Sheikh Zayed Book Award Enhances Scientific Committee With New Members For 2024 Edition

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), managed by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has expanded its Scientific Committee with four new members. These include Dr. Khaled Al Masri, a Jordanian-American academic, Dr. Munira Al Ghadeer from Saudi Arabia, Egyptian researcher Dr. Reem Bassiouney, and Turkish translator Dr. Mehmet Hakki Suçin. This restructuring aims to infuse fresh ideas and sustain the award's legacy through diverse Arab and international expertise.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC and Secretary-General of SZBA, highlighted the importance of enriching the committee with renowned academics and literary figures. He expressed gratitude to former members for their contributions and looked forward to innovative ideas from the new experts. "The Award aims to constantly enrich its Scientific Committee with internationally acclaimed academics and literary figures who can sustain its legacy," he stated.

Dr. Khaled Al Masri, a professor at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, USA, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the committee. "I am honoured to be a member of this distinguished committee," he said. He is eager to collaborate with colleagues to support human thought and creativity while maintaining high scientific standards.

Professor Munira Al Ghadeer, UNESCO Chair at King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, shared her excitement about joining for the 19th edition of the award. She remarked on the award's history of recognising exceptional authors globally and is confident in upholding excellence standards. "I am honoured to be chosen to serve on the Scientific Committee for the 19th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award," she noted.

Dr. Reem Bassiouney from Egypt is thrilled to join for the 2024-2025 edition. She acknowledged the award's role in supporting Arab culture and fostering creative minds. "It is a highly significant award that has made remarkable contributions in supporting Arab culture," she commented.

Fostering Intellectual Growth

Turkish academic Mehmet Hakki Suçin expressed his joy at joining SZBA's Scientific Committee. He praised the award for contributing to intellectual development and creating an inspiring environment for research and creativity. "Throughout its journey, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has provided a rich and valuable experience," he said.

The committee is chaired by Dr. bin Tamim and includes prominent figures like Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji from ALC, Juergen Boos of Frankfurt Book Fair, Lebanese academic Dr. Nadia El Cheikh, and Jordanian-German translator Dr. Mustafa Slaiman.

These new additions aim to enhance SZBA's mission by bringing diverse perspectives that will continue its tradition of excellence in recognising literary achievements worldwide while supporting cultural growth in Arab communities.

With inputs from WAM