Prestigious Sheikh Zayed Book Award Now Accepting Submissions Until September 1st

Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Book Award Extends Global Reach as Cultural Diplomacy Takes Center Stage

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award has announced its 20th edition will accept submissions until September 1, 2025, marking two decades of the UAE's most ambitious cultural soft-power initiative. With over 33,000 nominations from 80+ countries since 2007, this literary prize has evolved into a strategic tool for positioning Abu Dhabi as a global intellectual hub while bridging cultural divides through literature and scholarship.

Strategic Expansion Beyond Arabic Literature

The award's recent expansion to accept works in multiple international languages—including English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German—signals Abu Dhabi's intent to compete directly with established Western literary prizes. This multilingual approach represents a calculated move away from purely Arabic-focused recognition toward genuine global cultural influence.

The prize covers ten comprehensive categories spanning literature, children's writing, translation, arts criticism, development studies, Arabic culture in foreign languages, cultural personality of the year, publishing technology, manuscript authentication, and young authors. This breadth reflects the UAE's understanding that cultural leadership requires engagement across multiple intellectual disciplines.

Cultural Diplomacy as Economic Strategy

Named after the UAE's founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the award serves multiple strategic purposes beyond literary recognition. By honoring 136 winners across its categories, Abu Dhabi has systematically built relationships with intellectuals, publishers, and cultural institutions worldwide—a network that complements its economic and political partnerships.

Competing with Global Cultural Centers

The initiative positions Abu Dhabi alongside established cultural capitals like London, Paris, and New York. While these cities built their literary reputations over centuries, the UAE is accelerating this process through substantial financial backing and institutional support from the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

This strategy mirrors Singapore's successful transformation into an Asian cultural hub and Qatar's investments in arts and education. However, Abu Dhabi's focus on bridging Arabic and international literature offers a unique positioning in the global cultural landscape.

Long-term Vision for Knowledge Economy

The award's sustained growth over two decades demonstrates the UAE's commitment to building what officials call a "sustainable cultural future." This aligns with the country's broader economic diversification strategy, reducing dependence on oil revenues by establishing Abu Dhabi as a destination for international conferences, cultural events, and academic collaboration.

For publishers and literary agents, the prize represents both opportunity and market signal. The UAE's willingness to invest in cultural prestige suggests a growing market for translated works and cross-cultural literary projects in the Gulf region.

Measuring Success Beyond Recognition

The award's true impact extends beyond individual winners to the broader ecosystem it has created. By encouraging translation between Arabic and other languages, it facilitates cultural exchange that benefits both regional authors seeking international audiences and foreign writers exploring Middle Eastern themes.

As geopolitical tensions often dominate headlines about the Middle East, initiatives like the Sheikh Zayed Book Award demonstrate how cultural institutions can build understanding and cooperation across traditional divides—a soft power approach that may prove more durable than purely economic or political partnerships.