Kanz Al Jeel Award 2025 Winners Celebrated By Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre At Al Ain Book Festival

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has revealed the winners of the fourth Kanz Al Jeel Award. The award ceremony will take place on 24th November at Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain Region. This event is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and coincides with the opening of the Al Ain Book Festival 2025.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted that this award honours those who enrich cultural and folk poetry. It aims to preserve heritage while encouraging new artistic expressions. He emphasised that it reflects Abu Dhabi's dedication to fostering creativity and ensuring cultural traditions evolve.

In the Arts category, Egyptian artist Nagat Soliman was recognised for her work "Tears Streamed From My Eyes." Her piece was praised for its intricate textile composition using collage, embroidery, and dyeing techniques. Kuwaiti poet Hamed Zaid won in Poetic Publications for his 2025 collection "Wa Abqa Jabal," noted for its maturity and strong rhetorical skills.

Omani poet Ali Al Harthi secured victory in the Poetry Matching category with "Sada Al Noor." His work mirrors a poem by UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, maintaining authenticity while adding creative depth. Emirati writer Ali Abualreesh Al Mansoori won in Studies and Research for his work on Sheikh Zayed’s poetry.

Emirati poet Mohammed Rashid Al Shamsi was named Creative Personality for his extensive career since the 1970s. His contributions include ghazal and other poetic forms like complaint arts and Taghareed. He also played a significant role in reviving traditional Emirati performance art, Al Razeef.

Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, stated that the award attracts global participants whose works deepen engagement with Nabati poetry. He mentioned that it inspires new generations to reinterpret heritage through modern creative forms.

Award's Impact on Cultural Heritage

Ali Obaid Al Hameli, Chair of the Award’s Higher Committee, noted that the award elevates standards through rigorous evaluation reflecting Nabati poetry's aesthetics and authentic Emirati heritage. He said it unites creativity, thought, and critique while drawing inspiration from Sheikh Zayed's legacy.

The Creative Personality winner receives a gold medallion, a certificate, and AED500,000. Winners in other categories receive a gold medallion, a certificate, and AED200,000 each. The Kanz Al Jeel Award aims to preserve Nabati poetry and folk heritage while supporting creators in related arts to ensure these traditions continue for future generations.

With inputs from WAM