More than 526 writers from all over the world have submitted their work for the ninth edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
The award was established in 2007 to promote scholarship and creativity in Arab culture. Beginning in May, organisers have been accepting nominations for the 2014-2015 session; applications will be accepted until September 1.
158 submissions are from Egypt, followed by Morocco with 56 entries and Iraq with 48 nominations. Thirty nominations were received from the UAE.
The Award has also attracted nominations from France, Australia, Germany, Spain and Japan for the category Arabic Culture in Other Languages.
The category honours all written works about Arab civilisation, culture, humanities, fine arts and literature throughout its historical eras in languages other than Arabic.
Applications can be downloaded from zayedaward.ae. Winning entires will receive cash prizes worth Dh7 million, with Dh750,000 for each category winner. They will also receive a certificate of merit and a gold medal.
aahmed@thenational.ae
