Exploring Arabian Nights: Sheikh Zayed Book Award Conference Unites Cultures In Spain

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), recently held an academic conference in Madrid. The event, in collaboration with the Casa Árabe foundation, focused on the significant influence of "Arabian Nights" in Spain.

Titled "Arabian Nights: A Cultural Journey across Continents and Centuries, from Abu Dhabi to Madrid via Tokyo and London", the conference aimed to bridge the gap between Arab and Spanish cultures. It also sought to enhance dialogue and understanding among cultures worldwide.

The event saw participation from a delegation of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, including Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC and Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award; Abdulrahman Mohamed Al-Naqbi, Director of the ALC’s Literary Awards Department; Omar Obaid Alshamsi, Ambassador of the UAE to Spain; and several other ambassadors.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasised the importance of such collaborations. He stated, "Our collaboration with Casa Árabe in Madrid to hold the ‘Arabian Nights’ conference is part of Abu Dhabi's endeavours to develop platforms that bring together different peoples and cultures around the world."

Dr. Ali bin Tamim highlighted the conference's role in promoting Arab culture globally. He said, "The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is dedicated to upholding the values of tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation among various cultures and peoples around the world."

Irene Lozano Domingo, General Director of Casa Árabe Foundation, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration. She noted, "At Casa Árabe, we are very happy to be able to work together with one of the most important cultural institutions in the Gulf region."

Significance of "Arabian Nights"

"Arabian Nights" has long been a testament to human creativity, enriching world literature and serving as a bridge between Arab culture and others. The work has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired countless writers, artists, and poets.

The tales continue to be studied and analysed across both Eastern and Western cultures. The conference included a panel discussion on "The Influence of Arabian Nights in Spain", featuring distinguished researchers and specialists.

Future Plans

Spain served as the inaugural destination for this conference series. Future events are planned for Japan and the United Kingdom. These efforts reflect SZBA's continuous commitment to promoting Arab culture internationally.

The conference aims to inspire thinkers, researchers, translators, and students to delve deeper into Arab culture. It also seeks to contribute to cultural communication between Spain and other nations.

The collaboration between SZBA and Casa Árabe underscores a shared commitment to fostering understanding and respect among diverse cultures. This initiative highlights how literature can serve as a powerful tool for cultural exchange.

With inputs from WAM