Submissions Now Open For The Fourth Kanz Al Jeel Award By Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has opened submissions for the fourth Kanz Al Jeel Award. Nominations are accepted until 31st May 2025. Established in 2021, this award is a cultural milestone, aiming to preserve and celebrate Arab heritage's rich diversity. It honours creative works that contribute significantly to Arab culture.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, emphasised the award's inspiration from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's literary legacy. He stated, "Drawing inspiration from the unique literary and cultural legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, Kanz Al Jeel fosters a deep sense of cultural belonging among younger generations. The award has emerged as a benchmark in the region’s cultural movement, attracting works from leading writers and creators. It plays a pivotal role in achieving our objectives at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre to promote the Arabic language and support its various forms of creative expression, including writing and translation, on a global stage."

The award's mission is rooted in Sheikh Zayed's poetry, reflecting Emirati and Arab society. It acknowledges exceptional contributions in Nabati poetry, a key part of Arab identity. The initiative also aims to publish and promote notable works in this field. This effort helps preserve folklore and traditional arts while connecting younger generations to their cultural roots.

Bin Tamim highlighted that this edition builds on past successes by recognising creative works and reviving Nabati poetry and related arts. He added, "As the award enters a new phase in its journey, it cements its status as a premier cultural platform that bridges poetry and heritage, reflecting our cultural legacy and reviving the distinguished role poetry plays in shaping culture and knowledge in society."

The award sets specific eligibility criteria for candidates and their works. Candidates must have contributed to local or Arab poetic, critical, or artistic movements. Submitted works should be authentic and innovative, adding value to human culture. Each work can only be submitted for one category per year.

Submissions must be written in Arabic unless they fall under Translation or Studies & Research categories where translations from Arabic or studies in other languages are allowed. Works must have been published within five years with an ISBN for intellectual property protection.

Additional Submission Guidelines

Works previously awarded major Arab or international prizes are not eligible. Submitted books or artworks will not be returned to their owners after submission. The award committee may publish submitted works after assessing their publication potential.

Each year, the Arts category focuses on a specific art form inviting participation from individuals or institutions whose artworks fit this form. If a nominated work does not win, it can be resubmitted five years later.

The Kanz Al Jeel Award continues to uphold values found in Sheikh Zayed’s verses by highlighting their aesthetic significance and influence on Emirati culture. It generates interest in art forms linked to Nabati poetry like music, folk singing, visual arts, and calligraphy.

With inputs from WAM