Hazza bin Zayed honours winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award

Abu Dhabi, April 29, 2013 (WAM) - The Sheikh Zayed Book Award Ceremony, celebrated as the most important cultural event in the Arab region, took place at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre in the presence of dignitaries, prominent public figures, and members of Arab and international literary circles. The ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council who honoured the ceremony by his presence and handed the awards to the winners. The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is the richest literary competition in the world, and is an independent cultural award administered by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority with a total monetary value of seven million dirhams. Established in memory of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan who served as the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for more than 30 years, since its launch in 2007, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has succeeded in fostering greater scholarship and creativity by recognising and rewarding significant cultural achievements to Arabic culture, actively changing the Arab literary landscape. This year has seen 1262 nominations across all 9 categories, doubling over last session's record. Sheikh Hazza said the cultural events taking place in Abu Dhabi were a reflection of its pioneering role as "an oasis of knowledge and culture." Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, the winner of Cultural Personality of the Year Award, said a few words in honour of the awards and the award winners, "My deepest gratitude goes to H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this honour". - Emirates News Agency, WAM