Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has announced the shortlists for the Arts, Poetic Publications, and Poetry Matching categories for the second edition of its Kanz Al Jeel Award, which honours works of Nabati poetry, folk studies, and research and promotes creativity to foster a poetic, critical, and artistic movement.

The shortlists include 15 works from Morocco, Algeria, Jordan, the UK, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

The shortlist for the Arts category includes five paintings: ‘Dunya Mahla Watraha’ (Life Is Beautiful) by artist Mohammed Tifardine from Morocco; ‘Al-Aseel’(The Original) by Khalled Sebaa from Algeria; ‘Feeha Zahat Al Anwar’ (The Lights Shone There) by Muntasir Fathi from Jordan; ‘Kul Yawm bi Takbur Ghalatak wa-Alqak Dawm bi Aayni Tzein’ (Every Day Your Love Grows Bigger, and your Sight Graces my Eyes) by Mohammed Shalabi from Jordan; and ‘Khaimah min Hatbatayn wa-Qumash, Rabbat Ajyal bil-Thahab Tinqas’ (A Tent Made of Two Sticks and Cloth, Raised Generations of Gold) by Anas Sawalem from the UK.

Meanwhile, five works were shortlisted for the Poetic Publications category: ‘Watani’ (My Homeland), a collection of poems by Ali AlKhawar from the UAE, published by Medad Publishing in 2022; ‘Nabad’ (Pulse), a collection by poet Mohamed Al Marzouqi from the UAE, published by Kalamon Publishing in 2023; ‘W Hal Ta’alam’ (And Did You Know), a collection by poet Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallem from the UAE, published by Kalamon Publishing in 2020; ‘Sutoo al Qamarah’ (The Radiance of the Moon), a collection by poet Salama Al Ahababi from the UAE, known as “Qamarah”, published by the Sharjah Department of Culture in 2018; and ‘Ishq Yatajaddad’ (A Love Renewed), a collection by Dr. Abdalla Belhaif Alnuaimi from the UAE, published by Dar Molhimon Publishing and Distribution in 2022.

As for the Poetry Matching category, the shortlist features: ‘Dunya Mahla Watarha’ (Life Is Beautiful) by poet Obaid Alkaabi from the UAE; ‘Fitnat Aasirha’ (The Temptation of Her Time) by poet Fahad Al Thafiri from Kuwait; ‘Jannah’ (Paradise) by Majedah Jarah from Jordan; ‘Qudwah Al-Shu’ar’ (Muse of the Poets) by renowned Saudi poet Ali Asiri (Ali Al-Sabban); and ‘Bouh Al-Abrar’ by Abdullah Alanazi from Saudi Arabia.

The Kanz Al Jeel Award has decided to withhold the Award from the “Translation” category for this edition. The Award’s second edition has seen a remarkable turnout, receiving a diverse set of 264 submissions across its six categories, from 27 countries (17 Arab countries and 10 others). This marks a 13% increase compared to the first edition, which received 234 submissions. The 2023 edition has also seen submissions from new countries around the world, including China, Comoros, the Philippines, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and others.

About Kanz Al Jeel award

Kanz Al Jeel is an award launched by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in 2022, with a set of objectives inspired by the poetry of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The award aims to promote poetry – particularly, Nabati poetry – and highlight its role as a mirror of society. The award consists of six categories: Poetry Matching, Arts, Studies and Research, Poetic Publications, Translation, and Creative Personality. The total prize pool for the Kanz Al Jeel award is AED1.5 million, with AED500,000 awarded to the winner of the Creative Personality category and AED200,000 to winners in each of the other categories.

About Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, established following a directive from the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, works to support Arabic language development and modernisation through comprehensive strategies and frameworks, enrich the scientific, educational, cultural and creative contributions of the Arabic language, promote Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding, and support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, arts, content creation and organisation of book fairs. The Centre works to realise its foundational vision through dedicated programmes, human expertise, and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture, tourism and creative sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.