Kanz Al Jeel Award: Revitalising Nabati Poetry And Celebrating UAE's Cultural Heritage

The Kanz Al Jeel Award, initiated in 2021 by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has quickly become a prominent literary accolade. It plays a vital role in preserving the UAE's cultural heritage and celebrating its diversity. Over four years, it has attracted many applicants eager to showcase their creativity and reach a broader audience.

The Poetry Matching category is particularly significant. It offers poets a platform to engage with the poetic legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father. This ensures his influence continues to inspire future generations. The award helps keep Nabati poetry alive, offering audiences profound meanings and ideals.

Ali Obaid Al Hameli, an author and media personality who chairs the Award’s Higher Committee, remarked on its impact: "The Kanz Al Jeel Award has played a critical role in revitalising Nabati poetry and offering the audience the profound meanings and noble ideals that characterise the poetry of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE. The younger generations stand to gain immeasurably by engaging with the poetic treasures found in the legacy of his works."

Obaid bin Qadlan Al Mazrouei, who won the Poetry Matching category in its first edition, highlighted its importance: "The award has strived to revive and preserve one of the most important genres of poetry – ‘Mujārāt’ (matching) – which is facing extinction in the present time. It has helped promote the poetry of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to a larger audience, highlighting his poetic masterpieces to a wider base of readers. This makes Kanz Al Jeel one of the most prominent literary awards in the UAE and the Arab world."

Ali Al Sabaan, winner of this category in its second edition, praised its mission: "The Kanz Al Jeel Award carries a truly inspiring message in its concept, timing, and objectives. It celebrates the spirit of folk poetry and pays tribute to our national heritage."

Encouraging New Creative Works

Recently, submissions for the fourth edition closed as ALC continues to seek creative works rooted in local tradition. This effort not only celebrates heritage but also strengthens identity among younger generations. The award remains committed to finding new voices that resonate with cultural values.

Kanz Al Jeel stands out as a key platform for poets and writers across the Arab world. By honouring traditional forms like 'Mujārāt', it ensures that these art forms are not lost but instead reach new audiences. Through this initiative, ALC fosters an appreciation for cultural richness while encouraging contemporary expression.

With inputs from WAM