Prize pool of AED 1.5 million will be allocated to winners of the six categories of the prize

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has extended the application deadline for its ‘Kanz Al Jeel’ Award to 15 August 2022, to allow more poets, researchers, and translators from the UAE, the region, and the world to participate and enrich the programme with their outstanding poetic works.

The award was launched to honour Nabati poetic works, as well as folk studies and research studies into the subject. Nabati is a form of vernacular poetry that stems from the many varieties of Arabic in the Arabian Peninsula, which contrasts the poetry written according to the classical rules of literary Arabic.

Inspired by the poems of the late Sheikh Zayed, the award aims to preserve the traditional heritage of Nabati poetry for the next generation by honouring established and rising poets and academics. Scholars and poets will be awarded in six different categories: Poetic Matching, Creative Personality, Arts, Studies and Research, Poetic Publications, and Translation.

Issa Saif Al Mazrouei, the Award’s Higher Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Cultural and Heritage Programs and Festivals Management Committee, said: “The Kanz Al Jeel Awards represent a window into the world of poetry, especially Nabati poetry, which has enjoyed a distinctive standing in Emirati society since ancient times, through the award we seek to advance Nabati poetry”.

“We saw a lot of quality from participants since we opened the door for applications, we therefore decided to extend the application period to allow interested artists to highlight their outstanding work and efforts in the various award categories”. “We are confident that the first edition of the Kanz Al Jeel Awards will beacon a new start for Nabati poetry which is a deeply rooted art form in the heritage of Emirati people”.

The Studies and Research category has recorded the highest rate of participation so far at 49%, while the Poetic Matching category has registered 24%. Arts follows with 12%, and together the Translation, Poetic Publications, and Creative Personality categories have received 15% of applications.

The award’s Higher Committee announced that the entries received thus far demonstrate great talent and reflect the growing interest in the award and the various subjects it covers. The award offers a cash prize of AED 200,000 for each category, except for Creative Personality, which is worth AED 500,000.

Application for the award can be submitted through the following  link