Abu Dhabi Celebrates Winners of Kanz Al Jeel Award 2025

Abu Dhabi recently announced the winners of the fourth edition of the Kanz Al Jeel Award, marking a key celebration of Arabic poetry, art, and research. The ceremony, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, coincided with the opening of the Al Ain Book Festival 2025 at Qasr Al Muwaiji.

The award recognises creative excellence and the preservation of cultural heritage, drawing talented participants from across the Arab world. In the Arts category, Egyptian artist Nagat Soliman won for her textile artwork Tears Streamed From My Eyes, praised for its intricate embroidery, dyeing, and collage techniques that invite viewers to explore layered symbolism.

Kuwaiti poet Hamed Zaid received the award in the Poetic Publications category for his 2025 collection Wa Abqa Jabal, noted for its strong voice, mastery of rhetorical devices, and the balance between condensed and expansive poetic forms. Omani poet Ali Al Harthi was awarded in the Poetry Matching category for his poem Sada Al Noor, recognized for its seamless resonance with the late Sheikh Zayed’s work Li Sart Min Al Ain Saraya.

In Studies and Research, Emirati writer Ali Abualreesh Al Mansoori won for his book Zayed: Poetic Worlds Bound by the Horizon – A Trilogy of Love, Palm, and Desert. The work explores key themes in Sheikh Zayed’s poetry, including ethics, beauty, and peace, offering readers a deeper understanding of Nabati poetry and its cultural significance.

The Creative Personality award went to Emirati poet Mohammed Rashid Al Shamsi, celebrated for decades of contributions across multiple poetic genres and his role in reviving traditional Emirati performance arts like Al Razeef. His work has influenced generations of poets and performers throughout the Emirates.

The Kanz Al Jeel Award continues to inspire new generations by blending tradition with modern creativity. By celebrating poetry, visual arts, and cultural research, the award strengthens the connection between heritage and contemporary artistic expression, ensuring the rich legacy of Nabati poetry is carried forward.