The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has opened nominations for the third edition of the Sard Al Thahab (Golden Narrative) Award, with submissions accepted until May 31, 2025.
Launched by the ALC in 2023, the award recognises narrators of biographies and folk tales, enriches the art of storytelling, and revives oral narration among younger generations in the UAE and the wider Arab world. It aims to highlight the cultural significance of storytelling while preserving heritage and narrative traditions.
The award is a valuable addition to the Centre’s initiatives, aligning with its focus on various aspects of culture and heritage. It highlights the rich cultural legacy of narration and storytelling while underscoring the role of mythology and folk tales in shaping collective and emotional memory across generations. Through its ability to inspire, unify perspectives and foster aspirations, storytelling captivates audiences, enriches their knowledge and enhances their knowledge and intellectual and cultural engagement.
The award fosters the continuity of folk and storytelling arts, mitigating the impact of modern changes. It serves as an innovative platform for narrators of narrative arts and heritage works to showcase their creative publications within a pioneering and supportive environment that honours their contributions. Additionally, it reinforces the standards of narratives and folk arts, safeguarding them against misrepresentation and distortion.
Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, expressed confidence in strong participation in this year’s edition of the award. He emphasised that, despite being launched only two years ago, the award has already established itself as a leading and engaging platform for folk, visual, and storytelling arts, bringing together enthusiasts of this rich tradition.
He emphasised the ALC’s commitment to solidifying the award’s status, drawing inspiration from the ideas and poetry of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This is achieved through the ongoing development of the award’s criteria and the celebration and recognition of its winners. Bin Tamim encouraged creatives and researchers to submit their nominations within the designated period to ensure their participation in this prestigious global literary and cultural event.
“Narrative arts, short stories, and folk tales are powerful tools for preserving heritage, embedding it in collective memory, and strengthening its presence among younger generations, reflecting the UAE’s and Arab cultural identity. The Sard Al Thahab Award has become one of our most significant initiatives, showcasing our commitment to cultural diversity, innovation, and research in culture and heritage,” bin Tamim stated.
The award spans six categories, including Short Story for Unpublished Works, which encourages new creations; Short Story for Published Works, which highlights artistic reinterpretations of folk heritage; and Popular Narratives, which recognises research on the role of folk storytelling in shaping cultural identity.
Other categories include Narrators, which honours storytellers of folk biographies; Illustrated Story, which merges literary text with artistic imagery; and Emirati Narration, which acknowledges individuals or institutions contributing to the UAE’s narrative in Arabic or other languages, enhancing Emirati storytelling and promoting the values of civilisation, intercultural dialogue, tolerance, moderation and coexistence.
