Latest news with #AlibinTamim
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
ALC opens nominations for 20th Sheikh Zayed Book Award until September 1
11 June 2025 14:29 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has opened nominations for its 20th edition, accepting applications from June 11 until September 1, 2025. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the award's establishment, this special edition reflects its pioneering journey in enriching the cultural and literary landscapes, and strengthens its presence as an international platform supporting intellectual and creative excellence, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for inter-civilisational dialogue and cultural as one of the most prestigious literary awards in the Arab world, the SZBA accepts submissions across 10 categories: Literature, Translation, Contribution to the Development of Nations, Arab Culture in Other Languages, Children's Literature, Editing of Arabic Manuscripts, Literary and Art Criticism, Young Author, Cultural Personality of the Year, and Publishing and announcement follows the conclusion of the award's 19th edition, which received more than 4,000 nominations from 75 countries, including 20 Arab nations. Several countries were participating in the award for the first time, including Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mali, which highlights the award's growing prominence on the regional and international cultural Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'As the Sheikh Zayed Book Award enters its 20th edition, we celebrate its remarkable journey and enduring impact on the global cultural and literary landscape. Its mission is more relevant than ever, to foster dialogue and knowledge, advance the Arabic language, and champion the exchange of ideas across boundaries. As we look to the future, the award remains a powerful force for shaping minds, enriching lives, and inspiring future generations. In the years to come, the award will continue to reflect the values that lie at the heart of our emirate's vision.'Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC and Secretary-General of the SZBA, said: 'The 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award marks a significant milestone following two decades of uninterrupted cultural work and achievements that have left their mark on the Arab and international literary and intellectual scenes." Bin Tamim added, "Under the patronage of our wise leadership, the award has established itself as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange, cementing the power of the written word to shape human civilisation and the future. Today, as we launch this new edition of the award, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting creative minds, preserving the Arabic language, and promoting culture as a cornerstone of comprehensive development."'We are proud of the tangible impact the award has made on the cultural landscape in its 19 years, during which we received over 30,000 nominations from more than 80 countries and honoured 136 winners across its various categories. These figures are not mere statistics, but a living testament to the growing confidence the award inspires among literary and intellectual circles. They assert the leadership role it plays in advancing authorship, translation, and critical studies, underlining its contributions towards promoting cultural dialogue, in line with the UAE's vision and mission to support human development.'Nomination conditions for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award stipulate that each candidate may nominate one work to one category, and the work must not have been nominated for any other prize in the same year, either directly or through a representative. Submitted works should also carry a valid International Standard Book Number (ISBN) to ensure the author's intellectual property rights are award will not be granted to any work that has previously won a major Arab or international prize, however, resubmission is allowed, provided the stipulated time gap has been met and new copies of the work are also allow authors to self-nominate or be nominated by publishers who may apply only for works they have issued, on the condition that the publisher receives written consent from the author. Nominated books need to have been published within the last two years at most, and should not have won any major international submitted works should be written in Arabic, except those submitted under the Editing of Arabic Manuscripts category, which can be in other languages, as well as the Translation category (whether translated into or from Arabic) and the Arab Culture in Other Languages category, where works published in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian are the Cultural Personality of the Year award, candidates must be nominated by academic, research, or cultural institutions; literary bodies and universities; or by three prominent intellectual and/or cultural figures. Nominees for all other categories must personally fill out the nomination forms on the SZBA official its initial launch in 2006, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has served as a prominent international platform for creativity, promoting Arab publishing, and fostering inter-civilisational dialogue, drawing inspiration from the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The award continues its mission to empower creative minds, fuel intellectual production, and elevate the global standing of the Arabic language, all in line with a strategic vision that reinforces Abu Dhabi's role as a global hub for cultural dialogue, coexistence, and tolerance. To submit a nomination to the 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, or for more information about the submission process and forms, visit the official SZBA website ( which offers up-to-date and comprehensive information in English and Arabic. