The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre
(ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, has announced
the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Scientific
Committee for the 17th edition. Chaired by
H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Secretary-General
of the Award and Chairman of the ALC, the Committee includes: Saeed
Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Acting Executive Director of the ALC; critic, translator,
and Professor of Arabic Language and Literature at Jordan’s Yarmouk University,
Dr. Khalil Al Sheikh; Juergen Boos, President and CEO of the Frankfurt Book
Fair; French Professor and Researcher Floréal Sanagustin; Lebanese academic and researcher Dr. Nadia El
Cheikh; Egyptian literary critic and professor Dr. Amany Fouad Gadallah; Saudi Arabian
writer and novelist Dr. Badria Al Bishr and Jordanian-German
Translator Dr. Mustafa Al-Slaiman.
Each year the Scientific
Committee appoints a group of distinguished regional and international literary
figures as judges, who serve on nine separate judging committees. The
Scientific Committee then reviews and approves the judges’ selections before
submitting them to the Board of Trustees, to be officially endorsed and to
select the winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Secretary-General
of the Award and Chairman of the ALC, welcomed the new members and applauded
the distinguished roles the previous members played, which helped strengthen
the Arab cultural movement, and paved the way for many notable achievements.”
“Appointing such renowned and celebrated
figures who have had a remarkable impact on the cultural scene to join the SZBA
Scientific Committee reflects our commitment to promoting the Award and
advancing its status,” H.E. bin Tamim said. “We look forward to the valuable
scientific knowledge and experience the new members will bring and we are
confident that they will continue along the same path as their predecessors,
who made significant contributions to enrich and develop the Award, which has
come to enjoy a commendable presence in the Arab region and around the world.”
For his part, Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji
said: “Being part of this prestigious committee is an honour that I cherish.
Over the past 16 years, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has offered a rich and
important experience that has helped elevate the book industry, supported
researchers and creative thinkers, and established a unique and inspiring environment
for research and innovation.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Amany Fouad Gadallah, a Professor
of Literary Criticism in the Higher Institute of Artistic Criticism at Cairo’s
Academy of Arts, said: “I am pleased to have been chosen among the members of
the Scientific Committee of the 17th Sheikh Zayed Book Award, and I
am confident that the Committee will do everything in its power to evolve
intellectual, literary, and cultural output.”
On a similar note, researcher Dr. Nadia El
Cheikh, the Vice Provost for Cultural and Research Engagement at NYU Abu Dhabi,
said: “I am happy to be joining the Scientific Committee of the Sheikh Zayed
Book Award in its 17th edition. This pivotal award has made
remarkable contributions towards serving Arab culture, in addition to
supporting intellectuals and creators.”
For her part, novelist Dr. Badria Bishr
from Saudi Arabia, said: “I am honoured and delighted to be a member of the
Scientific Committee for an international literary prize as respected as the
Sheikh Zayed Book Award, which strives to advance human intellect and celebrate
creativity, excellence, and innovation. Joining the Committee is both an honour
and a great responsibility.”
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award will continue
to accept nominations for its 17th edition until 1 October 2022.
Applications can be submitted through its website or via email.