Sheikh Zayed Book Award 2025 shortlists unveiled
Sheikh Zayed Book Award organisers have announced shortlists for this year's competition in categories such as literature, children's literature, and Arab culture in other language. However, two award categories – young author, and publishing and technology – are withheld from this year's prize. The shortlisted works have been selected from more than 4,000 submissions across 75 countries, including 20 Arabic nations. There were entries from Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago and Mali for the first time. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award is one of the world's most lucrative literary prizes, with a total purse of Dh7.75 million ($2.1 million). The award ceremony will take place during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which runs from April 26 to May 5. Here are the shortlisted titles and their respective categories. The Sphinx by Ahmed Mourad, Egypt (Dar El Shorouk, 2023) Travels of the City of Clay Trilogy by Saud Alsanousi, Kuwait (Dar Kalimat Publishing & Distribution – Moulaph, 2023) Hind or the Most Beautiful Woman in the World by Hoda Barakat, Lebanon/France (Dar Aladab, 2024). Maymouna and Her Crazy Ideas by Shireen Sabanegh, Jordan (Hachette Antoine/Nofal, 2023) The Phantom of Sabiba by Latifa Labsir, Morocco (Markaz Kitab, 2024) The Digital Fox by Hegra Elsawi, Egypt (Dar Shan Publishing & Distribution, 2024) Tausendundeine Nacht: Das Buch der Liebe (One Thousand and One Nights: The Book of Love), translated from Arabic to German by Claudia Ott, Germany (Verlag C.H. Beck, 2022) Orosius by Paulus Orosius, translated from Arabic to English by Marco Di Branco, Italy (Pisa University Press, 2024) Le démon de la théorie: Littérature et sens commun (The Demon of Theory: Literature and Common Sense) by Antoine Compagnon, translated from French to Arabic by Hassan Outtaleb, Morocco (Dar Alkitab Aljadeed, 2023) Food and Language: Cultural Excavations in Arab Heritage by Dr. Said Laouadi, Morocco (Afrique Orient, 2023) Poetry and Prophecy: Abu Tayeb as the Poet-Prophetby Dr. Rita Awad, Palestine (Arab Institute for Research & Publishing, 2024) Urbanistic Samarra: A Study of Architecture and Planning of an Abbasid City by Dr. Khaled Alsultany, Iraq (Adib Books, 2024) The Right to Strive: Perspectives on Muslim Women's Rights by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Bechari, UAE (Nahdet Misr Publishing, 2024) The Philosophy of Recognition and Identity Politics: Criticism of the Cultural Approach to Arab-Islamic Culture by Housamedden Darwish, Syria/Germany (Mominoun Without Borders, 2023) Cities and Trade in Arab and Islamic Civilizationby Prof. Dr. Majduddin Khemesh, Jordan (Dar Alsayel for Publishing & Distribution, 2024) Arabic Literary Culture in Southeast Asia in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries by Andrew Peacock, UK (Brill, 2024). Geschichte des ostlichen zagal: Dialektale arabische Strophendichtung aus dem Osten der arabischen Welt – von den Anfängen bis zum Ende der Mamlukenzeit (The History of Eastern Zajal: Arabic Poetry in Colloquial Dialects from the Eastern Arab World – From its Beginnings to the End of the Mamluk Era) by Hakan Özkan, Turkey (Ergon Verlag, 2020) The Rise of the Arabic Book by Beatrice Gruendler, Germany (Harvard University Press, 2020) News of Women by Rasheed Alkhayoun, Iraq/UK (King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, 2024) Interpretation of the Mu'allaqat Poems by Saleh Aljassar, Saudi Arabia (Alkhizana Alandalusia – Al-Khanji Library, Cairo, 2024) Alkawakib Alsayaara fi Tartib Alziyara by Dr. Ahmed Gomaa Abdelhamid, Egypt (Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale, 2024)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
5 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Renowned Emirati poet Rashid Sharar honoured in a ceremony held in Dubai
