The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has welcomed four new members to its Scientific Committee: Jordanian-American academic Dr. Khaled Al Masri, Saudi academic and researcher Dr. Munira Al Ghadeer, Egyptian researcher and author Dr. Reem Bassiouney, and Turkish translator and academic Dr. Mehmet Hakki Suçin.
The decision to restructure the Committee forms part of the Award’s continuous commitment to renew and refresh the ideas and opinions presented, drive sustainability, and bring in Arab and international scientific expertise.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC and Secretary-General of SZBA, said, ‘The Award aims to constantly enrich its Scientific Committee with internationally acclaimed academics and literary figures who can sustain its legacy and provide fresh perspectives and specialised expertise. We thank the former members of the Committee for their inspiring contributions that have elevated the award’s status globally, and we eagerly anticipa
te the creative and innovative ideas and initiatives from the new experts, renowned for their scholarly, intellectual, and cultural achievements.”
Dr. Khaled Al Masri, Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Swarthmore College, in Pennsylvania, USA, stated, ‘I am honoured to be a member of this distinguished committee. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with my esteemed colleagues to advance the Award’s noble mission of supporting human thought, celebrating creativity and excellence, and fostering meaningful knowledge. I will make every effort to uphold the highest standards of scientific rigor to leave a tangible impact on the intellectual scene.’
Meanwhile, Professor Munira Al Ghadeer, who serves as UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, noted, ‘I am honoured to be chosen to serve on the Scientific Committee for the 19th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. This esteemed award has a long history of recognising and rew
arding exceptional authors worldwide. I am confident that the committee will uphold the highest standards of excellence and select winners who truly embody the spirit of the award.’
Egyptian author Dr. Reem Bassiouney said, ‘I am delighted to be joining the Scientific Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award for the 2024-2025 edition. It is a highly significant award that has made remarkable contributions in supporting Arab culture and fostering writers and creative minds.’
Turkish academic and translator Mehmet Hakki Suçin expressed his happiness at joining the SZBA Scientific Committee, saying, ‘Throughout its journey, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has provided a rich and valuable experience, contributing towards intellectual development, supporting creators and researchers, and establishing an inspiring research and creative environment.’
Chaired by Dr. bin Tamim, the SZBA Scientific Committee welcomes these new members to its group of prominent Arab and international academics and authors, namely Saeed H
amdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC; Juergen Boos, President and CEO of the Frankfurt Book Fair; Dr. Nadia El Cheikh, Lebanese academic and researcher; and Jordanian-German translator Dr. Mustafa Slaiman.
