The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), managed by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has unveiled the longlists for its 20th edition (2025–2026). With the judging panels now evaluating the plethora of submissions, this year’s nominations have attracted significant international interest, underscoring the award's increasing prominence across the Arab world and beyond.
In this anniversary edition, the SZBA received over 4,000 entries from 74 nations, encompassing 21 Arab countries and 53 from various other regions. This remarkable diversity marks one of the most globally inclusive editions to date. The Literature category led the way with the highest number of submissions, followed by Young Author and Children’s Literature, which consistently appeal to writers and academics each year.
Additionally, categories such as Criticism, Contribution to the Development of Nations, Translation, Arab Culture in Other Languages, and Cultural Personality of the Year saw significant engagement, each reflecting unique dimensions of creative and intellectual endeavors, thus fortifying the award’s stature as a worldwide cultural platform.
The longlist for the Translation category features nine books translated into and out of Arabic across four prominent languages: English, Italian, Spanish, and French. These titles have been translated by authors from eight countries, including the Netherlands, the UK, Iraq, and Italy. Their selection exemplifies the vibrant cultural exchange and aims to broaden the reach of Arabic literature while simultaneously introducing global narratives to Arab readers.
In the Contribution to the Cultural Development of Nations category, six books hailing from Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, and Egypt made the longlist. These works investigate pivotal themes concerning development, societal progress, and the contemporary challenges faced by nations — discussions vital for the region’s future.
The Literary and Art Criticism longlist features 10 entries from eight Arab countries: UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. These texts delve into a variety of subjects such as literary theory, philosophy, theatrical studies, and cultural critique. The range of topics reflects the rich intellectual diversity found throughout the Arab region.
Endorsed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Sheikh Zayed Book Award is one of the most prestigious cultural accolades within the Arab world. Over its history, it has fostered a global literary community by recognizing writers, translators, and thinkers, playing a crucial role in bolstering creativity and advancing cultural understanding.
By honoring these longlisted works, the SZBA reaffirms its commitment to fostering cultural bridges, promoting enlightenment, and advocating for peace and understanding. The 20th edition embodies the UAE’s dedication to nurturing literature, facilitating cultural dialogue, and inspiring innovative ideas for the generations to come.
A 9th-grade student in Tripura faces detention after alleged assault on a six-year-old neighbor in K
Toshifumi Suzuki, the founder of 7-Eleven Japan and a pioneer in convenience retail, has died at the
A nine-story construction project collapsed in Angeles City, leaving 21 individuals unaccounted for
Bahrain's court has sentenced nine individuals to life, citing connections to Iran's IRGC, raising f
