Emirati Artists Shine at Kanz Al Jeel Award 2025 in Abu Dhabi

Post by : Bianca Hayes

In a vibrant ceremony, Abu Dhabi recognized the winners of the fourth Kanz Al Jeel Award, showcasing the richness of Arabic poetry, art, and scholarly work. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event coincided with the Al Ain Book Festival 2025, held at Qasr Al Muwaiji.

This prestigious award shines a light on creative talent and the safeguarding of cultural heritage, attracting participants from across the Arab region. In the Arts category, Egyptian artist Nagat Soliman was celebrated for her textile piece Tears Streamed From My Eyes, which captivated viewers with its intricate embroidery, dyeing, and collage techniques, inviting deep exploration.

Kuwaiti poet Hamed Zaid triumphed in the Poetic Publications category with his 2025 collection Wa Abqa Jabal, lauded for its compelling voice and masterful rhetorical techniques, balancing both brevity and depth in poetic expression. Omani poet Ali Al Harthi earned accolades in the Poetry Matching category for his work Sada Al Noor, which resonates beautifully with the late Sheikh Zayed’s poem Li Sart Min Al Ain Saraya.

In the Studies and Research category, Emirati author Ali Abualreesh Al Mansoori won with his book Zayed: Poetic Worlds Bound by the Horizon – A Trilogy of Love, Palm, and Desert. This insightful piece delves into key themes present in Sheikh Zayed’s poetry, such as ethics, beauty, and peace, enriching readers' appreciation of Nabati poetry’s cultural relevance.

The Creative Personality honor was awarded to Emirati poet Mohammed Rashid Al Shamsi, recognized for his extensive contributions across various poetic forms and efforts to revive traditional Emirati performance arts like Al Razeef. His influence has profoundly shaped successive generations of poets and performers across the Emirates.

Continuing to inspire future generations, the Kanz Al Jeel Award fuses traditional art forms with modern creativity. By acknowledging poetry, visual arts, and cultural research, the award fortifies the bond between heritage and contemporary artistic expressions, ensuring the enduring legacy of Nabati poetry is preserved.

Nov. 18, 2025 2:57 p.m. 360

UAE News Abu Dhabi News