Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal International Prize for Arabic Poetry

Prince Abdullah al-Faisal International Prize for Arabic Poetry is a Saudi literary award with Arabic and international characteristics that aims at honoring those eminent and illustrious in the eloquent Arab poetry domains. It was launched by the advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Khalid al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah al-Mukarramah Province, at the Arab Poetry Academy of Taif University.

Prince Abdullah al-Faisal International Prize for Arabic Poetry aims at preserving the classical Arabic language, and disseminating Arabic poetry globally and in the Arab world on a large scale. Moreover, the prize commemorates the literary poet Prince Abdullah al-Faisal, and honors his memory in a way that reflects his experience in contemporary Arab culture.

The prize supports the poetic renewal movement and honors prominent innovators. It also shows appreciation for poetic creativity, contributes to human civilization by seeking serious solutions to its issues, and leveraging innovation in contemporary poetry. The prize raises the level of lyric poetry and enriches the art scene by reviving the art of poetic theater.

To participate in the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal International Prize for Arabic Poetry, the nominees must meet several conditions. The poet must be one of the contemporary classical Arabic poets, and must have real experience in poems that represent the Arab poetry scene, both in semantics and aesthetics.

The most important conditions for the nomination are as follows: The applicant's poetic output should be no less than two collections of classical poems published in Arabic. Moreover, the applicant's output must be compatible with the tone of active and vertical poetry. The nomination must also be made by one of the cultural, scientific, and academic institutions, or Arab and international publishing houses. Candidates can also nominate themselves, provided that a recommendation was submitted from one of the previous entities.

The prize is valued at SAR1.5 million, and divided into six branches: the Poetry Experience Award (SAR500,000,) the Diwan Award (SAR100,000,) the Best Project in the Service of Arabic Poetry (SAR100,000,) the Dramatic Poetry Award (SAR100,000,) the Sung Poetry Award (SAR200,00,) the Poet and Singer Award, and the Promising Poet Award (SAR500,000.)

On October 30, 2019, Prince Khalid al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Poetry Academy, crowned the winners of the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal International Prize for Arabic Poetry in its first edition. In the first season, forty-seven participants were registered, the second season witnessed ninety participations, and the third saw 139 participations.