Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature

Al Suwaidi's book, 'The Mirage', addresses the extremist ideologies spreading across the globe

Jamal Al Suwaidi (centre) receives the Sheikh Zayed Book Award from Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed

Professor Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature for his book The Mirage.

In The Mirage, the Emirati scholar and Director-General of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), addresses extremist ideologies, which have spread across the globe in recent years, and which threaten the security of societies.

More than 50 experts, academics, and politicians from Belgium, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and Sweden were involved in the nomination of Al Suwaidi. It is hoped that his nomination will help to promote the need for intellectual engagement in confronting extremist and destructive ideologies, reported the Emirates News Agency.

Nidal Shoukeir, Chairman of the European Press Association for the Arab World (APEMA), pointed out that nominating Al Suwaidi for this distinguished global award is an indication of an awareness of the importance of encouraging intellectual efforts and in tackling radical thoughts and ideologies.

"The nomination for this unique global award reflects an important recognition of the role of the writer and his works in addressing radical ideas, and its appreciation of the UAE’s efforts in leading the cultural and intellectual fight against extremism and terrorism," he said.

Belgian researcher and academic Ibrahim Litose, Islamic Studies professor at the University of Antwerp, added that the nomination confirmed the leading role thinkers will play in fighting extremism and terrorism. "The Mirage is a complete and integrated book, both academically and practically," he said. "It is a great example of harnessing thought for contemporary humanitarian issues. Therefore, he deserves to be among the nominees for the Nobel Prize for Literature because of the value the book adds within this framework."

The Mirage has won several Arab and global awards, including the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in the Development of Nations category.

The book reflects the personal vision that stems from Al Suwaidi's belief that the Arab and global fight against extremist ideology, as well as the groups and organisations that embrace it, is not limited to security and military actions. It is, rather, an extended war with an intellectual dimension first and foremost.