The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has a keen interest in philosophy, in recognition of its prestige and essential role in the advancement of civilisations.
On the occasion of World Philosophy Day, which falls on the third Thursday of November, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC and Secretary General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, said: "Philosophy is deeply rooted in the foundations of Arab civilisation. We can easily trace its influence not only in its great philosophers such as Al-Kindi, Ibn al-Nafis, Al-Farabi, Ibn al-Haytham, Ibn Rushd, and others, but also in the works of great Arab poets such as Abu al-Tayyib al-Mutanabbi and Abu al-Ala' al-Ma'arri".
He added: "Readers of Arabic poetry know the extent of the philosophical dimension and authentic wisdom in the poetry of the late Sheikh Zayed. The United Arab Emirates has shown an interest in philosophy since its inception, making it part of the educational curriculum. This effort continues with important initiatives such as the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Ethics, launched by the Mohammed bin Zayed University for Humanities, and the House of Philosophy initiative in Fujairah, which oversees important projects.
HE Bin Tamim also said: "In this context, the ALC pays great attention to philosophy, recognising its importance in supporting any cultural, intellectual and developmental movement. This is in line with the vision of Abu Dhabi, which has always hosted philosophers and thinkers to enhance cultural communication and honoured those who have made valuable intellectual contributions to humanity. The number of philosophical books published through the Kalima Translation Project has surpassed 43 books, which serve as a reference for anyone interested in the philosophical movement worldwide. In addition, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, through its various editions, has honoured a distinguished group of philosophers and those engaged in philosophy, celebrating their books that serve this vital intellectual field".
The list of winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award includes about ten philosophical books that have won the Award in the "Arabic Culture in Other Languages" branch. Among them were, Dr Frank Griffel, for his book "Building Post-Classical Philosophy in Islam", Dr Dag Nikolaus Hasse, for his academic and research interests in philosophy and its history, especially Latin philosophy, literature, Arabic philosophical sciences and their influences in Europe; as well as Dr David Wirmer, for his study on the philosophy of Ibn Bajjah.
From the Arab world, the Moroccan philosopher Dr Bensalem Himmich received the Award for his autobiography "Selfhood: Between Existence and Creation", Egyptian scholar Dr Roshdi Rashed was for "Arabic Mathematical Sciences and Their Applications in Optics", Algerian philosopher Dr Abdel Razzaq Belakrouz for "The Spirit of Values and the Freedom of Concepts: Towards Re-establishing Integration between the Value System and Social Sciences". Other winners include Dr Elisabeth Suzanne Kassab, Dr Ziad Bou Akl from Lebanon, and Tunisian scholars Dr Naji Al-Awnli and Dr Fathi Al-Maskini, the latter for his translation of German philosopher Martin Heidegger's "Being and Time".
In addition, the Scientific Committee and Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award honoured Dr Abdullah Al-Ghadami from Saudi Arabia as the "Cultural Personality of the Year" for his outstanding contributions in the field of cultural criticism and philosophical thought, including his influential work "The Outcomes of Philosophy".
The UAE has consistently celebrated World Philosophy Day since it was first proclaimed by UNESCO on 21 November 2002, in recognition of the enduring role of philosophy in advancing human thought, liberating the mind, promoting sustainable development and peace, and building resilient communities.
