Sheikh Zayed Book Award Launches Rich Cultural Programme in Japan to Strengthen Knowledge Exchange
Date September, 19 2024
Location Japan
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), launched a rich cultural programme of activities, meetings, and panel discussions in Japan, as part of the wider international programme to promote the award. The events were designed to enhance cultural and literary exchange with partners in Japan, promote Arabic literature, and support research and studies on Arab culture in other languages.
The cultural programme featured prominent Japanese authors and cultural figures, alongside a series of visits. Notably, participants had the opportunity to view the Arabic manuscripts of the Daiber Collection at the University of Tokyo, visit the National Diet Library in Tokyo, and tour Keio University. Additionally, meetings were held with the Japan P.E.N. Club, the Japan Book Publishers’ Association, the Japan Association for Middle East Studies, and the Japan Foundation. These discussions aimed to explore avenues for enhancing cultural exchange and collaboration.
Speakers
HE Dr Ali bin Tamim
Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
HE Dr Ali bin Tamim is Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) at the Department of Culture and Tourism, as well as Secretary General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Markaz, Majallat al-Dirasat al-Arabiyya, and the leading online news portal 24.ae.
Bin Tamim has held a variety of positions in the UAE's cultural and heritage sectors. He was the chairperson of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and a member of the National Archives' board of directors (2015 - 2018). Bin Tamim also oversaw the "Kalima" Translation Project and was General Manager of Abu Dhabi Media Company (2016 - 2019).
Bin Tamim was chosen as a Jury member for several important cultural awards in the UAE, including the Prince of Poets Programme, the Dubai Cultural Award, and the Khalifa Educational Award. He also served on the Supreme Committee of the State Appreciation Award.
Prof Motohiro Tsuchiya
Vice-President for Global Engagement and Information Technology at Keio University
Irene Lozano
Director General of Casa Árabe Foundation
Irene Lozano is the Director General of Casa Árabe Foundation in Madrid, Spain, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural and diplomatic relations between Spain and the Arab world.
With a background in international relations and cultural diplomacy, Lozano has dedicated her career to promoting dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among diverse communities.