Sheikh Zayed Book Award receives 725 nominations to date for its 12th Session

Abu Dhabi, July 27, 2017 – The Sheikh Zayed Book Award recorded a total of 725 nominations to date since the 12th cycle commenced last May. ‘Young Author’ and ‘Literature’ categories are leading with equal shares of total nominations at 29% for each, while ‘Best Contribution to the Development of Nations’, ‘Literary and Art Criticism’, and ‘Children’s Literature’ categories shared third place with 11% of total for each. The entries for the other categories varied thereafter. Nominations came from across the Arab World, led by Egypt with 31% of total received to date. Foreign countries contributed to 5% of the total, with nominations from Australia, Denmark, Sweden, United Kingdom, Austria, United States, Belgium, Poland, Russia, France, and Canada. The deadline for nominations is October 1st, 2017. Applications are available online, through the Award’s website (www.zayedaward.com). All nominated works must be published within the last two years and written in Arabic, except for works nominated for either the ‘Translation’ Award or ‘Arabic Culture in Other Languages’. The Sheikh Zayed Book Award's first installment was in 2007, intended to promote scholarship and creativity in Arab culture. It carries cash prizes totaling Dhs7 million - with Dh750, 000 per winner, in all eight categories (including the Arab Culture in Other Languages Category). The winners also receive a certificate of merit and a Gold Medal.