Abu Dhabi, 16 March 2011 (WAM) - Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Presidential Affairs H.H. sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan today honoured winners of the 5th cycle of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in a ceremony held at the Emirates Palace Hotel.

Present were Minister of Higher education & Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and heritage Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Affairs Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Director of the Office of Presidential Affairs Minister and other officials.

Chinese orientalist Professor Chung Jikon won this year's Award of AED 1million value in appreciation of his services in educating Arab language and translation for half a century.

Other winners included Dr Abdel Raouf Sinno of Lebanon for "best contribution to the development of nations" category, Dr Mohammed Miftah of Morocco for "best book in literature". Syrian author Dr Mohammad Kibbeh for "best book in translation" and Afaf Tabbalah of Egypt for childrens literature category.

After honouring the winners, Sheikh Mansour said the Award carries a special significance as it commemorates the role played by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in serving education, culture and thought.

"The award is an expression of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's commitment to the path of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in promoting culture as one of the pillars for nation progress," he said.

Sheikh Mansour also expressed appreciation to the unlimited support given by Gen. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and his continuous efforts to enhance the role of culture in complementing other ingredients for comprehensive development.

In his opening speech, the Award's Secretary Rashid Al Iraimi, welcomed Sheikh Mansour and praised the award's pioneering role in driving the Arab cultural movement.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2011.