Saudi author’s book nominated for UAE award

Abdul Aziz Al-Dakheel’s book “Al Tanmiya Al Iqtisadiyya” (Economic development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) has been long-listed as one of the best contributions to the development of nations for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The award is an independent cultural recognition that the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority gives in memory of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. It is presented every year to outstanding Arab writers, intellectuals, publishers and young emerging talents whose writings and translations of humanities have scholarly and objective appeal that have enriched the cultural, literary and social life of the Arab world.
A reading panel for the award nominated Al-Dakheel’s scholarly contribution along with nine other works that were selected among a total of 1,262 books spanning categories in the fields of economics, sociology, management, politics, law and theology.
Last year, the award for the best contribution to the development of nations was withheld. Nominations did not meet the standards of the Scientific Committee that evaluates and judges the selected works. This year’s long-listed authors are from Syria, Egypt, Bahrain, Lebanon, Iraq, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Their books will undergo a stringent process before the results are announced. The shortlist will be announced in February and a special felicitation ceremony will be held early next year at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions on March 25 to announce the winner.
The award comprises of a total monetary prize value standing at 7 million UAE dirham (SR 7.15 million) for winners in different categories. The Cultural Personality of the Year will receive a prize of one million dirham (over SR 1 million).