Abu Dhabi, February 19, 2017:  As part of its annual practice, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced today its shortlisted candidates in two of its categories; “Literature” and “Children’s Literature”. The announcement follows the conclusion of a series of meetings held by the Scientific Committee in Abu Dhabi to assess reports submitted by the judges’ panel per category and the evaluation of nominated works.

The selected works in literature included three narrative works, namely ‘Alwah’ (Tablets) by Lebanese author Rashid Al-Daif, (2016); ‘Khareef al Bara’a’ (The Autumn of Innocence) by Lebanese author Abbas Beydoun (2016); and ‘Fi Fami Lu’lu’a’ (A Pearl in My Mouth) by Emirati author Maisoon Saqer (2016).
As for titles under “Children’s Literature”, included: ‘Al Manzel al Azraq’ (the Blue House) by Egyptian author Samah Ezzat (Dar al Banan – Lebanon 2016); ‘Bila qubba’a’ (Hatless) by Lateefa Buti from Kuwait (Seedan Media – Kuwait 2015); and ‘Al Zi’ba Um Kaseb’ (Umm Kaseb, the She-Wolf) by Syrian Lina Al Hasan (Hakaya- Lebanon 2016).

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award had announced its long-listed titles in earlier press releases. The rest of short-lists are scheduled for announcement over the coming weeks, paving the way to announcing the winners and the Award’s Grand Ceremony, celebrating the winning achievements in April.