The Sheikh Zayed Book Award commemorates the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and his pioneering role in promoting national unity and development. The Award, and its associated accolades, are presented annually to outstanding writers, intellectuals,
and publishers, as well as young talent whose writing and translation in humanities objectively enriches Arab intellectual, cultural, literary and social life.

The award provides new opportunities for Arabic-language writers as well as authors writing about Arab culture. In addition to honouring writers and their publishers, the award addresses the important role that translators play in helping bridge the cultural and literary gap between Arab and non-Arab readers and authors.

The award categories include: Contribution to the Development of Nations, Children’s Literature, Young Author, Translation, Literature, Literary and Art Criticism, Arabic Culture in Other Languages, Publishing and Technology, and Cultural Personality of the Year (individual and organisation). Each award category has its own judging panel that is comprised of three to five distinguished regional and international literary figures.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, is an independent cultural initiative administered by Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.

Translation Funding Available

The aim of SZBA’s translation fund is to contribute to increasing the number of Arabic books that are translated, published and distributed abroad. Funding is available for translation of all literature and children’s titles that have won the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, as well as shortlisted literature and children’s titles starting in 2021.

Learn more on https://www.zayedaward.ae/en/translation.grant.aspx or in our Rights Guide, or send an email to info@zayedaward.ae for eligibility and application information.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award does not retain the rights of any titles listed here. For more information on rights available, please send an enquiry via the individual book page or browse through the current Sheikh Zayed Book Award Rights Guide.