2024 Kanz Al Jeel Award Shortlists Unveiled For Arts And Poetry Categories Featuring Diverse Works

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has unveiled the shortlists for the Arts, Poetic Publications, and Poetry Matching categories in the third Kanz Al Jeel Award. This edition highlights 14 works from six different countries. The award celebrates Nabati poetry's heritage and values, with candidates approved by the Higher Committee during a recent meeting in Abu Dhabi.

The committee, led by Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, reviewed reports from the Judging Panel. Members include Emirati poet Obaid bin Qadlan Al Mazrouei, Kuwaiti researcher Dr. Abdullah Ghleis, Emirati poet and critic Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi, and Egyptian composer Hassan Zaki.

In the Arts category, six artworks have been shortlisted. These include Hope by Algerian Khalled Sebaa and The Homeland is a Fortress by Ihsan Hakim from Iraq. Other notable works are UAE by Iranian Mahsa Davachi and Oh, Young Men by Nagat Farouk from Egypt. Determination and Courage by Iraqi Somaia Azeez and Swords and Brave Men by Iraqi Muhanned Qusay complete the list.

The Poetic Publications category features three collections. The Other Third of Absence by Emirati poet Shaikha Aljaberi was published by Nabati Publishing in 2022. Signatures by Emirati poet Ateeq Khalfan Alkaabi came out under the Hamdan bin Mohammed Initiative for Literary Creativity in 2021. Diwan Shay Akhar by Emirati poet Hamdan Al Samahi was released by Government of Sharjah - Department of Culture in 2023.

Poetry Matching Category

Five poems were selected for the Poetry Matching category. Zayed's Nation by Emirati poet Hamed Al Hashmi is among them. Saudi poets Anas Al Musayid with Durue Al'Awtan and Faisal Al Oteibi with Al Sheikh Nad also made it to the shortlist. Ghayth Al Malahif by Emirati poet Saad Al Ahbabi and Sayid Al Eawarif by Saudi poet Sami Al Sharabi are included as well.

This year’s Kanz Al Jeel Award did not feature a Studies and Research or Translation category. Named after a poem by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this edition saw a significant rise in participation compared to last year. With 600 entries from 24 countries, including 19 Arab nations, participation increased by 128 percent.

The Kanz Al Jeel Award has established itself as a prestigious event since its inception in 2021. Its growing popularity underscores its importance in promoting Nabati poetry on an international stage.

With inputs from WAM