emirates7 - The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has officially concluded the submission phase for the fourth edition of the Kanz Al Jeel Award, which recognises excellence in Nabati poetry, folklore studies, and scholarly work that explores the traditions and cultural values embedded in this poetic form.
The award is part of the Centre’s broader mission to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and promote its relevance within intellectual and artistic domains.
This year’s edition attracted a record-breaking 830 submissions across six categories, representing 35 countries—including 19 Arab nations. This reflects a 38% increase compared to the third edition’s 601 entries, underscoring the award’s rising status in the literary world.
Egypt led the participating countries with 293 submissions, followed by Saudi Arabia (90), Oman (82), and both the UAE and Jordan with 64 entries each. These numbers highlight the award’s deep-rooted influence across the Arab region, especially in the Gulf.
The fourth edition also saw participation from over 16 non-Arab countries, with newcomers such as Colombia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Germany, Serbia, Sweden, Nigeria, and Ukraine. This international representation signals the award’s expanding global reach and its role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue through Nabati poetry and its associated traditions.
Following the close of submissions, the Reading Panel Committee held its first meeting, chaired by esteemed writer and columnist Ali Obaid Al Hameli, who also heads the award’s Higher Committee. Attendees included academic advisor Dr. Ali Al Kaabi, poet Obaid bin Qadlan Al Mazrouei, and writer-researcher Mohamed Abu Zeid. The meeting focused on setting the selection and evaluation guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and adherence to high literary and artistic standards.
Al Hameli expressed that the wide range of voices and creative energy this year reflects the enduring emotional and intellectual connection Arab communities have with Nabati poetry. He emphasized that this poetic tradition continues to serve as a vibrant expression of cultural identity—transcending language and resonating with the collective consciousness.
He also noted that the award’s continued growth reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to protecting cultural heritage, fostering poetic creativity, and supporting new talents by offering a platform that merges tradition with innovation.
For the second consecutive year, the Poetry Matching category received the most submissions—465 entries, making up more than 56% of the total. It was followed by the Arts category (281 entries), Poetic Publications (26), Translation (11), and Studies & Research (10). The Creative Personality category also saw notable growth, with 37 nominations compared to 10 in the previous round.
Female participation doubled this year, with 263 submissions from women compared to 131 in the previous cycle—demonstrating their growing presence in the Nabati poetry field.
Additionally, leading publishers and cultural organisations took part, strengthening the award’s ties with academic and community institutions dedicated to this art form.
The evaluation phase for shortlisted entries is set to commence soon, with expert judging panels assigned to each of the six award categories.
Inspired by a poem by the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Kanz Al Jeel Award continues to serve as a prominent platform for celebrating Nabati poetry. It aims to preserve the Emirati and Arab poetic heritage, highlight its aesthetic and humanistic values, and connect younger generations with this rich cultural tradition.
The award is part of the Centre’s broader mission to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and promote its relevance within intellectual and artistic domains.
This year’s edition attracted a record-breaking 830 submissions across six categories, representing 35 countries—including 19 Arab nations. This reflects a 38% increase compared to the third edition’s 601 entries, underscoring the award’s rising status in the literary world.
Egypt led the participating countries with 293 submissions, followed by Saudi Arabia (90), Oman (82), and both the UAE and Jordan with 64 entries each. These numbers highlight the award’s deep-rooted influence across the Arab region, especially in the Gulf.
The fourth edition also saw participation from over 16 non-Arab countries, with newcomers such as Colombia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Germany, Serbia, Sweden, Nigeria, and Ukraine. This international representation signals the award’s expanding global reach and its role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue through Nabati poetry and its associated traditions.
Following the close of submissions, the Reading Panel Committee held its first meeting, chaired by esteemed writer and columnist Ali Obaid Al Hameli, who also heads the award’s Higher Committee. Attendees included academic advisor Dr. Ali Al Kaabi, poet Obaid bin Qadlan Al Mazrouei, and writer-researcher Mohamed Abu Zeid. The meeting focused on setting the selection and evaluation guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and adherence to high literary and artistic standards.
Al Hameli expressed that the wide range of voices and creative energy this year reflects the enduring emotional and intellectual connection Arab communities have with Nabati poetry. He emphasized that this poetic tradition continues to serve as a vibrant expression of cultural identity—transcending language and resonating with the collective consciousness.
He also noted that the award’s continued growth reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to protecting cultural heritage, fostering poetic creativity, and supporting new talents by offering a platform that merges tradition with innovation.
For the second consecutive year, the Poetry Matching category received the most submissions—465 entries, making up more than 56% of the total. It was followed by the Arts category (281 entries), Poetic Publications (26), Translation (11), and Studies & Research (10). The Creative Personality category also saw notable growth, with 37 nominations compared to 10 in the previous round.
Female participation doubled this year, with 263 submissions from women compared to 131 in the previous cycle—demonstrating their growing presence in the Nabati poetry field.
Additionally, leading publishers and cultural organisations took part, strengthening the award’s ties with academic and community institutions dedicated to this art form.
The evaluation phase for shortlisted entries is set to commence soon, with expert judging panels assigned to each of the six award categories.
Inspired by a poem by the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Kanz Al Jeel Award continues to serve as a prominent platform for celebrating Nabati poetry. It aims to preserve the Emirati and Arab poetic heritage, highlight its aesthetic and humanistic values, and connect younger generations with this rich cultural tradition.