Zayed book award names Casa Árabe cultural personality

ABU DHABI: Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has named Casa Árabe in Spain as winner of the Cultural Personality of the Year category for its 18th edition. The award acknowledges and honours Casa Árabe’s achievements in bridging the cultures of the Arab and Spanish people and advancing Arabic language and culture throughout Europe and Latin America.

The award’s Board of Trustees and Scientific Commitee decision to name Casa Árabe as this year’s Cultural Personality of the Year was unanimous, recognising the institution’s success in fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Throughout its existence, Casa Árabe has welcomed numerous Arab writers, artists and thinkers to engage with Spanish Arabists, all in pursuit of cultivating an environment grounded in principles of tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Culture - Abu Dhabi, said: “The Sheikh Zayed Book Award plays an important role in promoting cross-cultural exchange and understanding worldwide. This is a mission shared by this year’s Cultural Personality of the Year, Casa Árabe, an organisation which has worked to bridge the distances between cultures and peoples as well as create a vibrant hub for literature, culture and thought, allowing for greater mutual knowledge between Spain and the Arab world.”

Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC and Secretary-general of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, said: “The Sheikh Zayed Book Award aims to recognise leading international practices in the cultural and creative fields and promote common values and tolerance among peoples. I extend my congratulations to Casa Árabe for the much-deserved honour of being unanimously chosen as Cultural Personality of the Year, given their outstanding contributions to enhancing the global cultural landscape.

“Casa Árabe plays an integral role in Spainarab cultural relations through its social, cultural, educational, and economic activities, raising greater awareness of the cultural diversity of the Arab world through its initiatives, projects, and programmes.

“Initially opening 16 years ago as a centre for the Arabic language instruction, it has since grown to become a national reference for teaching Arabic, the main pillar of its activities to introduce Arab heritage, the legacy of Andalusian culture, and its influence on civilisation to new audiences.”