Post by : Bianca Suleiman
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), associated with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has unveiled the winners of the third Sard Al Thahab Award.
This significant award honors exceptional storytellers and scholars of literature and folk narratives from the UAE and the broader Arab world. Its goal is to nurture and elevate Emirati and Arab storytelling traditions, bolster short story narration and visual storytelling, and showcase innovative works reflecting shared cultural narratives.
Expansive International Involvement
The 2025 edition achieved a remarkable milestone, drawing participation from 37 countries, a substantial rise from 22 in the inaugural edition of 2023 — representing a 68 percent increase in under three years. Notable first-time participants included Albania, Austria, Chad, Denmark, Italy, and Japan, highlighting the award’s expanding global importance.
Cultural Vision and Leadership Perspectives
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, noted that the award exemplifies the foresighted leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is integral in preserving Emirati and Arab stories. He emphasized the award's role within a broader cultural ecosystem that promotes cultural dialogue, encourages research and documentation, and reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s status as a global cultural hub and advocate for the Arabic language.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, underscored the award’s success in attracting outstanding creative works in storytelling and folk narrative disciplines. The increasing participation underscores the rich cultural heritage the Centre strives to protect and promote through both creative and academic excellence.
Additionally, His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives and Chair of the Award’s Higher Committee, characterized Sard Al Thahab as an all-encompassing cultural initiative that extends beyond mere recognition to safeguard collective memories and link generations through heritage-inspired narrative arts.
Acknowledged Winners Across Various Categories
Short Story – Unpublished Works
The category featured four laureates:
Abdelbar Essoldi (Morocco) for Bleeding of the Spectres, acclaimed for its originality and profound philosophical reflections.
Mohammad Mansour Mohammad (Egypt) for More Than Forty Lookalikes, recognized for its surreal narrative addressing societal themes.
Sherif Saleh (Egypt) for Dual Tales, weaving Arab heritage with contemporary storytelling techniques.
Dr. Ghalya bint Eissa Al-Zubaidiyah (Oman) for The Well of Absence, a narrative rooted in Omani legends.
Short Story – Published Works
Yousef Theyab Khalifa (Kuwait) won for The Time of the Lord of Pearls (2024), depicting Gulf society’s evolution through compelling visual storytelling.
Popular Narratives
Miral Al Tahawy (Egypt) was recognized for Barqa is Far From the Messenger, merging literary storytelling with scholarship on Bedouin women’s poetry.
Narrators Category
Ali Al Kindi Al Marar (UAE) was honored for his enduring commitment to preserving Emirati heritage through literature, research, and media initiatives.
Emirati Narration Category
Two distinguished Emirati figures were acknowledged:
Jamal Bin Huwaireb, for his impactful television series Al Rawi, upholding Emirati and Gulf narratives.
Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), recognized for her critical role in advancing the UAE’s modern cultural narrative.
Ceremony Details
A ceremony will honor the winners in January 2026 at Al Dhafra Fort, in conjunction with the Al Dhafra Book Festival.
With its increasing global reach, the Sard Al Thahab Award remains pivotal in preserving Arab storytelling traditions, fostering innovative narrative practices, and enhancing the visibility of Emirati and Arab cultural heritage.
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