Celebrating Literary Excellence: The Sheikh Zayed Book Award 2025
In a distinguished gathering at the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bestowed prestigious accolades upon notable literary figures during the annual Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) ceremony. This event, dynamic yet intimate, took place on April 26, 2025, amidst one of the Middle East’s most significant cultural exhibitions, which will continue until May 5, 2025.
The ceremony was attended by an impressive array of dignitaries, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and literary heritage. Key figures included Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Zaki Nusseibeh, the Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of UAE University; Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; and Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.
Among the awardees was the Lebanese/French novelist Hoda Barakat, recognized for her outstanding literary contributions, alongside Moroccan author Latifa Labsir, who was honored in the Children’s Literature category. The significance of translation in broadening the horizons of Arabic literature was duly acknowledged with the award for Translation going to esteemed Italian translator Marco Di Branco. Additionally, Dr. Said Laouadi, also from Morocco, was recognized for his critical explorations in Literary and Art Criticism, showcasing the depth and diversity of contemporary literary scholarship.
The awards did not stop there. Emirati Professor Dr. Mohammed Bechari was celebrated for his pivotal role in Contribution to the Development of Nations, while UK researcher Andrew Peacock was acknowledged for his significant contributions to Arab Culture in Other Languages. Furthermore, the award for Editing of Arabic Manuscripts was given to Rasheed Alkhayoun, an esteemed researcher from Iraq/UK, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting Arabic literary traditions.
Perhaps one of the most poignant recognitions during the ceremony was the awarding of the Cultural Personality of the Year accolade to the renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami. His Highness Sheikh Theyab acknowledged Murakami’s extensive body of work that transcends cultural barriers and enriches global literature. The selection of Murakami not only honors his literary genius but serves as a reminder of literature’s unparalleled ability to weave together the fabric of diverse cultures.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, established in 2006, has emerged as one of the most significant literary and cultural honors in the Arab world, illustrating the UAE’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering intellectual and cultural development. The 19th edition of the award witnessed an unprecedented participation of over 4,000 applications from 75 countries, including the remarkable inclusion of five nations – Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mali – demonstrating a burgeoning global interest in the award.
This year’s submissions reflect the SZBA’s prestigious position on the international cultural scene and reinforce its role in establishing the UAE as a global intellectual and cultural hub. With a remarkable commitment to recognizing and rewarding creative endeavors, the award seeks to inspire further innovation and intellectual discourse in the Arab region and beyond.
Each winner of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award is honored with a gold medal, a certificate of appreciation, and a substantial cash prize. The Cultural Personality of the Year awardee receives AED 1 million, while laureates in other categories receive AED 750,000, affirmatively contributing to the sustainability and proliferation of cultural activities across the region.
As the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair unfolds, it highlights the UAE’s dedication to nurturing literary talent and fostering a vibrant cultural dialogue, not only within the Arab world but also on a global scale. The Sheikh Zayed Book Award stands testament to this enduring commitment, championing literature as a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for intellectual exchange.
In conclusion, the 2025 Sheikh Zayed Book Award not only celebrates the achievements of literary figures but also represents a broader mission: to elevate the status of Arabic literature and culture in the global arena, affirming the UAE’s role as a beacon of knowledge and creativity in an increasingly interconnected world.
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