Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Book Award has amassed considerable acceptance across the globe as the honor received 3000+ submissions for its 2021/22 edition, the largest ever number of applications submitted across the Award’s nine categories since its launch
The award is managed by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The 16th edition of the highly reputed award saw a 28 percent increase in submissions, compared to 2,349 works it had received last year. These submissions were received from 55 countries, 20 of which are Arab nations and 35 are various countries around the world.
The Award’s Reading Panel Committee, headed by Dr. Ali bin Tamim, ALC Chairman and Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has already convened several meetings where the submission were presented and evaluated for their compliance with conditions and criteria.
Other members of the Award’s Reading Panel Committee include;
- Ali Al Kaabi from the UAE
- Khalil Al Sheikh, Professor of Arabic Language and Literature at Jordan’s Yarmouk University and
- Emirati literary critic and poet Sultan Al Amimi
The long list of reviewed entries are expected to be announced in mid-November 2021.
‘We are delighted to have recorded an unprecedented turnout for the latest edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, evidence that we continue to successfully boost the Award’s regional and international standing as a powerful platform for promoting cultural dialogue and creative openness.‘ Dr. Ali bin Tamim, ALC Chairman and Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award remarked.
“A beacon for intellectuals and creative minds from around the world, it is our mission to recognize and promote those inspiring works that enrich cultural and literary life and leave a memorable legacy for all of humanity. As we prepare to celebrate the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, highlighting our nation’s significant achievements in so many areas, we are proud that the Award can contribute to this greatness in its own way, in its role as a catalyst for creativity and cross-cultural understanding.”
Dr. Ali bin Tamim further added
Following categories received the highest number of submissions;
- Young Author
- Literature
- Contribution to the Development of Nations
- Arts & Literary Criticism
- Children’s Literature
- Arab Culture in Other Languages
- Translation
- Publishing & Technology and
- ‘Cultural Personality of the Year
FEMALE PARTICIPATION ON THE RISE
Number of submissions by female participants saw a substantial increase of 76 percent (920 submissions) compared to 520 submissions last year.
THE SHEIKH ZAYED BOOK AWARD
Launched in 2006, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award honors outstanding achievements of innovators and thinkers in literature, arts, and humanities in Arabic and other languages. The Award aims to advance Arabic literature and culture, providing new opportunities for Arabic language writers.
Authors writing about Arab culture and civilization in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Russian are also recognized by the Award.
Most Read: Dates; the quintessential fruit that epitomizes the Emirati Culture