The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has announced its shortlists for the 19th edition, showcasing a diverse range of literary works across several categories. The Literature category features three notable works: The Sphinx by Ahmed Mourad (Egypt), Travels of the City of Clay Trilogy by Saud Alsanousi (Kuwait), and Hind or the Most Beautiful Woman in the World by Hoda Barakat (Lebanon/France). These authors are renowned for their contributions to Arabic literature, with Saud Alsanousi previously winning the International Prize for Arabic Fiction for The Bamboo Stalk.
In the Children’s Literature category, the shortlisted works include Maymouna and Her Crazy Ideas by Shireen Sabanegh (Jordan), The Phantom of Sabiba by Latifa Labsir (Morocco), and The Digital Fox by Hegra Elsawi (Egypt). These stories aim to captivate young readers with imaginative narratives.
The Translation category highlights significant works translated into various languages, such as One Thousand and One Nights: The Book of Love translated from Arabic to German by Claudia Ott (Germany), and Orosius translated from Arabic to English by Marco Di Branco (Italy). These translations play a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and promoting Arabic literature globally.
The Literary and Art Criticism category includes Food and Language: Cultural Excavations in Arab Heritage by Dr. Said Laouadi (Morocco), Poetry and Prophecy: Abu Tayeb as the Poet-Prophet by Dr. Rita Awad (Palestine), and Urbanistic Samarra: A Study of Architecture and Planning of an Abbasid City by Dr. Khaled Alsultany (Iraq). These works delve into the rich cultural and historical aspects of Arabic literature and architecture.
The Contribution to the Development of Nations category features The Right to Strive: Perspectives on Muslim Women’s Rights by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Bechari (UAE), The Philosophy of Recognition and Identity Politics by Housamedden Darwish (Syria/Germany), and Cities and Trade in Arab and Islamic Civilization by Prof. Dr. Majduddin Khemesh (Jordan). These works contribute to discussions on social justice and cultural identity.
The Arab Culture in Other Languages category includes Arabic Literary Culture in Southeast Asia in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries by Andrew Peacock (UK), The Rise of the Arabic Book by Beatrice Gruendler (Germany), and The History of Eastern Zajal by Hakan Özkan (Turkey). These studies highlight the global impact of Arabic literature and culture.
Lastly, the Editing of Arabic Manuscripts category features News of Women by Rasheed Alkhayoun (Iraq/UK), Interpretation of the Mu’allaqat Poems by Saleh Aljassar (Saudi Arabia), and Alkawakib Alsayaara fi Tartib Alziyara by Dr. Ahmed Gomaa Abdelhamid (Egypt). These works demonstrate the importance of preserving and interpreting historical manuscripts.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award received over 4,000 nominations from 75 countries, showcasing its global reach and prestige. This year, the award did not include the Young Author and Publishing and Technology categories. The diversity of submissions underscores the award’s role in promoting Arabic literature worldwide.
The Award’s Scientific Committee, chaired by Dr. Ali bin Tamim, approved the shortlists with the participation of esteemed committee members from various countries. The inclusion of new committee members further enriches the selection process.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award embodies the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fostering cultural exchange and advancing the Arabic language globally. It is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s position as a cultural hub, promoting tolerance and understanding among nations.
The award’s global impact is evident in its ability to attract submissions from countries participating for the first time, such as Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mali. This participation highlights the award’s growing influence in the literary world.
In conclusion, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award continues to be a significant platform for celebrating Arabic literature and culture, bridging gaps between cultures and fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of Arabic works worldwide.
