Kanz Al Jeel Award Winners Recognized in Al Ain Ceremony

Hosted by H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a noteworthy event unfolded in the Al Ain Region where Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan honored the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award's fourth edition. The ceremony was held at Qasr Al Muwaiji during the Al Ain Book Festival 2025, which runs until November 30. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, organized this significant event.

This year, the award witnessed intense competition across five designated categories. Egyptian artist Nagat Soliman triumphed in the Arts category with her poignant piece “Tears Streamed From My Eyes.” Omani poet Ali Al Harthi was recognized in the Poetry Matching category for his work “Sada Al Noor,” which echoes a poem by the late Sheikh Zayed and embodies rich cultural significance.

Kuwaiti poet Hamed Zaid secured the Poetic Publications category award for his compilation “Wa Abqa Jabal,” admired by judges for its clever wordplay and depth. Additionally, Emirati writer Ali Abualreesh Al Mansoori earned the Studies and Research award for his book “Zayed: Poetic Worlds Bound by the Horizon – A Trilogy of Love, Palm, and Desert,” exploring essential themes in Sheikh Zayed’s poetry, such as beauty and peace.

The Creative Personality Award was bestowed upon Emirati poet Mohammed Rashid Al Shamsi, acknowledging his extensive literary contributions since the 1970s. Notably, no award was issued in the Translation category this year.

The recipient of the Creative Personality Award received a gold medallion, a certificate of appreciation, and a prize of AED500,000, while winners in other segments enjoyed a gold medallion, a certificate, and AED200,000. These accolades underscore the UAE's dedication to nurturing poets, writers, and researchers.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, remarked that the ceremony showcases Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering the Arabic language and honoring creative talent. He pointed out the award's evolution into a respected regional platform that supports Nabati poetry's cultural significance for future generations.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, ALC Chairman, extended gratitude to Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed for his continued support, stating that the award's intention is to motivate individuals throughout the Arab world to delve into and appreciate the rich legacy of Nabati poetry. He asserted this art form's cultural importance and noted this year's high-caliber submissions signal its ongoing relevance.

This year's Kanz Al Jeel Award attracted over 830 entries from 35 countries, including 19 Arab nations, marking a 38% increase from the previous year and signifying the award's expanding influence. ALC emphasized that this growth illustrates the UAE's robust role in promoting Arab culture and advancing research related to the Arabic language.

The Kanz Al Jeel Award stands as one of ALC's pivotal initiatives, aiming to safeguard Nabati poetry, stimulate research linked to cultural values, and inspire youth to connect with their heritage using contemporary methods.

Leaders throughout the event highlighted Nabati poetry as an essential aspect of the UAE's identity, representing a distinctive cultural tradition to be handed down to future generations.