Abu Dhabi: The winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award 2023 have been revealed. The award recognizes writers, poets, and scholars whose work highlights the cultural heritage of Nabati poetry and enhances the Arab literary canon.
There were more entries this year for the Kanz Al Jeel Award, which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The nominees for the award came from 27 countries, including 17 Arab countries, and there were 264 submissions total across the five categories.
In the Arts category, Mr. Muntasir Fathi from Jordan took first place with his abstract art, calligraphy, and lettering creation Fiha Zahat Al Anwar (In It Blossomed the Lights). In the Studies and Research category, Dr. Abdullah Maneh Ghleis from Kuwait won for his book Al-Marjaa al-Wafi fi al-Awzan wal-Qawafi lil-Shi’r al-Fasih wal-Nabati (The Comprehensive Reference of Rhymes for Classical and Nabati Poetry), published by Dar Al-Aasma in 2023.
In the Poetic Publications category, the prize was awarded to Dr. Abdalla Belhaif Alnuaimi from the UAE for his collection Ishq Yatajaddad (A Love Renewed), published by Dar Molhimon Publishing in 2022.
The Poetry Matching category was won by Saudi Arabian poet and media figure, Mr. Ali Asiri, also known as Mr. Ali Al Sabaan, for his poem Qudwat Al Shu’ar (The Role Model Poet).
Mr. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated that, “The Kanz Al Jeel Award draws its inspiration from the poetic vision, eloquence, and wisdom of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose legacy inspires the work we do to preserve and promote Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage. The award aligns with our strategic goal to support and nurture creativity, and to foster pride in our cultural identity through the preservation and advancement of our Arabic language.”
The ceremony to honor the winners will be held on November 22 at Zayed Central Library in Al Ain, coinciding with the activities of the Al Ain Book Festival 2023, organized by the ALC from November 19 to 25.