Doha, September 30 (QNA) - The 8th episode of the second season of the Mithayel Nabati Poetry Competition, organized by the Ministry of Culture, has concluded.

Held under the theme "For Morality, There Are Signs" the event saw poet Abdulhadi Saif Al Hajri advance to the top spot in the upcoming final in December 2025.

The second-stage final witnessed a strong contest among the poets Salem Ali Al Houl, Abdulrahman Salem Al Merri, Abdulhadi Saif Al Hajri, and Ali Hassan Al Fahida, while the fifth contestant, Ziyad Faihan Al Otaibi, was absent.

The poets competed by presenting their poems on the theme of modesty on the Mithayel stage at the Ministry's premises. They also took part in an impromptu round, composing verses inspired by a poem of the late Qatari poet Abdullah bin Ghanem Al Malki.

Director of the Publications and Artistic Works Department at the Ministry of Culture, Mubarak Al Khalifa, said the contest had reached decisive stages.

With the announcement of the theme for the penultimate round, "Contentment" poets will compete in the 9th episode to determine the finalists who will vie for the Mithayel Poet title and the QAR 1 million prize during Qatar National Day (QND 2025) celebrations in December.

Al Khalifa expressed his gratification at the exceptional poetic standard showcased throughout the competition and at the record number of creative poets participating.

The poetic level continues to shine brilliantly, and the number of poets taking part in the competition is steadily increasing, he said.

Winner Al Hajri conveyed his happiness at advancing. He noted that the competition was intense, affirming that he looks forward to claiming the Mithayel Poet title in its second edition.

Kuwaiti poet Dr. Mishal Al Zaabi, a member of the judging panel, lauded the creativity of the four competing poets, noting that they approached the episode's theme from diverse perspectives.

The competition forms part of the Ministry's efforts to nurture poetic talent, spotlight the most superb poets, and advance the poetry movement in Qatar, standing out as one of the foremost platforms highlighting Nabati poetry, which constitutes an integral component of Gulf and Arab cultural heritage.

Overall, the contest primarily conduces to deepen the significance of this poetry among new generations and impels innovators to showcase their artworks in a fresh style that reflects the epochal era without compromising the heritage identity.

It also aims to support poetic talents and single out the most phenomenal ones to capitalize on the Ministry's successes in the competitions it has presented on the innovative stage over the past years, which have strikingly received record turnout.

Marking QND 2025, the first-place winner will be granted QAR 1 million, and from second to ninth place, each will receive QAR 100,000. (QNA)