Culture is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, playing a vital role in enhancing understanding and communication among peoples. Since its inception, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has been a living example of how culture can drive social and economic progress. Over the years, the award has contributed to promoting cultural dialogue and expanding the horizons of knowledge, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to making culture an integral part of sustainable development.
Sheikh Zayed Book Award: A Global Cultural Symbol
Since its launch in 2006, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has achieved a distinguished position as one of the most prominent literary and cultural awards in the Arab world. Its vision embodies the belief that culture is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, serving as a bridge between different civilizations and peoples. The award was established by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, as a mark of his support for knowledge and learning.
Achievements and Awards
Over the past two decades, the award has evolved from a national initiative to a global entity with a significant impact. The number of submissions has exceeded 33,000 from nearly 80 countries, reflecting the great openness and cultural diversity that the award promotes. In its twentieth cycle, the award received over 4,000 nominations, highlighting its growing role in supporting creativity and enhancing the status of Arabic literature on the global stage.
Supporting Translation and Publishing
The achievements of the award are not limited to honoring writers and thinkers; they also extend to supporting the translation and publishing movement. The “Translation Grant” was launched in 2018, aimed at facilitating the publication of translations of Arabic works into 12 global languages, helping to promote cultures and introduce Arabic literature internationally.
Empowering Women’s Role in Culture
The award has also played an important role in supporting women in the cultural field by increasing the participation rates of female writers and researchers. This commitment to diversity and openness highlights the significance of women’s arts and literature in enriching culture as a key element of sustainable development.
In 2026, the award plans to celebrate two decades since its establishment through a comprehensive international program that includes more than 200 cultural and intellectual events in several major capitals and cities around the world, further enhancing the role of culture as a fundamental element for the growth of societies.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award represents a living symbol of the importance of culture as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, continuing its commitment to promoting cultural and intellectual dialogue on a global scale.