Abu dhabi: As part of the celebrations marking 20 years since the establishment of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) organised a session at the Zayed National Museum yesterday. Collaborating with Al Multaqa Literary Salon, the event focused on discussing the winning and shortlisted works in the Award's 2026 edition.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session gathered a distinguished group of writers, novelists, and representatives from literary salons across the UAE, along with cultural enthusiasts. This initiative is part of the SZBA's strategy to bolster cultural partnerships, enrich the literary scene, and enhance the Arab creative presence. By hosting interactive sessions, the forum aimed to explore the artistic and aesthetic qualities, intellectual visions, and deeper human meanings of the winning and shortlisted works.
The event commenced with an introductory session featuring a video address by Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC and Secretary-General of the Award. In his address, Dr. bin Tamim welcomed attendees and praised the role of literary forums and reading clubs in enriching cultural life. He highlighted the Award's two-decade journey in establishing itself as a prestigious international cultural platform, encouraging originality and innovation, and strengthening the global presence of Arabic literature.
Dr. bin Tamim stated, "Over two decades, the Award has established itself as a prestigious international cultural platform that has encouraged originality and innovation, honoured hundreds of creative individuals, and supported publishing and translation, in addition to launching initiatives and grants that have strengthened the global presence of Arabic literature and enriched Arab identity, language, and culture."
The first session, moderated by Asma Seddeeq Al Motawa, Founder and Chair of Al Multaqa Literary Salon, concentrated on the 2026 winner of the Award's Literature category, the novel "Births in the Zoo" by Egyptian author Ashraf Elashmawy, published by Al Dar Al Masriah Al Lubnaniah in 2024. The discussion featured notable figures such as Dr. Fatima Al Maamari, Dr. Jamila Khanji, Salwa Fouad Al Qaddoumi, Dr. Turki Al Zaabi, and Marwa Melhem.
In the second session, moderated by Dr. Maryam Al Hashemi, the novel "Fourure" by Iraqi writer Nizar Abdulsattar was examined. Participants included Maha Abuhelaiqa, Dr. Maya Abou Zahr, and Budoor Al Budoor, who delved into the themes and narratives presented in the work.
The third session addressed the novel "Secret of the Saffron" by Dr. Badriah Albeshr of Saudi Arabia. Moderated by media figure Ayesha Sultan, the discussion featured Loolwa Al Mansoori, Rola Al Banna, and Oumsia Rifai, focusing on the literary and critical aspects of the novel.
These literary forums associated with the Sheikh Zayed Book Award are seen as a strategic cultural project aimed at enriching the Arab cultural landscape and spotlighting distinguished creative works. By generating significant media and intellectual momentum around winning and shortlisted works, they reaffirm the Award's role as a leading platform in support of Arab thought and creativity.
Remarkable growth in nominations for the Award's 20th edition was recorded, with the Literature category attracting the highest number of submissions at 1,117. This reflects the confidence the SZBA has earned and its role in supporting literary and intellectual talent worldwide.