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre highlights beauty of Arabic Language at Avignon Festival
25 Apr 2025 01:00 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) – The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) is participating in the 79th Festival d'Avignon (Avignon Festival) with a rich cultural programme that explores the aesthetics of the Arabic language and the richness of Arabic literature, poetry, and cultural and artistic heritage. The Festival will be held from July 5 to 26, 2025 in the southeastern French city of collaboration with its strategic partner, the Arab World Institute, the ALC will present an extensive cultural programme highlighting Arab art and offering French, European, and international visitors an insight into Arabic literature, poetry, and music. The Centre's participation is part of the Festival's celebration of the Arabic language as Guest of Honour – an annual tradition in which the Festival celebrates a language that contributes to the enrichment of the global cultural year, the Festival has chosen to pay homage to Arabic in recognition of its status as a language of culture, art, and creativity, highlighting its rich literary and artistic heritage, as well as its role in shaping the global cultural landscape. The Centre's agenda for the Festival includes a special evening on July 14 at the Cour du lycée Saint-Joseph to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. The event will include the release of a book compiled by the ALC tracing her career, allowing visitors to explore her cultural and artistic legacy, and her lasting influence across generations. The following day, on July 15, the Centre will host a poetry night, bringing together a distinguished panel of Arab poets, with a special focus on Emirati talent, reflecting the dynamic literary scene in the Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: "The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's participation in the Avignon Festival will open doors for French and European audiences to discover the beauty of the Arabic language and the unique features that characterise its literary, intellectual, and artistic heritage, which further enriches cultural exchanges between different cultures and peoples"."Since its inception, the Avignon Festival has gained a prestigious position for its role in transforming art into a language of intercultural dialogue. I was delighted by the Festival director's description of Arabic – this year's Guest of Honour at – as a language of light, dialogue and knowledge. It is an accurate description that truly reflects a knowledge and appreciation of Arabic language, culture, and arts, in line with our plans at the Centre's to elevate the status of the Arabic language, highlight its beauty, and increase its visibility through literature and art, firmly positioning it as a premier language for communication and connection between cultures," Bin Tamim ALC Chairman praised the Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute in Paris) – the Centre's strategic partner – for its exceptional efforts, "The Institute plays a remarkable role, rooted in a genuine appreciation of the status that Arabic enjoys as the language of a great civilisation, which ranks as the fifth most widely spoken language in the world, and the second most widely spoken in France"."The Institute is headed by a man who truly understands the value of the Arabic language and with whom we share a vision. Jack Lang is leading serious efforts to revive Arabic, which was one of France's languages for over five centuries, in public education. He is also the author of "La langue arabe - Trésor de la France" (The Arabic Language - Treasure of France), which recounts the history of Arabic and its vast contributions to human civilisation," , Bin Tamim his part, Jack Lang, President of the Arab World Institute in Paris, expressed his appreciation for the ALC and its Chairman for their role in supporting the Arabic language and its presence, ensuring its continuity and role in intercultural exchange and fostering dialogue among civilisations. "We share a common vision with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, and a belief that the Arabic language, in all its richness and beauty, is a bridge between nations and a source of creativity that continues to inspire the world. Our partnership with the Centre enriches our efforts to revive the Arabic language and restore it to its rightful place in education, media, and public life, as well as a central pillar of human civilisation," Lang said.
