Post by : Badri Ariffin

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) has unveiled the laureates of its milestone 20th edition (2025–2026). This noteworthy achievement reflects two decades of significant cultural influence since the award’s inception in 2006.

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the award continues to solidify its role as a leading platform for knowledge, creativity, and cultural dialogue.

A Two-Decade Legacy of Cultural Excellence

For twenty years, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has ascended to one of the most esteemed literary accolades worldwide. It has garnered over 33,000 entries from nearly 80 nations and distinguished 136 winners comprising authors, scholars, and cultural entities.

Now encompassing ten categories, the award covers literature, translation, criticism, children’s literature, and contributions to culture, illustrating its expanding influence and reach.

Additionally, since 2018, the award has facilitated the translation of 50 Arabic works into 12 languages, extending the reach of Arabic literature globally and enhancing cross-cultural interactions.

Meticulous Selection Process

The selection of winners follows a comprehensive evaluation process based on rigorous criteria, including originality, quality of scholarship and artistry, analytical depth, and contributions to knowledge.

This transparent approach underscores the integrity of the award and strengthens its international reputation.

Winners of 2025–2026 Announced

This year's recipients come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, representing Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Germany, Jordan, and the UAE.

• Literature: Ashraf Elashmawy (Egypt) for Births in the Zoo, a novel illuminating social and psychological shifts in contemporary Egypt.

• Young Author: Mustapha Rajouane (Morocco) for his insightful analysis of narrative structures in Arabic literature.

• Translation: Nawal Nasrallah (Iraq/USA) recognized for translating a 13th-century Arabic culinary manuscript into English.

• Literary & Art Criticism: Zuhair Tawfiq (Jordan) awarded for his analysis of cultural stereotypes between the East and the West.

• Arab Culture in Other Languages: Stefan Weidner (Germany) awarded for a significant anthology of pre-Islamic Arabic poetry translated into German.

• Publishing & Technology: Emirates Literature Foundation for their efforts in promoting reading culture and global literary engagement.

• Manuscripts & Encyclopaedias: Prof. Dr Mohamed Elkhosht (Egypt) for his extensive Encyclopaedia of World Religions.

Cultural Personality of the Year Awarded

The revered Cultural Personality of the Year award has been conferred upon the iconic Egyptian singer Nagat Al Saghira, celebrated for her impressive voice and emotional performances that have preserved and promoted classical Arabic music.

Acknowledgements and Upcoming Events

The award winners will be celebrated at an official ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

• The Cultural Personality of the Year will receive AED 1 million.

• Other category winners will each receive AED 750,000, along with a gold medal and a certificate of merit.

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award plans to host a variety of international cultural events throughout 2026, aiming to showcase its legacy and further elevate Arabic literature on a global scale.

With over 4,000 nominations from 74 countries in just this edition, the award continues to serve as a vital platform for creativity, knowledge sharing, and cultural dialogue on an international stage.

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