ABU DHABI // Two Emiratis have been long-listed for the annual Sheikh Zayed Book Award in the categories of young author and children’s literature.
Muhra Bint Ahmad, author of Krakato (Krakato), is among nine nominees named in the Young Author category, which recognises published works in science, literature, culture, fine arts and humanities produced by writers under 40.
Amira Al Marzouqi made the long list in Children’s Literature for her book Waraqet Al Hayat (The Leaf of Life). The Children’s Literature award celebrates literary, scientific and cultural books addressing various children’s groups and adolescents. These books can be fictional stories or simplified factual historical and scientific narratives, presented in an artistic layout.
“This list is an expression of the importance and high regard attained by the Sheikh Zayed Book Award as it becomes one of the central cultural prizes which authors and translators aspire to receive in the region and across the world,” Dr Ali Bin Tamim, secretary general of the award, said earlier this month when nominations closed.
“Arriving at the long list was a vigorous and extensive exercise, based on specific scientific standards, after which the books will be distributed to a panel of judges for shortlisting.”
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award also recognises authors in seven additional categories: Contribution to the Development of Nations, Translation, Literature, Literary and Art Criticism, Arabic Culture in non-Arab language, Publishing and Technology and Cultural Personality of the Year, which honours a prominent Arab or organisation who has contributed to the advancement of the Arabic culture.
The award is held in memory of the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and honours his pioneering role in establishing national unity and promoting development.
It is presented every year to outstanding Arab writers, intellectuals, publishers as well as young talents whose writings and translations of humanities have scholarly and objectively enriched Arab cultural, literary and social life.
Each award carries a Dh750,000 prize, a gold medal bearing the SZBA logo and a certificate of merit. The Cultural Personality of the Year award comes with a Dh1 million prize. The winners are announced in a prestigious ceremony in March, ahead of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
Other nominees in the Young Author category include Mohammed Hasan Alwan and Mohammed Al Dakkan of Saudi Arabia, Khaled Ahmed and Nabil Elshahed of Egypt, Ahmad Mohsen and Maya Al Hajj of Lebanon, and Said Laouadi and Fouad Ben Ahmed of Morocco.
Eight other authors long-listed for the Children’s Literature award include Nabiha Mheidli, Hassan Abdallah and Samah Idris of Lebanon, Abeer Al Taher and Taghreed Al Najjar of Jordan, Talal Hasan of Iraq and Sahar Abdallah of Egypt.
A panel of judges will select a winner in each category. A scientific committee will review and approve the panel’s suggestions, which are then officially endorsed by Board of Trustees, presided over by Sheikh Zayed Bin Tahnoon Al Nayan, president of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. The award is an independent cultural award administered by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, with a total monetary value of Dh7 million.
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