Web Release
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
MBRF organizes ‘Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025' in partnership with Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge (MBRF), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center (ALC), held the 'Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025' at the ALC headquarters. The event aims to nurture a reading culture, enrich literary dialogue, and foster exchanges between the MBRF's 'Knowledge Lounge' and ALC's 'Kalima Reading Club,' along with other local and Arab reading clubs. Additionally, it serves as an interactive platform to develop participants' critical and intellectual analytical skills. The forum, held in the presence of H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC; and Prof. Yasir Suleiman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), brings together reading communities both within and beyond the UAE into a unified knowledge ecosystem while providing a supportive environment for sharing ideas and visions. This is essential for creating an interactive, knowledge-based community. The forum also promotes analytical and creative discussions of contemporary works to enrich the literary landscape, while establishing sustainable communication networks that enhance collaboration and the sharing of experiences among literature enthusiasts across the Arab World. Organized annually by ALC, the seventh edition of the forum facilitated the analysis and discussion of the six novels nominated for IPAF 2025. The shortlisted novels are: 'Danishmand' by Ahmed Fal Al Din from Mauritania, 'Valley of Butterflies' by Azhar Jargis from Iraq, 'The Andalusian Christ' by Taysir Khalaf from Syria, 'The Women's Pact' by Haneen Al-Sayegh from Lebanon, 'Prayer of Anxiety' by Mohamed Samir Nada from Egypt, and 'The Texture of Light' by Nadia Al-Najjar from the UAE. As part of this, interactive discussions were held with the participation of heads and members of several local and Arab reading clubs. During the event, H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb remarked: 'The Arab Reading Clubs Forum is an integral part of MBRF's strategic vision designed to achieve our developmental and knowledge-based objectives. By forging a strategic alliance with ALC, we hope to create an inspiring reading environment, develop the analytical skills of Arab readers, and broaden the dialogue on contemporary Arabic literature, particularly the novels nominated for IPAF, due to their significant intellectual value and representation of the current literary scene.' His Excellency further stated: 'Through the 'Knowledge Lounge' initiative, which has now surpassed a decade of activities, we have strived to promote reading as a central focus of our efforts. Since its inception, we have been steadfast in our commitment to expanding our impact both within and outside the UAE by launching impactful reading clubs. Presently, the reach of the 'Knowledge Lounge' extends across the UAE, Jordan, and Australia, as well as to a wide network of Arab readers around the world. Furthermore, the lounge groups cumulatively read over 180 books each year, with more than 200 knowledge sessions held annually, making it one of the region's most prominent sustainable reading initiatives.' H.E. Bin Huwaireb concluded by noting that the initiative is not restricted to recreational or general reading. Instead, it seeks to cultivate a knowledge-based and critical approach that enriches the reader while fostering reflection, questioning, and contemplation. It also aims to transform the reader from a passive recipient to an active contributor in the creation of meaning, which is one of the key goals of 'Knowledge Lounge' and its various clubs. H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim said: 'We are delighted to partner with MBRF in organizing the 'Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025.' It is commendable that the latest edition of the forum is dedicated to discussing the shortlisted novels of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, of which we are a proud sponsor. This remarkable accolade aims to recognize promising talents in the contemporary Arabic literary landscape, enhancing their visibility and readership.' His Excellency further stated: 'The inspiring vision of the UAE's wise leadership has successfully positioned Arabic reading as a key priority in our society. Reading is now being embraced as an integral facet of day-to-day life, especially among the youth and future generations.' H.E. Bin Tamim also noted that reading clubs and literary salons have long been a part of the nation's cultural fabric, highlighting the Al Multaqa Literary Salon, launched in 1999 as a notable example. His Excellency stated that while these platforms differ in structure and management, they all contribute to the promotion of reading in a positive and effective manner. Some are led by individuals within the community, while others are managed by official and national entities. Furthermore, His Excellency praised the outstanding efforts of the Kalima Reading Club, which represented ALC in hosting this event. The club boasts an extensive legacy, especially regarding its Kalima Translation Project, which has facilitated 1,300 translations in 10 categories across 27 languages to date. H.E. Bin Tamim remarked: 'The Kalima Reading Club was established in 2018 as a community-oriented cultural initiative aimed at serving society and enhancing the use of the Arabic language. Today, the club continues to grow in membership, further expanding to include the 'Kalima School Club,' 'Kalima University Club,' 'Kalima Employees Club,' and many other reading groups.' The forum, organized into three stages, featured critical discussions that explored the artistic and intellectual aspects of the selected literary works, aligning with the forum's goals of fostering a culture of collective reading and developing literary analysis skills. It also provided a designated electronic platform for attendees to vote for the most outstanding novel based on specific reading criteria. The forum concluded with a set of recommendations emphasizing the importance of engaging readers in the literary scene by introducing a parallel track to the judging panel's evaluation, thereby providing institutional visibility to the audience's voice. The recommendations further included the announcement of reader surveys and their selections, to be featured in IPAF publications or on its official website. Additionally, the recommendations called for designing training programs aimed at enhancing critical reading among reading club members and encouraged forging partnerships between publishing houses and these clubs to broaden the dialogue on literary works. They also highlighted the promotion of a culture of documenting reading experiences to enrich Arab literary memory with diverse and accessible content. The Arabic Reading Clubs Forum represents the culmination of the distinguished knowledge partnership agreement recently signed between MBRF and ALC, aimed at coordinating efforts to promote reading and enhance knowledge-based activities in the Arab region.
