Celebrating Arab Storytelling at the 2025 Sard Al Thahab Award

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), a branch of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced the recipients of the third Sard Al Thahab Award.

This celebrated award highlights the exceptional talents of storytellers, narrators, and literary researchers from the UAE and the wider Arab region. It seeks to safeguard and uphold Emirati and Arab storytelling traditions, enhance the art of short story narration and visual storytelling, and showcase innovative works that embody cultural heritage and values.

Record Participation from around the Globe

This year’s Sard Al Thahab Award achieved a significant milestone with 37 countries participating, a marked increase from 22 in its inaugural year in 2023—a remarkable 68 percent rise. Notably, countries such as Albania, Austria, Chad, Denmark, Italy, and Japan joined for the first time, reflecting the award's expanding international influence.

Impactful Cultural Leadership

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, praised the award’s role in representing the visionary leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He stated that it plays a crucial role in maintaining Emirati and Arab narratives, contributing to a broader cultural ecosystem that enhances dialogue, research, and the preservation of Abu Dhabi’s status as a global cultural capital.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, commended the award’s success in curating top-notch creative storytelling works. He pointed out that the growing participation underscores the Centre's commitment to preserving and celebrating rich cultural legacies through creative and academic excellence.

In addition, His Excellency Dr Abdulla Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives and Chair of the Award’s Higher Committee, described the Sard Al Thahab as a significant project that transcends mere recognition, aiming to safeguard collective memories while linking generations through heritage-inspired narratives.

Acknowledging Notable Recipients

Short Story – Unpublished Works

Honorees in this category include:

• Abdelbar Essoldi (Morocco) for Bleeding of the Spectres, noted for its originality and philosophical depth.

• Mohammad Mansour Mohammad (Egypt) for More Than Forty Lookalikes, recognized for its surreal portrayal of societal themes.

• Sherif Saleh (Egypt) for Dual Tales, seamlessly blending Arab tradition with experimental techniques.

• Dr Ghalya bint Eissa Al-Zubaidiyah (Oman) for The Well of Absence, rooted in enriching Omani folklore.

Short Story – Published Works

• Yousef Theyab Khalifa (Kuwait) received acclaim for The Time of the Lord of Pearls (2024), vividly encapsulating the shifts in Gulf society.

Popular Narratives

• Miral Al Tahawy (Egypt) was celebrated for Barqa is Far From the Messenger, merging storytelling with academic inquiry into Bedouin women’s poetry.

Narrators Category

• Ali Al Kindi Al Marar (UAE) was honored for his extensive efforts in documenting Emirati heritage through various media.

Emirati Narration Category

Two distinguished figures were recognized:

• Jamal Bin Huwaireb for his influential show Al Rawi, which showcases Emirati and Gulf narratives.

• Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), acknowledged for her impactful role in the UAE’s cultural narrative.

Ceremony of Recognition

The award winners will be celebrated at a special ceremony scheduled for January 2026 at Al Dhafra Fort, coinciding with the Al Dhafra Book Festival.

With its expanding global footprint, the Sard Al Thahab Award remains pivotal in preserving Arab storytelling traditions, fostering creativity, and enhancing the global visibility of Emirati and Arab cultural heritage.