Step 1: Applicants are requested to read and abide by the general terms of the award nomination.

Step 2: If applicable, choose which category they want to apply to, and then fill in the application form found under that same award category “Award Categories” tab. However, the “Cultural personality of the year” Category nominations should be filled out and sent by one of the following groups:
• Three prominent figures in the cultural world
• Academic institutions
• Literary or research entities

Step 3: Once completed and signed, the application forms should be submitted to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Offices along with the:
• Candidate's Resume.
• Passport copy.
• Personal photo.
• Five copies of the nominated work.

Note: Application forms can be downloaded or collected from the Administrative Offices of the Award

1. The nominated work should have contributed to the development of Arabic culture.
2. The nominated work shouldn’t be previously awarded by an international/ prominent Prize.
3. The work must be published in a book format. Works, nominated for the Award of the Best Technology in Culture, can be in digital format.
4. The work should have been published for no more than two years.
5. The work must be written in Arabic, except for works nominated for the Translation Award. They could be translated either from or to Arabic.
6. The work should maintain high standards of authenticity and creativity
7. Nomination is not accepted for more than one work.
8. Re-nomination for the same work is accepted if time condition is still valid. However, a new application form should be filled out and new copies of the work submitted. 
9. The work must abide by the terms listed in the application form.