Mid East Info
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
MBRF organizes ‘Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025' in partnership with Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center
To enhance the literary and intellectual movement in Arab world The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge (MBRF), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center (ALC), held the 'Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025' at the ALC headquarters. The event aims to nurture a reading culture, enrich literary dialogue, and foster exchanges between the MBRF's 'Knowledge Lounge' and ALC's 'Kalima Reading Club,' along with other local and Arab reading clubs. Additionally, it serves as an interactive platform to develop participants' critical and intellectual analytical skills. The forum, held in the presence of H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC; and Prof. Yasir Suleiman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), brings together reading communities both within and beyond the UAE into a unified knowledge ecosystem while providing a supportive environment for sharing ideas and visions. This is essential for creating an interactive, knowledge-based community. The forum also promotes analytical and creative discussions of contemporary works to enrich the literary landscape, while establishing sustainable communication networks that enhance collaboration and the sharing of experiences among literature enthusiasts across the Arab World. Organized annually by ALC, the seventh edition of the forum facilitated the analysis and discussion of the six novels nominated for IPAF 2025. The shortlisted novels are: 'Danishmand' by Ahmed Fal Al Din from Mauritania, 'Valley of Butterflies' by Azhar Jargis from Iraq, 'The Andalusian Christ' by Taysir Khalaf from Syria, 'The Women's Pact' by Haneen Al-Sayegh from Lebanon, 'Prayer of Anxiety' by Mohamed Samir Nada from Egypt, and 'The Texture of Light' by Nadia Al-Najjar from the UAE. As part of this, interactive discussions were held with the participation of heads and members of several local and Arab reading clubs. During the event, H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb remarked: 'The Arab Reading Clubs Forum is an integral part of MBRF's strategic vision designed to achieve our developmental and knowledge-based objectives. By forging a strategic alliance with ALC, we hope to create an inspiring reading environment, develop the analytical skills of Arab readers, and broaden the dialogue on contemporary Arabic literature, particularly the novels nominated for IPAF, due to their significant intellectual value and representation of the current literary scene.' His Excellency further stated: 'Through the 'Knowledge Lounge' initiative, which has now surpassed a decade of activities, we have strived to promote reading as a central focus of our efforts. Since its inception, we have been steadfast in our commitment to expanding our impact both within and outside the UAE by launching impactful reading clubs. Presently, the reach of the 'Knowledge Lounge' extends across the UAE, Jordan, and Australia, as well as to a wide network of Arab readers around the world. Furthermore, the lounge groups cumulatively read over 180 books each year, with more than 200 knowledge sessions held annually, making it one of the region's most prominent sustainable reading initiatives.' H.E. Bin Huwaireb concluded by noting that the initiative is not restricted to recreational or general reading. Instead, it seeks to cultivate a knowledge-based and critical approach that enriches the reader while fostering reflection, questioning, and contemplation. It also aims to transform the reader from a passive recipient to an active contributor in the creation of meaning, which is one of the key goals of 'Knowledge Lounge' and its various clubs. H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim said: 'We are delighted to partner with MBRF in organizing the 'Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025.' It is commendable that the latest edition of the forum is dedicated to discussing the shortlisted novels of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, of which we are a proud sponsor. This remarkable accolade aims to recognize promising talents in the contemporary Arabic literary landscape, enhancing their visibility and readership.' His Excellency further stated: 'The inspiring vision of the UAE's wise leadership has successfully positioned Arabic reading as a key priority in our society. Reading is now being embraced as an integral facet of day-to-day life, especially among the youth and future generations.' H.E. Bin Tamim also noted that reading clubs and literary salons have long been a part of the nation's cultural fabric, highlighting the Al Multaqa Literary Salon, launched in 1999 as a notable example. His Excellency stated that while these platforms differ in structure and management, they all contribute to the promotion of reading in a positive and effective manner. Some are led by individuals within the community, while others are managed by official and national entities. Furthermore, His Excellency praised the outstanding efforts of the Kalima Reading Club, which represented ALC in hosting this event. The