The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre said in a statement distributed via the Emirates News Agency that the newly formed Higher Committee will establish the award’s strategic direction while maintaining standards of fair governance and transparent evaluation. This development for the fourth edition follows the opening of nominations earlier in 2026 and builds upon prior cycles that expanded the award’s reach. The ALC has reported that the Sard Al Thahab Award, launched in December 2022, continues to attract growing numbers of participants from across the Arab world and beyond.
According to ALC figures, the second edition recorded a 23 percent increase in submissions compared with the first while a subsequent cycle marked 68 percent growth in international participation. The Higher Committee will oversee six categories that include short stories for unpublished and published works, popular narratives, narrators, illustrated stories and Emirati narration focused on UAE history, geography and symbols. These categories support both traditional folk tales and contemporary narrative forms as part of the centre’s efforts to preserve intangible heritage.
The ALC stated that the Sard Al Thahab Award draws inspiration from the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and positions storytelling as a core element of cultural identity. The award further aims to document collective memory, empower creators and enrich the Arab narrative movement through studies and visual productions related to cultural heritage. Such initiatives align with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for the creative sector as outlined in multiple centre announcements.
A statement from the ALC noted that the committee brings together experts in literature, heritage, criticism and visual storytelling to evaluate entries and discover new talents. The body will define nomination mechanisms, selection criteria and internal processes ahead of the winner announcement scheduled for later in the year. Previous committees have operated under similar frameworks to ensure the award’s credibility across all categories.
The centre has indicated that the fourth edition will accept entries from storytellers worldwide with deadlines extending through the spring period. ALC data places emphasis on how the award highlights values, customs and traditions while opening horizons for emerging voices in narrative arts. This focus has contributed to sustained interest since the program’s inception four years ago.
Participation trends tracked by the ALC show consistent expansion in both regional and global submissions with each successive edition of the Sard Al Thahab Award. The Higher Committee formation represents a standard preparatory step that precedes full nomination reviews and judging phases. Organisers expect the 2026 cycle to maintain this upward trajectory based on patterns observed in earlier years.
