Record-Breaking Submissions For Kanz Al Jeel Award's Third Edition

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has concluded the nomination phase for the third edition of the Kanz Al Jeel Award. This award celebrates creative individuals and scholars who have contributed works in Nabati poetry or folk studies, focusing on heritage and authentic values. The award is named after a poem by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE.

This year saw a notable increase in submissions, with 601 nominations from 24 countries, including 19 Arab nations. This represents a 128% growth compared to the 264 submissions received in the second edition. Saudi Arabia led among Arab countries in terms of submissions, followed by Egypt, Oman, the UAE, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, Iraq, and Syria. Among non-Arab countries, Turkey had the most entries, followed by the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Iran.

The Poetry Matching category received the highest number of submissions this year with 353 entries, making up 59% of the total. The Arts category came next with 169 entries or 28% of total nominations. Other categories included Poetic Publications with 37 entries, Studies and Research, Creative Personality, and Translation.

The Reading Panel Committee has completed its initial review of submissions based on the award’s standards and conditions. The committee was chaired by Abdullah Majid al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives. Other members included Prof. Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi, an Emirati academic; Dr. Mohammed Al Amrini from Saudi Arabia; and writer Mohammed Abu Zaid.

Growth in Popularity

Abdullah Majid al Ali noted that this edition saw exceptional growth in submissions compared to previous editions. He highlighted significant contributions from Gulf and Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. "The submissions reflected immense richness in Arab creativity and literary works deserving recognition," he said.

Al Ali also stated that these works underscore current generations' deep connection to their Arab culture and their commitment to preserving heritage. "This promotes outstanding works that will remain etched in Emirati and Arab collective memories," he added.

Renewed Interest in Nabati Poetry

"The Kanz Al Jeel Award has succeeded in sparking renewed interest in Nabati poetry while honouring outstanding poetic works," said Al Ali. He emphasized that the award has helped disseminate these works and spotlight their authors. This aligns with its primary goal to highlight Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's poetry while celebrating its aesthetic aspects and human values ingrained in Emirati and Arab consciousness.

The next step involves judging panels across all six categories beginning their comprehensive evaluation process for all entries reviewed by the Reading Panel Committee.

This year's substantial increase in nominations highlights growing interest in preserving cultural heritage through creative expression.

With inputs from WAM