Abu Dhabi, Dec 09th, 2008 : A elite of 48 Arab poets chosen from around the world will compete in the finals of the 'Poet of Millions' contest due to kick off on Thursday 11th December 2008 at Al Raha Theatre in Abu Dhabi.

The contest in the Nabati school of the Arabic poetry is organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) under the patronage of General HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The Pan-Arab literary competition has widely been acclaimed for transforming the entire landscape of poetic activities across the Arab world.

At the end of the finals to continue during the coming months, the long awaited poet to win five million Dirhams will be chosen by a five-member panel of judges, according to an announcement by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

The event will be telecast live by Abu Dhabi Satellite TV.

Director General of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazroui said that over 16,000 poets gave audition before the accredited panels of judges, who finally shortlisted 100 poets. Among them 52 poets were eliminated in the preliminary rounds.

A total of AED 22mn has been set aside for various prices in the event. (WAM/AB)