The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), one of the most prestigious cultural accolades in the Arab world, has announced its longlists for the 2025 edition. This award, administered by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlights the vast diversity and excellence of contributions to Arab literature and culture. For years, the SZBA has not only celebrated creativity but also emphasized cultural bridges between Arab intellectual thought and the global literary landscape. The 2025 edition continues this tradition, with its longlists featuring works from across the Arab-speaking world and beyond.
Among the standout aspects of this year’s announcement is the notable presence of African authors and intellectuals. The Young Author category features Mali’s Azouber Abdallah Abdoulkader Alansary, whose study of classical Arabic narrative styles underscores the depth of African scholarship in the Arab cultural tradition. Additionally, Morocco and Egypt are well-represented with works exploring philosophical discourse and contemporary fiction, highlighting Africa’s intellectual synergy with Arab literary heritage. In the Children’s Literature category, African authors again shine, with entries such as Rahima Belfar’s Scraps from Algeria and Eiwan Zoheir’s Princess of the Nile from Egypt, both of which exemplify storytelling that nurtures young readers’ connection to cultural roots.
The award spans ten categories, celebrating achievements in literature, children’s literature, young authors, editing of Arabic manuscripts, and contributions to cultural development, among others. The Literary and Art Criticism category includes critical works such as Dr. Hamid Lahmidani’s analysis of literary power dynamics, which demonstrates the enduring relevance of Arab-African intellectual collaboration. Meanwhile, in the Editing of Arabic Manuscripts category, entries from Tunisia underscore the painstaking effort to preserve Arab history and intellectual traditions. These contributions highlight the indispensable role African scholars play in enriching Arab cultural thought and fostering dialogue across continents.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, established in honor of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is recognized not only for its generous prizes but also for its commitment to amplifying voices across the Arab cultural sphere. By receiving over 4,000 submissions from 75 countries this year, the award has cemented its reputation as a global platform for celebrating Arab literature. Its rigorous judging process ensures that only the most innovative and meaningful contributions are recognized, lending credibility and prestige to its honorees.
As the longlisted entries proceed through various stages of evaluation, culminating in the announcement of winners in April 2025, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award remains a vital force in celebrating cultural innovation. It not only honors achievements within the Arab world but also fosters a rich, ongoing dialogue between Arab culture and global intellectual traditions. This year’s African contributions further illustrate the interconnectedness of these traditions, offering a reminder of the vibrant exchange that continues to shape Arab literature and culture on the world stage.
For more information on the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and its longlists, visit the official SZBA website.
