Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, has announced the winners of the fourth Kanz Al Jeel Award. The recipients will be honoured on 24th November at Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain Region, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, coinciding with the opening of the Al Ain Book Festival 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, stated that the award celebrates creators who enrich cultural and folk poetry, preserving heritage while inspiring new artistic expression. He emphasized that the award reflects the emirate's commitment to nurturing creativity and ensuring cultural traditions continue to evolve.
In the Arts category, Egypt's Nagat Soliman was recognised for Tears Streamed From My Eyes, a layered textile composition combining collage, embroidery, and dyeing techniques. In Poetic Publications, Kuwaiti poet Hamed Zaid was praised for his 2025 collection Wa Abqa Jabal, noted for its maturity, strong voice, and skilful use of rhetorical devices.
Omani poet Ali Al Harthi won the Poetry Matching category for Sada Al Noor, noted for its complete parallel with the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's poem Li Sart Min Al Ain Saraya, maintaining authenticity while adding creative depth.
Emirati writer and researcher Ali Abualreesh Al Mansoori was awarded in the Studies and Research category for Zayed: Poetic Worlds Bound by the Horizon - A Trilogy of Love, Palm, and Desert. The study examines key themes in the poetry of the late Sheikh Zayed, focusing on humanity, ethics, and values, while drawing on critical testimonials to illuminate the artistic qualities of his verse.
Emirati poet Mohammed Rashid Al Shamsi was named Creative Personality for his distinguished career since the 1970s, with contributions spanning ghazal and other poetic forms, including works in complaint arts and Taghareed, as well as his role in reviving the traditional Emirati performance art Al Razeef.
Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, highlighted the award's global appeal, attracting participants whose works deepen engagement with Nabati poetry and its enduring values. He added that the award inspires new generations to reinterpret heritage through modern creative forms.
Ali Obaid Al Hameli, Chair of the Award's Higher Committee, mentioned that the award continues to elevate standards through rigorous evaluation that reflects the aesthetics of Nabati poetry and authentic Emirati and Arab heritage. He noted that the award unites creativity, thought, and critique, drawing inspiration from the creative legacy of Sheikh Zayed.
The Creative Personality winner receives a gold medallion, a certificate, and an AED500,000 prize. Winners in other categories receive a gold medallion, a certificate, and an AED200,000 prize. The Kanz Al Jeel Award aims to preserve Nabati poetry and folk heritage, support creators in its associated arts, and ensure the tradition is passed to future generations.