Sheikh Zayed Book Award has new category for Spanish works on Arab culture

Arab-Hispanic ties are to be strengthened literally with the inclusion of Spanish works as part of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.

Arab-Hispanic ties are to be strengthened with the inclusion of Spanish works as part of next year’s Sheikh Zayed Book Award.

For the new competition category, Spanish for the Arabic Culture in Other Languages, authors are invited to submit Spanish entries focusing on Arab culture and civilisation.

Saeed Hamdan, the manager of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, said the Spanish and Arab world share a long history.

“Arabic and Spanish languages share a common history since the age of the Islamic Empire in Andalusia, which harboured many tribes, religions and races that coexisted in and contributed to its intellectual prosperity, whether it is in philosophy, sciences or arts,” he said.

“And so we are delighted to welcome nominations in Spanish for this session to further enrich the creative works accepted for this category.”

Submissions will be accepted until September 1.