven their talent throughout the various stages of the program will compete in the final episode: Muhammad Al-Mahalkam, Abdullah bin Baddah Al-Jahmi, Abdullah Al-Salakhi Al-Harthi, and Mishari Al-Abdali . The episode is scheduled to be broadcast live at 10:00 PM on Saudi TV, Riyadh Radio, and the "Al-Oula" and "Shahid" platforms, amidst widespread public anticipation to discover who will be crowned the winner.
Reviving the "Diwan of the Arabs" and the cultural heritage
The “Poet of the Banner” program is more than just a fleeting television competition; it represents a historical continuation of the Arabian Peninsula’s role as a cradle of poetry and a home to poets. At its core, the program aims to preserve the popular heritage and Nabati poetry, often described as the “register of the Arabs” and a record of their achievements. By highlighting young talent, the program contributes to safeguarding Saudi cultural identity and connecting new generations to their rich literary and linguistic roots, while presenting this authentic art form in a modern media format that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Alignment with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The success of successive seasons of the “Poet of the Banner” program is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places great importance on the culture and arts sector, considering it a fundamental pillar in improving quality of life and strengthening national pride. The Saudi Broadcasting Authority plays a pivotal role in this context by harnessing its technological and media capabilities to serve cultural content, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s soft power and showcasing its bright, civilized image to the world.
Widespread media and cultural impact
On both the local and regional levels, the program has succeeded in creating a tangible cultural movement, becoming a topic of conversation in gatherings and on social media platforms, reflecting the public's thirst for serious literary content. The program has contributed to enriching the poetry scene with prominent names and eloquent texts, confirming the continued flow of poetic creativity in the Kingdom and reinforcing its position as a leading destination for culture and literature in the Arab world.
