Sheikh Zayed Book Award 2025: Nominations Now Open

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), run by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, has officially started accepting nominations for its 20th edition. Writers and publishers from around the world can send in their entries until 1 September 2025.

This edition marks 20 years since the award was first launched. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most respected literary awards in the Arab world. It highlights Abu Dhabi’s efforts to support culture and literature, and to become a meeting place for different cultures through ideas and books.

Categories Open for Submissions
Writers, translators, and publishers can apply in any of the following 10 categories:

• Literature
• Children’s Literature
• Young Author
• Translation
• Contribution to the Development of Nations
• Arab Culture in Other Languages
• Literary and Art Criticism
• Editing of Arabic Manuscripts
• Cultural Personality of the Year
• Publishing and Technology

Last year’s (19th) edition saw over 4,000 nominations from 75 countries, including 20 Arab nations. New countries like Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mali joined for the first time—showing the award’s growing global reach.

Words from the Leaders
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, shared his thoughts:
"As we begin the 20th edition, we reflect on how far this award has come. It continues to spread knowledge and encourage people to share ideas, helping the Arabic language grow. This award will keep inspiring future generations and make lives better through books and culture.”

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Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and Secretary-General of the SZBA, added:
“In these 20 years, the award has helped many writers and thinkers. It’s not just about books—it’s about connecting people and keeping the Arabic language alive. More than 30,000 nominations have come in from over 80 countries, and 136 winners have been honored so far. That shows the trust the world has in this award.”

Who Can Apply?
There are a few rules to follow:

You can submit only one work to one category per year.

The work must not be submitted to other awards during the same year.

All works must have a valid ISBN number (a unique code for books).

Books should be published within the last two years and must not have won major international prizes.

Authors can nominate themselves, or publishers can submit on their behalf—with the author’s written permission.

Works must be in Arabic, except in a few categories:

Translations (to or from Arabic)

Arab Culture in Other Languages (accepts English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian)

Editing of Arabic Manuscripts (can be in other languages)

For the Cultural Personality of the Year category, only organizations like universities or cultural institutions—or three well-known cultural figures—can nominate someone.

All entries must be submitted through the official website: www.zayedaward.ae. The website provides forms and details in both Arabic and English.

A Journey That Continues
Launched in 2006, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award honors the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The award continues to uplift writers, promote Arabic publishing, and bring cultures together.

This 20th edition celebrates not just books—but also people who shape ideas, support creativity, and build bridges through knowledge.