Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), an affiliate of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced the winners of its 18th edition.
The announcement was made during a meeting that followed a meticulous evaluation process by SZBA’s Board of Trustees, adhering to the rigorous criteria synonymous with the prestigious accolade.
The meeting, presided over by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the SZBA’s Board of Trustees, saw the attendance of board members including His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President; His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Secretary-General of SZBA and Chairman of ALC; His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director-General of the National Library and Archives; and Abdulrahman Mohamed Alnaqbi, Director of the Literary Award Department at ALC.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “The award has witnessed remarkable competition across its various categories, evidenced by the high number of submissions and their exceptional quality, underscoring its significance and esteemed position within global cultural and scholarly circles. It plays a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s commitment to enriching the global cultural and intellectual landscape, guided by its visionary and humanitarian approach. Through fostering cultural and civilizational dialogue among societies, the award highlights the richness of heritage, civilization, and diverse cultures worldwide, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural exchange in enriching and revitalizing our shared cultural and human legacy.”
Dr. Ali bin Tamim remarked: “The award, bearing the esteemed name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, stands as a significant and symbolic cornerstone in the Arab cultural landscape since its inception. It has played a pivotal role in invigorating the literary, cultural, and poetic spheres, as well as fostering translation efforts, resulting in a proliferation of high-quality works and projects. Moreover, it has fostered a spirit of healthy competition among writers and authors of diverse nationalities and cultures.”
“Since its inception, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has been an influential catalyst for the Arab cultural scene, actively contributing to the revitalisation of literary and poetic movements as well as translation efforts. We are proud to spotlight landmark projects and works from great minds around the world which have greatly impressed and inspired us. We congratulate this year’s winners and invite all creators to participate in the next edition of the award, offering them the opportunity to make their contribution towards enriching the wider cultural scene,” he added.
The “Literature” category award was given to Egyptian writer Reem Bassiouney for her novel “Al Halawani… The Fatimid Trilogy,” published by Dar Nahdet Misr for Printing, Publishing and Distribution in 2022. Bassiouney’s novel stands as a significant contribution to the historical novel genre, particularly focusing on Egypt in the Middle Ages.
Through her work, Bassiouney endeavours to illuminate the essence of the Egyptian character, weaving together elements of poetry, architecture, and legend to narrate a captivating story that transcends time. Her narrative skilfully navigates the complexities of historical and societal development during that era, offering readers a profound insight into the intellectual and cultural landscape of the time. The language employed in the novel seamlessly reflects the nuances of the historical period, enriching the reader’s experience and engagement with the narrative.
Dr Houssem Eddine Chachia from Tunisia won the SZBA in the Young Author category for his work Al Mashhad al-Moriski: Sardiyat al-Tard fi al-Fikr al-Espani (The Morisco Landscape Narratives of Expulsion in Modern Spanish Thought), issued by the Centre for Research and Knowledge Intercommunication in 2023.
The work sheds light on the expulsion of the Moriscos who had remained in Spain, addressing its socio-cultural dimensions, and exploring the relation between memory and historical identity. The researcher makes a notable effort in investigating and documenting facts, while ensuring analytical and critical presentation. The study presents historical material documented in Spanish on the subject, offering an interdisciplinary historical study into civilisations and their relationships from a scientific perspective.
The Editing of Arabic Manuscripts category saw Dr. Mustafa Said from Egypt win for his study titled “Safinat al-Mulk wa-Nafisat al-Fulk (Shehab al-Din) al-Muwashah wa-Musiqa al-Maqam al-Natiqa bil-Arabiya bayn al-Tantheer wal-Maras” (The Ship of Possession and the Precious Ship (Shehab al-Din) – Muwashah and Arabic-speaking Maqam Music between Theory and Practice), published by ElAin Publishing in 2023.
The researcher conducted a comprehensive methodological study, showcasing his scientific acumen and enhanced prowess to analyse, understand, and critique. Dr. Said’s work makes it evident that he made a significant effort to organise his report and present information clearly to the reader. Remarkably this study stands out as the first comprehensive report from a scientific point of view and includes an in-depth study and statistical charts of melodies and connections.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Contribution to the Development of Nations category is Dr. Khalifa Al Romaithi from the UAE, who won for his book: “Al-Asmaa’ al-Jughrafiya – Thakirat Ajyal” (Geographical Names – Legacy of Generations), published by Austin Macauley Publishers in 2022.
The book is characterised by its scientific spirit, accuracy of its language, and clarity of its style. It constitutes a study of geographical names in the UAE, providing a reference for researchers into the subject. The author combines a historical and geographical approach, relying on data, numbers, maps, and historical tracing, making it a work of outstanding distinction and precision.
In the Translation category, Dr. Ahmed Somai from Tunisia has been awarded for his outstanding translation of “Al-Ilm al-Jadeed” (La Scienza Nuova – The New Science) by Giambattista Vico, originally written in Italian and translated into Arabic. Published by Adab Publishing and Distribution in 2022, Dr. Somai’s translation demonstrates exceptional proficiency in conveying the intricate terminology, structure, formulation, and contextual nuances of the original text into Arabic.
Dr. Somai’s translation is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail, as he adeptly captures the essence of the source material while ensuring linguistic fidelity. Additionally, the translator provides a comprehensive introduction and extensive annotations, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text and its underlying concepts. Dr. Somai’s contribution significantly enriches the Arabic literary landscape, making his translation a valuable addition to the Arabic library.
In the Arab Culture in Other Languages category, Frank Griffel emerged victorious for his compelling work titled ‘The Formation of Post-Classical Philosophy in Islam’, published in English by Oxford University Press in 2021. This groundbreaking book illuminates the significant contributions of Islamic philosophy and its profound influence on subsequent developments in theology, science, and literature.
Griffel’s precise examination traces the evolution of philosophical discourse within Islam during the 12th century, offering insightful perspectives on key thinkers who shaped this intellectual landscape. Delving into areas such as metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and the intricate interplay between reason and revelation, Griffel explores the profound insights of figures like Al-Farabi and Ibn Sina.
A particularly innovative aspect of the book is its exploration of how Greek philosophical concepts were synthesized with Arab and Islamic traditions, demonstrating how scholars navigated and synthesized these diverse intellectual currents. By contextualizing Islamic philosophy within broader historical and cultural movements, Griffel’s work provides invaluable insights into the post-classical eras of Islamic thought, enriching our understanding of this dynamic intellectual tradition.
In the Publishing and Technology category, Bayt Elhekma for Creative Industries China, clinched the Award for its pioneering efforts in establishing an intercultural bridge between China and the Arab world. Dedicated to narrating China’s rich history and story, the group promotes cross-cultural dialogue through its diverse array of publications.
Since its inception, Bayt Elhekma for Creative Industries has translated and published over 300 books and publications, alongside a wealth of documents and newspapers. These endeavors have culminated in the creation of an extensive database encompassing both Chinese and Arabic linguistic resources. This valuable repository serves as a cornerstone for cultural initiatives, facilitating mutual understanding and collaboration between the Chinese and Arab communities.
Submissions for the 18th edition were the highest in the Award’s history, with a total of 4,240 nominations received, marking a 35% increase over last year’s 3,151 submissions. Additionally, the number of participating countries grew to 74, including 19 Arab countries.
The winners will be honoured at a ceremony organised by the ALC during the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which is held annually at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
