May 29 2008 – Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, one of the world’s most prestigious and well-funded prizes has announced the opening of nominations for the 2009 session from June 1 to October 15 2008.

Running into its third successive year, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award recognises significant contributions to Arabic culture across nine categories, rewarding those who contribute to the region’s cultural development.The award was established under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and in memory of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.

“The Sheikh Zayed Book Award winners reflect some of the most exciting and, in some cases, challenging cultural work coming out of the Arab world today,” said Rashed Aloraimi, Secretary General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. “It is our true belief that all parts of the world can benefit from the significant achievements of these winners,” he added.

Last year, a total of 512 works were evaluated from more than 1,200 nominated across the nine award categories, representing submissions from more than 30 countries.

Rashed Aloraimi announced “we are encouraging more writers, novelists and creative minds to apply to Sheikh Zayed’s prestigious award this year.” The award offers a total annual monetary award of AED 7 million ($1,906,000) and welcomes nominations from creative individuals whose work contributes to the region’s cultural development and has been published in the past two years.

For details on how to apply for next year’s award, visit "http://www.zayedaward.com" www.zayedaward.comParticipants can apply to one of the nine award categories; best contribution to the development of the country, children’s literature, the young author, translation, literature, fine arts, best technology in the field of culture, publishing and distribution and finally the cultural personality of the year.