Kanz Al Jeel Award 2025 Winners Honoured By Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed At Al Ain Book Festival
The Kanz Al Jeel Award's fourth edition was celebrated under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, honouring the winners. The event, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), took place at Qasr Al Muwaiji during the Al Ain Book Festival 2025, which continues until 30 November.
This year, Egyptian artist Nagat Soliman won in the Arts category for her piece "Tears Streamed From My Eyes." Omani poet Ali Al Harthi received recognition in the Poetry Matching category for his poem "Sada Al Noor," which parallels Sheikh Zayed’s work "Li Sirt Min Al Ain Sarraya." Kuwaiti poet Hamed Zaid was awarded in Poetic Publications for his collection "Wa Abqa Jabal."
Emirati writer Ali Abualreesh Al Mansoori triumphed in Studies and Research with his book "Zayed: Poetic Worlds Bound by the Horizon." This work delves into themes from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's poetry, such as ethics and love. The Creative Personality award went to Emirati poet Mohammed Rashid Al Shamsi for his extensive poetic contributions since the 1970s.
The Creative Personality winner received a gold medallion, a certificate of appreciation, and AED500,000. Other category winners were given a gold medallion, a certificate, and AED200,000 each. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated: "Tonight’s celebration reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the Arabic language and honouring the creative voices that continue to enrich it."
Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC, expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for supporting the award. He noted that the Kanz Al Jeel Award encourages innovation in Nabati poetry and has become a credible platform for poets and researchers. The award promotes Arabic as a language of art and creativity.
The ceremony saw attendance from notable figures like Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak and Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani. This year's competition attracted over 830 entries from 35 countries, including 19 Arab nations—a 38% increase from last year—highlighting its significance in folk poetry and heritage.
The award's Higher Committee selected winners based on transparent criteria aligned with its objectives. The Kanz Al Jeel Award is part of ALC's initiatives to honour Nabati poetry and encourage research into its values. It aims to inspire younger generations to appreciate this cultural legacy using modern tools.
With inputs from WAM
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