2021 Sheikh Zayed Book Award
”In such difficult times, it is more important than ever to focus on books and on cultural values. They alone can provide us with the moral compass we so desperately need to move on with our eyes wide open”
- Amin Maalouf, Sheikh Zayed Book Award 2016 Cultural Personality of the Year
The 15th edition of the annual Sheikh Zayed Book Award, described as “the Arab world’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize” and “One of the most esteemed and lucrative prizes in the Arab world” (Literary Hub) is open to submissions until October 1st. Literary works from writers, translators, academics and publishers from across the world are reviewed by an independent and international jury of cultural experts to be awarded prizes across various categories, with the main prizewinners receiving 750,000 UAE Dirhams (204,000 USD).
This award both recognises exciting and challenging literary achievements in the Arab world while contributing funds and focus for producing and publishing Arab works into other languages to be distributed across the world.
Statistics from the 14th Edition of the Award
Established in 2006 by the Department of Culture and Tourism -- Abu Dhabi, the award continues the legacy and memory of Sheikh Zaeyd Bin Sultan with his progressive worldview that transformed the United Arab Emirates.
The following nine categories encompassing Arab culture are open for submission:
Literature (including both fiction and poetry)
Young Author (for writers under the age of 40)
Children’s Literature
Cultural Personality of the Year
Publishing and Technology
Arabic Culture in Other Languages
Translation – either to or from Arabic
Literary and Art Criticism
Contribution to the Development of Nations
All nominations must be published in Arabic apart from those in the categories of Translation and Arabic Culture in Other Languages.
2020 winner of the Award, UK based Banipal magazine who showcase contemporary Arab authors in English translation, used the prize money to fund their network of writers, translators, editors and printers and on promotion to reach new audiences. Other previous winners include Dame Marina Warner (UK), Amin Maalouf (France), Professor Philip Kennedy (US), and Institut du Monde Arab (France).
“This year, we have learnt that whatever happens, culture endures and adapts to the most difficult of circumstances. As the rich cultural life of the Arab world continues to flourish, I urge writers, publishers and scholars around the world to bring the fruits of their labour to the judges’ attention.”
- Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Authority and Secretary General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Book Award website, Instagram or Twitter to learn more about one of the world’s leading prizes recognising Arab literary and cultural achievements while bridging cultural landscapes.
