Post by : Maya Rahman

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), managed by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has unveiled its longlists for three significant categories in the award’s 20th cycle (2025–2026). With the judging panels now thoroughly assessing the submissions, this year’s award has garnered significant global attention, underscoring its increasing prominence in the Arab world and beyond.

This edition marks a record with over 4,000 entries from 74 nations, including 21 from the Arab region and 53 from other parts of the world, making it one of the most globally representative rounds ever. Notably, the Literature category attracted the highest number of submissions, followed by Young Author and Children’s Literature, which consistently draw robust interest from authors and researchers alike.

Other categories witnessing strong participation include Criticism, Contribution to the Development of Nations, Translation, and Cultural Personality of the Year, reflecting diverse facets of cultural and intellectual engagement while affirming the award’s status as a worldwide platform for creativity.

In the Translation category, nine titles translated into and from Arabic across four major languages—English, Italian, Spanish, and French—have made the longlist. These translations were provided by contributors from eight countries: the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Italy, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Syria. The selected works foster significant cultural exchange, advancing Arabic literature globally and introducing international voices to Arab audiences.

Six titles have also been recognized in the Contribution to the Cultural Development of Nations category, originating from Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, and Egypt. These works delve into crucial topics around development and societal challenges, offering insights that promote growth and modern-state building—essential themes for the region.

The Literary and Art Criticism category features ten notable books from eight Arab countries including the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Covering diverse subjects like literary theories, philosophical inquiries, and cultural analysis, these insights reflect the rich intellectual tapestry of the region.

Supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Sheikh Zayed Book Award stands as a distinguished cultural accolade in the Arab world. It continues to foster creativity and promote cultural understanding, while enhancing global knowledge exchange.

By honoring these longlisted works, SZBA remains committed to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, enlightenment, and understanding. The 20th cycle embodies the UAE’s dedication to nurturing literature and inspiring future generations through innovative ideas and cultural dialogue.

#Culture #UAE News #GCC News #Gulf News