Saleh Dima Awarded Asma Seddiq First Novel Prize At ADIBF 2024

The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2024), a key event in the literary calendar, recently became the stage for an insightful panel discussion. This session was hosted by the ‘Asma Seddiq Award for the First Novel’, a prestigious accolade aimed at nurturing new literary talent, in partnership with the Al Multaqa Literary Salon. The discussion offered a deep dive into the origins and impact of this literary award, shedding light on its contribution to the cultural fabric of the UAE.

Asma Seddiq Al-Mutawa, the visionary behind the Al Multaqa Literary Salon and the President of the Award, shared her thoughts on the award's inception and its journey so far. She highlighted the collaborative efforts that have led to its success and acknowledged the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) with an honorary shield. This gesture recognized ALC's significant role in enhancing the cultural scene, supporting publishers, and fostering a love for reading across diverse community segments in the UAE.

The highlight of the session was the announcement of Somali author Saleh Dima as the winner of the award's second edition for his debut novel ‘Seasons of Sacrifices’. Dima's work was selected from a pool of 149 novels that met the stringent criteria set by the award committee, standing out among two other main nominees. This year's edition saw an overwhelming response, with 594 email submissions received, marking a substantial increase from the previous year and highlighting the award's growing prestige in the literary world.

Born in Kismayo in 1980, Dima has established himself as a prominent figure in Somali literature. His winning novel not only earns him a cash prize of US$10,000 but also ensures its publication in Arabic and English, thanks to a collaboration with Dar Al Adab. This initiative underscores the award's commitment to promoting literary excellence and providing a platform for new voices to be heard internationally.

The session wrapped up with an exciting announcement from Seddiq and the judging committee about opening submissions for the award's third edition. This move signals continued support for emerging writers and reinforces the award's role in enriching the literary landscape.

The Asma Seddiq Award for the First Novel stands as a testament to the vibrant cultural scene in Abu Dhabi and its dedication to celebrating and nurturing literary talent. With each edition, it continues to attract a diverse array of submissions, showcasing the rich tapestry of stories waiting to be told and heard across the globe.

With inputs from WAM