Sheikh Zayed Book Award hosts academic conference on ‘Arabian Nights’ in Spain

MADRID / WAM

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), organised an academic conference on the significant influence of “Arabian Nights” in Spain, in collaboration with the Casa Árabe foundation in Madrid, bringing together academic speakers and Arabic language and literature experts.
Titled “Arabian Nights: A Cultural Journey across Continents and Centuries, from Abu Dhabi to Madrid via Tokyo and London”, the conference reflected the Sheikh Zayed Book Award’s unwavering commitment to fostering robust ties with Casa Árabe, as it seeks to bridge the gap between Arab and Spanish cultures and strengthen dialogue and understanding among cultures worldwide.
A delegation from the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre attended the Conference, bringing together Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC and Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award; Abdulrahman Mohamed Al-Naqbi, Director of the ALC’s Literary Awards Department; Omar Obaid Alshamsi, Ambassador of the UAE to the Kingdom of Spain; and a number of ambassadors. A select group of Arab and Spanish academics, authors, and literary figures were also in attendance. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Our collaboration with Casa Árabe in Madrid to hold the ‘Arabian Nights’ conference is part of Abu Dhabi’s endeavours to develop platforms that bring together different peoples and cultures around the world, fostering bridges of dialogue based on tolerance, understanding, respect and acceptance of others’ cultures.”
Through these conferences, we also aim to promote and disseminate the Arabic language, introducing its literature, heritage and cultural and civilisational legacy.”
Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC and Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, said, “The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is dedicated to upholding the values of tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation among various cultures and peoples around the world, enriching the cultural landscape. Spain served as the inaugural destination for our ‘Arabian Nights’ conference, and will be followed by two additional stops in Japan and the United Kingdom, reflecting our continuous efforts to promote and disseminate Arab culture internationally. We hope this conference inspires more thinkers, researchers, translators and students, encouraging them to delve deeper into Arab culture. We also aim to contribute to cultural communication with Spain, building bridges of communication and understanding between peoples.”
Irene Lozano Domingo, General Director of Casa Árabe Foundation, said, “At Casa Árabe, we are very happy to be able to work together with one of the most important cultural institution in the Gulf region. Organising this seminar dedicated to ‘Arabian Nights’ is just one more example of our close collaboration and good harmony. The alliance with SZBA allows us to reinforce our presence as a Spanish institution of public diplomacy in the region, thus contributing to building bridges and improving understanding between our societies.”
With its enduring tales, stories, and characters, “Arabian Nights” stands as a testament to human creativity, enriching world literature and serving as a bridge between Arab culture and others, particularly bridging East and West. It was translated into numerous international languages and inspired countless writers, artists, and poets, becoming a timeless human heritage passed down through generations. The work continues to be studied, critiqued, and analysed till today across the East and the West.
The conference also hosted a panel discussion on “The Influence of the Arabian Nights in Spain”, featuring distinguished renowned researchers and specialists.