Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has concluded the submissions phase for the fourth edition of its prestigious Kanz Al Jeel award, aimed at honoring exceptional works in Nabati poetry, folklore research, and studies that explore the heritage of Nabati verse. The award seeks to preserve intangible cultural heritage while enhancing its presence in intellectual and creative circles.
According to Emirates News Agency, the latest edition received 830 entries from 35 countries, including 19 Arab nations, marking a 38 percent increase from the previous edition. This rise in submissions underscores the growing recognition of the Kanz Al Jeel award in the literary world. Egypt led with 293 entries, followed by Saudi Arabia with 90, Oman with 82, and both the UAE and Jordan with 64 entries each, highlighting the award's significant influence in the Arab cultural sector.
Additionally, the award's international appeal is evident as entries were received from more than 16 non-Arab countries, including first-time participants like Colombia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Germany, Serbia, Sweden, Nigeria, and Ukraine. This diverse participation fosters cultural exchange through Nabati poetry and its related art forms.
The Reading Panel Committee of the Kanz Al Jeel award, chaired by Ali Obaid Al Hameli, convened for the first time after the submission period ended. The meeting, attended by academic advisor Dr. Ali Al Kaabi, poet Obaid bin Qadlan Al Mazrouei, and author Mohamed Abu Zeid, focused on establishing selection and evaluation criteria to ensure transparency and adherence to quality standards.
Al Hameli noted the creative momentum and diverse voices in this year's entries, emphasizing the enduring connection Arab societies have with this art form. He further stated that the award's success reflects the UAE's commitment to cultural preservation and support for emerging talent by bridging tradition and modernity.
The Poetry Matching category received the highest number of entries for the second consecutive year, with 465 submissions, making up over 56 percent of the total. The Arts category followed with 281 entries, Poetic Publications with 26, Translation with 11, and Studies and Research with 10 submissions. The Creative Personality category saw significant growth with 37 nominations, up from 10 in the previous edition.
There was notable participation from women, with 263 entries compared to 131 in the previous cycle, indicating their growing involvement in the Nabati poetry scene. Submissions from leading publishing houses and cultural institutions further strengthened the award's partnerships with academic and community establishments.
The evaluation process for shortlisted entries will commence soon, with expert panels dedicated to each category. Inspired by a poem by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Kanz Al Jeel Award remains dedicated to celebrating Nabati creativity and preserving poetic heritage for future generations.
