Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre Appoints Five Cultural Figures To Sard Al Thahab Award Committee

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, has announced the addition of five notable cultural and intellectual figures to the Higher Committee of the Sard Al Thahab Award. This move underscores the Centre's dedication to enhancing narrative arts both locally and throughout the Arab region. The Award is a key platform for celebrating storytelling and folk narratives, supporting studies, and visual productions related to Arab and Emirati heritage.

Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director-General of the National Library and Archives, will chair this year's Higher Committee. He is a significant figure in shaping local culture. The committee also includes Emirati researcher Ali Al Abdan Al Shamsi, Syrian novelist Taissier Khalaf, Saudi researcher Dr Asma Muqbel Al-Ahmadi, and Moroccan scholar Dr Najima Tai Tai Ghazali. These members bring expertise in various fields such as heritage, criticism, and oral narratives.

"The Sard Al Thahab Award reflects the central role that the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre plays in elevating narrative arts and documenting intangible heritage," said Abdulla Majed Al Ali. "The Award has introduced initiatives designed to position storytelling as a core pillar of cultural identity." This aligns with the UAE’s national agenda to develop its cultural landscape and empower national talent.

The new committee lineup demonstrates the Centre's commitment to involving distinguished intellectuals. This approach ensures high standards of evaluation and transparency, reinforcing the Award's role as a catalyst for Arab narrative arts. It serves as a dynamic platform empowering creators, supporting storytellers, and expanding narrative expression in ways that enrich UAE and Arab cultural movements.

The Higher Committee oversees the Award's strategic direction based on fair governance standards. This enhances its role in preserving Emirati and Arab storytelling traditions while connecting with younger generations through creativity and research. It supports new talents by highlighting modern narratives alongside traditional ones.

Nominations for the third edition of the Sard Al Thahab Award are open until 31 May 2025. The Award celebrates narrative creativity across six categories: Emirati Narration, Narrators, Short Story for Unpublished Stories, Short Story for Published Stories, Illustrated Story, and Popular Narratives.

Legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

The Sard Al Thahab Award draws inspiration from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's legacy. It aims to strengthen storytelling within Arab culture. Since its launch in 2023, engagement has grown significantly; submissions increased by 23% in its second edition compared to the first. This growth reflects trust in the Award’s credibility.

Celebrating all forms of storytelling fosters creative dialogue across generations. It strengthens cultural identity through literary works documenting human experiences in UAE and beyond. Ultimately, it elevates oral tradition as a rich cultural legacy that connects past with present narratives effectively.

With inputs from WAM