WAM Abu Dhabi, June 12th, 2012 (WAM) -- The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, one of the world's most prestigious and well-funded prizes, has received a record number of nominations to date for its seventh session of 2012 / 2013 since its call for nominations last April. The Award has received a considerable 500 entries that met the General rules.

"Arabic Culture in other Languages" -the Award's newly devised category- has attracted attention from academics and cultural researchers around the world, specially from Germany, as the Award compiled 30 nominations in German, in addition to a number of other works in English and Chinese.

Commenting on the results, Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, the Secretary General of Sheikh Zayed Book Award said: "we think that such contributions will heat up the race towards winning the Sheikh Zayed Book Award's various categories for the seventh cycle".

Adullah Majed Al- Ali, Award manager commented "We hope that this massive flow of nominations continue until the closing date, we encourage reserachers and Orientalist to apply" It is noted that the "Arabic Culture in other Languages" is a new category devised prior to the launch of the Award's 7th session, to honor all written works in languages other than Arabic, about the Arabic civilization and culture, in the fields of humanities, fine arts, and literature throughout its historical eras.

Applicants are encouraged to send their nominations to the Award's executive office until end of September 2012. Applications can be collected from the Administrative Offices of the Award or downloaded online from the Award's website www.zayedaward.ae. Once completed and signed, the application forms should be submitted to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award along with the Candidate's Resume, Passport copy, Personal photo, and five copies of the nominated work in a book format.

WAM/AM