Renowned Nabati poet Rashid Sharar is not only a towering literary figure but also a cultural architect whose influence has spanned generations. Revered as one of the UAE's most eloquent voices, Rashid Sharar has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting traditional Bedouin poetry—locally known as Nabati—while mentoring emerging talents and shaping the literary scene across the GCC. Rashid Sharar, was honored in a special ceremony held at the Majlis Omar Mohamed Zubair Al Marzooqi in the Al Warqaa 3 area of Dubai. The event was organized by members of the Majlis Al Zubair as a gesture of appreciation for his outstanding contributions to modern and contemporary Arabic literature and poetry. The tribute recognized Rashid Sharar's lifelong dedication to enriching the Emirati and Arab literary scene through his unique poetic voice and his role in preserving and evolving Arabic poetic traditions. The gathering brought together literary figures, cultural leaders, and admirers of his work, all celebrating his legacy and the lasting impact he has made on Arabic poetry. Appointed by an Emiri decree from His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Rashid Al Sharar founded and led the Sharjah Center for Popular Poetry, which he operated for eleven years. Under his leadership, the center became a hub for nurturing poetic talent and safeguarding the region's oral traditions. Today, it continues that legacy under the name Al Hira Literary Council, still echoing with the voice and vision Al Sharar instilled. For nearly four decades, Rashid Al Sharar has been a prominent producer and presenter of cultural and poetry programs across various platforms, bringing the beauty of verse to homes across the Gulf. His impact extended into print media as well, where he served as editor of literary and poetry sections in several newspapers and magazines, including his most recent role at Kul Al Usra magazine. His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has been awarded numerous medals and honors, a testament to his role in enriching Arab culture. Among the most prestigious was an award bestowed upon him by the late Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, recognizing his lifelong dedication to literature and cultural preservation. Beyond the written and spoken word, Rashid Al Sharar's lyrical genius has reached millions through songs performed by major Arab artists. Voices like Mohammed Abdo, Mohammed Omar, Mehad Hamad, and Aydah Al Menhali have brought his poetry to the musical stage, blending heritage with melody in a way that continues to captivate listeners across generations. Today, Rashid Al Sharar remains a symbol of literary excellence and cultural depth in the UAE. Through poetry, music, mentorship, and media, his work stands as a living bridge between the past's enduring values and the future's unfolding promise.
Broadcast Pro
8 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
CJ ENM partners with Shahid to launch premium Korean dramas in MENA
The agreement will bring 20 top Korean series from CJ ENM's catalogue to Shahid. Korean entertainment company CJ ENM has announced a content partnership with Arabic streaming platform Shahid. The agreement marks CJ ENM's first major entry into the MENA streaming market, aligning with the company's ongoing strategy to expand its global footprint, according to a report by Variety. As part of the deal, 20 of CJ ENM's top Korean series will be available on Shahid starting June 19. This content rollout aims to introduce the region's audiences to a wide range of Korean storytelling, from romantic comedies and psychological thrillers to fantasy and crime dramas. The lineup includes acclaimed series such as What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, Lovely Runner, Mouse, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Another Miss Oh, Her Private Life, Search: WWW, My Lovely Liar, Hotel Del Luna, Doom at Your Service and Flower of Evil. Sebastian Kim, Vice President of International Content Business at CJ ENM, highlighted the global resonance of Korean dramas, noting their cinematic quality, emotional depth, and universal themes. 'Our drama series have won the hearts of global audiences by capturing human emotions through compelling storytelling,' he said. 'Partnering with Shahid gives us an opportunity to reach a whole new audience and further drive the K-culture wave in the MENA region.' The launch coincides with CJ ENM's 30th anniversary and follows other international efforts, including a recent deal with Mexico's Imagen Televisión for a Korean drama primetime slot and multiple nominations at the Banff Rockie Awards. Tarek Alibrahim, General Manager of MBC1 and MBC Drama and General Manager of Content at Shahid, added: 'Korean dramas have built a massive global following, and we're thrilled to become the home for CJ ENM's top titles in the region. This partnership signals a new era for K-content in MENA and reinforces our mission to deliver rich, world-class entertainment to our audience.' The collaboration not only strengthens CJ ENM's global presence but also positions Shahid as a key platform for introducing premium Korean content to Arabic-speaking viewers across the region.
