Dubai, UAE: 01 March 2015: The world of Nabati poetry witnessed a unique milestone as El Beit poetry show aired a special episode on Sama Dubai on Monday, bringing down the curtain on a highly successful second season. The season was produced and supervised by Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center to amplify the interest in poetic heritage.

The special episode was hosted by the young and passionate poet Ahmad Al Bidwawi, and the phenomenal success of the season elicited a standing ovation from the delighted audience. The production greatly benefited from meticulous preparations and round-the-clock efforts behind the scenes, spearheaded by HE Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmouk: CEO of Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center and supported by Mr Majid Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki: General Coordinator of the show.

Both personalities expressed their appreciation to the distinguished poets who have rekindled the torch of poetic expression, which will pave the way for future generations. Special thanks were also expressed to Dr Barakat Al Wageyan, the shows Kuwaiti host.

The special episode featured enlightening compilations of the diverse ideas of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. This was complimented by entertaining highlights and humorous bloopers that occurred during the season. Viewers relived some of the most beautiful poetic renditions, and stunning visual innovations that are the first of their kind in the entire region. The audience then gained a rare insight into the tireless efforts and professionalism of the production crew behind the scenes.

El Beit: The shining beacon of Nabati poetry

HE Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmouk, CEO of Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center pointed out that: The success of El Beit stems from it being the very first interactive show that has utilized Twitter to reach out and galvanize Nabati poetry lovers. The show has greatly increased the level of participation and interest in our literary heritage, paving the way for the discovery and rediscovery of countless talented poets from past, current and future generations.

He added: This has been a thrilling conclusion to an outstanding season, with passionate talents competing to be crowned as the best of the best poet. This success greatly strengthens the essence of Nabati poetry.

Mr Majid Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki, the shows General Coordinator summed up the experiences of the just-ended season by saying: Guided by the vision and thoughtful ideas of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the show brought together diverse poets and viewers from across the spectrum of our society, in an intellectual and creative environment that was enlivened by futuristic innovations.

He assured that: This season our participants have raised the bar of creative expression to an unprecedented new level. El Beit has proven itself to be a shining cultural jewel, providing full support for poets to showcase their bright talents and masterpieces. We have reinforced the pillars of Nabati poetry and created an arena where poets can catch the eyes of our esteemed judges.

HE Bin Dalmouk and Al Bastaki both praised the unwavering support and guidance of His Highness the Crown Prince of Dubai, who also attended the Grand Finale of El Beits second season.

Season 2 winners ezch walks away with 1m AED

The special episode host, Ahmed Al Bidwawi welcomed on stage the winners of both the Nabd Al Soura and Chater competitions: Muteb Al Sharari and Yazeed Al Harbi. They expressed their sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for his far-reaching initiatives which are expanding the regions wealth of poetic talents.

Muteb Al Sharari, the Chater winner for Season 2 said: I have had an incredibly joyful experience, especially since my colleagues and I have always been passionate followers of the show. El Beit has truly been our school of poetry.

Meanwhile Yazeed Al Harbi, the seasons Nabd Al Soura winner explained: The show has inspired a new era in poetry by introducing photographic elements. Talented poets can then use their unlimited imagination to analyze, interpret and compliment a photo before unlocking its hidden meanings.

Al Bidwawi also welcomed season 1 winners Muslat Nasser and Abdullah Dhaoui, who did not participate in season 2 but were nonetheless delighted to watch new talents being discovered.

Winners of the Audience Vote

The winners of the public vote were finally revealed, being electronically selected from among 150,000 participants. Aisha Mohammed Al Thaheri won in the Nabd Al Soura category, while Ali Salem Al Kaabi won in the Chater competition. Both winners earned a grand prize of AED 100,000.

The episode concluded on an emphatic note with a poem by HE Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmouk, CEO of Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center. He praised His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, for his continuous support in enriching Arabic poetry and culture. The spirit of unity being fostered by poets around the Arab world was mirrored by the spirit of camaraderie and creativity between various jury members, as highlighted in a special clip.

The judging panels consisted 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 was hosted by Barakat Al Wagyan and the co-host for the second season was Emirati poet Ahmed Al Bidwawi. Joining the co-hosts was Omani poet Hilala Al Hamdani.