ABU DHABI, 31st August, 2015 (WAM) -- The Sheikh Zayed Book Award yesterday concluded its first reading panel meetings in Abu Dhabi, the first step towards reviewing and selecting eligible nominations for its tenth edition.
The committee members included Dr. Khalil Al-Shaikh, Member of the Scientific Committee from Jordan, Dr. Ali Al-Kaabi, Professor at UAE University, and Bahraini critic, Dr. Dheyaa Al Kaabi. The reading panel was headed by Dr. Ali bin Tamim, the Award's Secretary-General. Commenting on the selection criteria, bin Tamim said, "The first round selection was identified through rigorous and objective principles to evaluate the merits of the nominated work to be sent next to nine judging panels for a second review and evaluation, a process which takes up to 4 months. The judges submit their views to the Scientific Committee for a third round of evaluations to decide on the final selection of the best nominations in all categories, to be finally introduced to the Board of Trustees for announcement."He also added that the award is still accepting nominations until September 30th, 2015, through the Award's website. Dr. Dheyaa Al Kaabi, who is serving for the first time on the panel, said, "I am happy to be serving on Sheikh Zayed Book Award's committee. The award's influence has proven year upon year to be enriching the cultural scene in the region." The award, which carries the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was established in 2006 to foster greater scholarship and creativity by recognising and rewarding innovators and thinkers in areas of knowledge, arts and humanities.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2015.