Broadcast Pro
14 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Amman Film Industry Days selects 18 projects for 2025 Pitching Platforms
The Pitching Platforms provide a space for Arab filmmakers and producers to present and pitch their projects in development or post-production. As part of its ongoing mission to nurture regional talent and strengthen Arab cinematic storytelling, the Amman Film Industry Days (AFID)—the professional arm of the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF)—has revealed the 18 selected projects that will participate in this year's competitive Pitching Platforms. Set to take place during the sixth edition of the AIFF from July 2 to 10, 2025, the Pitching Platforms offer Arab filmmakers and producers the opportunity to present their projects, either in development or post-production, to a jury of seasoned professionals. The selected participants will compete for financial and in-kind awards made possible through AFID's network of partners and supporters. This year's jury includes Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, Burundian filmmaker Joseph Bitamba, Spanish film critic and programmer Eduardo Guillot, Jordanian producer Linda Mutawi and Saudi director Abdulaziz Al-Shlahei. The 18 projects were selected from a competitive pool of 170 submissions, chosen for their originality, creative vision, and production potential. Commenting on this year's selection, Bassam Alasad, Head of AFID, said: 'This year, the selection process was incredibly difficult because the level of storytelling, vision and urgency across submissions was so high. Every project had a voice worth hearing. The Pitching Platforms continue to be a cornerstone of AFID, offering filmmakers not only the chance to win awards but, more importantly, to connect, evolve and be seen. We are proud to be a platform that embraces these narratives and amplifies the voices behind them.' The selection spans three categories. Under the Awal Film section, which supports first-time Jordanian filmmakers or residents in Jordan, four development projects were selected: From Temporary to Semi-Permanent by Bayan Abuta'ema, Memoirs of Jerusalem by Kinda Kurdi, Six 2 One by Tamir Naber, and The Orange Grove by Murad Abu Eisheh. In the wider Arab Projects development category, projects include The Cow Thief (Egypt, Italy, KSA) by Mohamed Zedan, The Sad Life of Happy Pig! (Lebanon, France) by Christy Whaibe, Ping-Pong (Palestine) by Saleh Saadi, Printemps (Lebanon, France) by Noel Keserwany, Love-45 (Syria, Qatar, Switzerland, France, UK, Lebanon) by Anas Khalaf, Alicante (Algeria, France, Spain) by Lina Soualem, Like a Bird in The Sky (Egypt, Lebanon, Spain) by Amal Ramsis, and The Masters of Magic and Beauty (Egypt) by Jad Chahine. Six projects were selected in the post-production category: Kobra (Lebanon) by Daniel Habib, Amal (Jordan, Syria) by Khaled Ahmad Al Swidan, You Don't Die Two Times (Algeria, Tunisia, Germany, France) by Ager Oueslati, Testosterone (Morocco) by Ali Benchekroune and Mohamed Bakrim, All That The Wind Can Carry (Egypt, Qatar) by Maged Nader, and Asphalt (Jordan) by Hamza Hamidah. Beyond the pitching sessions, AFID will host an engaging lineup of workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions designed to foster knowledge-sharing and professional development. These events aim to offer filmmakers valuable insight into the evolving trends of both the regional and international film industries. This year's edition also introduces The Spark Series, a new initiative and the first of its kind in the Arab world, focused on web series as a dynamic and accessible form of storytelling. This addition underscores AFID's commitment to embracing new formats and platforms in the expanding landscape of visual storytelling.