club boasts an extensive legacy, especially regarding its Kalima Translation Project, which has facilitated 1,300 translations in 10 categories across 27 languages to date. H.E. Bin Tamim remarked: 'The Kalima Reading Club was established in 2018 as a community-oriented cultural initiative aimed at serving society and enhancing the use of the Arabic language. Today, the club continues to grow in membership, further expanding to include the 'Kalima School Club,' 'Kalima University Club,' 'Kalima Employees Club,' and many other reading groups.' The forum, organized into three stages, featured critical discussions that explored the artistic and intellectual aspects of the selected literary works, aligning with the forum's goals of fostering a culture of collective reading and developing literary analysis skills. It also provided a designated electronic platform for attendees to vote for the most outstanding novel based on specific reading criteria. The forum concluded with a set of recommendations emphasizing the importance of engaging readers in the literary scene by introducing a parallel track to the judging panel's evaluation, thereby providing institutional visibility to the audience's voice. The recommendations further included the announcement of reader surveys and their selections, to be featured in IPAF publications or on its official website. Additionally, the recommendations called for designing training programs aimed at enhancing critical reading among reading club members and encouraged forging partnerships between publishing houses and these clubs to broaden the dialogue on literary works. They also highlighted the promotion of a culture of documenting reading experiences to enrich Arab literary memory with diverse and accessible content. The Arabic Reading Clubs Forum represents the culmination of the distinguished knowledge partnership agreement recently signed between MBRF and ALC, aimed at coordinating efforts to promote reading and enhance knowledge-based activities in the Arab region.
Al Etihad
10-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre signs MoU with Dubai Media Academy
10 Apr 2025 16:48 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Media Academy to strengthen collaboration, implement joint programmes and initiatives that promote Arabic language skills, and produce meaningful, high-quality media content that meets audience the terms of the MoU, the two parties will work together to develop and implement academic programmes and research studies, enhance publishing efforts, promote the exchange of resources and knowledge, and develop advanced academic partnership also aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enrich Arabic content, launch innovative initiatives, and organise joint events that benefit both the academic and media sectors, thus contributing to the achievement of both entities' strategic Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said, 'The signing of a memorandum of understanding with Dubai Media Academy reflects our commitment at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre to advance the status of the Arabic language and promote meaningful and constructive content that plays a pivotal role in enhancing the knowledge and cultural and awareness of the Emirati community.''This cooperation underscores our joint commitment to implement programmes, launch initiatives, and deliver meaningful content in innovative ways that keep pace with the times and their needs and reach audiences all around the world,' bin Tamim added. 'Furthermore, this collaboration strengthens the role national media plays in showcasing the UAE's cultural achievements, all while supporting strategic efforts to establish a strong presence for the Arabic language, promote Arabic cultural content, and preserve authentic values and cultural identity in the community,' he Bu Samra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, said, "Our collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre represents an important milestone in our quest to enhance the presence of Arabic language and culture in the media landscape, especially in light of the transformations taking place in new media based on artificial intelligence technologies. We believe in the importance of adapting these technologies to serve our language and identity, and to create contemporary Arabic content that combines quality and innovation, keeping pace with the aspirations of new generations."The MoU between the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the Dubai Media Academy will help expand the reach of the Arabic language and Emirati culture, and raise awareness of the importance of integrating Arabic into daily life. By launching specialised research projects, the MoU aims to develop modern educational solutions that support Arabic language learning and enhance the quality of cultural content available to the public. The collaboration also allows for the organisation of events and seminars that promote cultural exchange and open wider avenues for dialogue between different segments of the community. These joint initiatives are poised to enhance cultural engagement, strengthen national identity, and position the UAE as a global cultural hub that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity.
