Al Dafra: Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan honored the winners of the first edition of the Sard Al Thahab Award, launched by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC).
The Sard Al Thahab Award honors storytellers and narrators of literature and folktales, shedding light on their most notable works that have made an indelible mark on the Emirati, Arab, and international cultural landscape.
The winners were celebrated in an official ceremony held yesterday at Al Dhafra Castle, attended by Mr. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi); Mr. Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Director of the Office of the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Mr. Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Court of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region; Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC; and mr. Abdullah Majid al Ali, Director General of National Archives and National Library, Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Sard Al Thahab Award, along with a number of high-ranking officials.
Mr. Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated that, “Through the Sard Al Thahab Award, we are safeguarding the art of storytelling that is deeply ingrained in our literary tradition and heritage. The Arabic language is interwoven with our heritage and extensive history, and it is essential to ensure its continuity and longevity. In recognizing and awarding these talented writers, we continue to celebrate the literary works that contribute to the intangible heritage of our nation.”
The Sard Al Thahab Award is an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre that draws inspiration from the thoughts and poetry of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The first edition of the Sard Al Thahab drew participants from countries around the world and across all categories. The Award received more than 983 nominations from 22 countries, underscoring its important role in generating a unique creative movement in the narration field.