The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has announced the formation of the Higher Committee for the fourth edition of the Kanz Al Jeel Award, bringing together a select group of esteemed intellectual and cultural figures.

The committee is chaired by Emirati writer and media professional Ali Obaid Al Hameli and includes Iraqi media figure and novelist Dr Shakir Noori, Emirati academic Dr Hamda Al Hammadi, Kuwaiti researcher Dr Abdullah Maneh Ghliss, and Emirati poet Obaid bin Qadlan Al Mazrouei.

"We appreciate the efforts made by the previous Higher Committee to cement the Kanz Al Jeel Award’s position and expand its presence", Al Hameli said. "Our plan is to continue developing this distinguished initiative and upholding the values upon which it was founded.  These values were inspired by the timeless poetry of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, embodying his wisdom and forward-looking vision that is centred on community, language, and heritage, and serves as a source of inspiration for new generations".

"We have full confidence in the new members’ commitment to elevating the Award, driving a notable shift in creativity and excellence, and further strengthening its role, reputation, and credibility within cultural circles", he continued. "With these objectives in mind, we will work to improve working processes, expand partnerships, and encourage critical studies and research across various fields of Nabati poetry. This is in line with the cultural stature of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its leading role in fostering creativity in the Arabic language, preserving poetic heritage, and promoting an understanding and appreciation of our rich civilisational legacy".

The Higher Committee is tasked with the overall planning and supervision of the Award, guiding its trajectory, and ensuring the continuity of its deep cultural and intellectual impact. The committee will also work to broaden the Award's reach while upholding the highest standards of excellence and transparency. Its duties also include approving judging panels, reviewing nominations, and developing a strategic vision that reflects the Award’s stature and future aspirations.

The Kanz Al Jeel Award will continue accepting applications for participation across its six categories until 15 June 2025. Categories include Poetry Matching, which recognises the poem that most closely parallels a selected work by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; Creative Personality, granted to an individual or institution for outstanding and impactful contributions to Nabati poetry and studies, as well as to music, singing, painting, or Arabic calligraphy; and the Arts category, which recognises an artwork that uses visual or technical tools; such as calligraphy or fine arts, to embody and present Sheikh Zayed’s poetry and Nabati poetry more broadly.

The Studies and Research category is awarded to published scholarly works on Nabati poetry that address its styles, content, and lexicon using a scientific approach and serious research methodology; meanwhile, the Poetic Publications category is dedicated to honouring a Nabati poetry collection that is authentic in both form and content. Finally, the Translation category focuses on outstanding translations of Sheikh Zayed’s poems into other languages or on works that significantly contribute to translating Arabic poetry into global languages.

The Kanz Al Jeel Award embodies the ALC’s vision to position Nabati poetry as a key component of Emirati cultural identity. The announcement of the formation of the Higher Committee is part of the efforts to advance the Award’s status as a leading literary platform dedicated to Nabati poetry, folk studies, and historical research. This is in line with the UAE government’s strategic direction and the objectives of the "Year of Community" initiative, particularly in terms of preserving heritage and building on it to create a better present and future.

Launched in 2021, the Award aims to support Nabati poetry and honour creative poets, researchers, critics, and artists, all within a pioneering cultural and intellectual ecosystem that enriches their experiences and supports their contributions towards advancing the Arabic language, strengthening national identity, and preserving and passing down Nabati poetry to younger generations.

The third edition of the Award in 2024 drew over 600 applicants from 24 countries, including 19 Arab nations, marking a 128% increase compared to the second edition.