Post by : Badri Ariffin

Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC)—a part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)—has unveiled the winners of the 2025 Sard Al Thahab Award.

This distinguished award celebrates remarkable storytellers, narrators, and literary researchers from the UAE and the Arab world. Its primary goal is to sustain and elevate Emirati and Arab storytelling traditions, enhance short story and visual storytelling arts, and bring attention to innovative works that embody shared cultural values and heritage.

Record Global Engagement

The 2025 edition achieved a significant milestone, featuring participants from 37 countries—up from 22 in its inaugural year of 2023, representing a 68% increase in less than three years. Notably, several nations, including Albania, Austria, Chad, Denmark, Italy, and Japan, joined for the first time, highlighting the award's expanding global significance and cultural importance.

Leadership and Cultural Vision

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated that the award reflects the insightful leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and contributes to the preservation of Emirati and Arab narratives. He recognized that the award is now integral to a broader cultural ecosystem that cultivates cultural dialogue, supports research, and enhances Abu Dhabi’s stature as a global hub of culture and the Arabic language.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, emphasized the award’s success in drawing high-quality creative works within storytelling and folk narrative arts. He noted that the increased participation signifies the enduring cultural legacy that the Centre aims to sustain and promote through academic and creative excellence.

Additionally, His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives and Chair of the Award’s Higher Committee, described the Sard Al Thahab Award as a holistic knowledge initiative that transcends mere recognition; it plays a crucial role in preserving collective memory and linking generations through narrative arts inspired by heritage.

Award Winners in Key Categories

Short Story – Unpublished Works

Four writers were awarded in this category:

• Abdelbar Essoldi (Morocco) for Bleeding of the Spectres, celebrated for its originality and philosophical depth.

• Mohammad Mansour Mohammad (Egypt) for More Than Forty Lookalikes, acclaimed for its surreal narrative addressing social realities.

• Sherif Saleh (Egypt) for Dual Tales, which intertwines Arab heritage with experimental storytelling.

• Dr. Ghalya bint Eissa Al-Zubaidiyah (Oman) for The Well of Absence, rooted in Omani folklore.

Short Story – Published Works

• Yousef Theyab Khalifa (Kuwait) won for The Time of the Lord of Pearls (2024), illustrating the evolution of Gulf society through vivid narration.

Popular Narratives

• Miral Al Tahawy (Egypt) was recognized for Barqa is Far From the Messenger, combining storytelling with research on Bedouin women's poetry.

Narrators Category

• Ali Al Kindi Al Marar (UAE) was acknowledged for his lifelong dedication to preserving Emirati literature and heritage.

Emirati Narration Category

Two influential Emirati figures were honored:

• Jamal Bin Huwaireb for his television program Al Rawi, which safeguards Emirati narratives.

• Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), recognized for her pivotal role in shaping the UAE's cultural narrative.

Award Ceremony

The winners will be celebrated in a ceremony scheduled for January 2026 at Al Dhafra Fort, coinciding with the Al Dhafra Book Festival.

The Sard Al Thahab Award, with its growing international footprint, plays a crucial role in safeguarding Arabic narrative traditions, fostering innovative storytelling, and bolstering the global presence of Emirati and Arab cultural heritage.

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