Registration Opens for Fifth Season of UAE Heritage Show 'Al Mankous'

Registration has opened for the fifth season of 'Al Mankous', a television programme dedicated to the traditional Al Mankous melody of Nabati poetry in the UAE.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, applications will be accepted from July 28th to August 27th through the programme's official website. Applicants must be between 18 and 50 years old and submit a 30-60 second video performing the Al Mankous melody without audio effects.

According to the authority, the programme aims to discover new vocal talent while providing a dedicated television platform for the heritage art form. It also seeks to strengthen connections between generations and support the preservation of Emirati intangible cultural heritage.

Produced by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, 'Al Mankous' is described as the first television programme devoted exclusively to the Al Mankous melody and forms part of wider efforts to promote Emirati folk traditions.

The programme's fourth season featured 18 contestants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, with Rashed Al Jumayyan Al Marri of Saudi Arabia winning the title of 'Faris Al Mankous'. Across its first four seasons, 72 contestants have competed, with previous winners coming from the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.