The Arab Book Award recently hosted a dialogue session with several of its past winners during the 35th Doha International Book Fair, highlighting the significance of cultural awards in promoting scholarly work and enriching the Arab intellectual landscape.

The event featured Dr. Naji al-Sharif, executive director of the award, along with previous recipients including Dr. Mahmoud al-Ashiri, winner of the award’s second cycle, and Dr. Ahmed Sanoubar and Muhannad Halawa—founder and director of Kunooz Al-Ma’rifa Publishing House—both winners of the third cycle. The session was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Khaled al-Rahawi.

Participants began by underscoring the value of books as the result of integrated intellectual effort and emphasized the role of cultural prizes in highlighting rigorous academic output. These awards, they noted, serve both to motivate researchers and to encourage publishers to invest in high-quality works that contribute to the Arab cultural heritage.

Dr. al-Ashiri, discussing his book *The Oral Linguistic Heritage*, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, which brought together specialists from various disciplines to create a comprehensive scientific study. He described the award as a catalyst for his ongoing research, viewing the recognition not as an endpoint but as a foundation for further scholarly pursuit.

Dr. Sanoubar spoke about his work *Authority and its Impact on the Narration and Criticism of Hadith*, explaining that it applied rigorous scientific methods including statistical and historical analysis to deliver fresh insights into its subject. He acknowledged that seeing previous editions’ winning works motivated him to elevate his own research, emphasizing the crucial moral support cultural awards offer to scholars.

In the publishing sector, Muhannad Halawa explained the criteria Kunooz Al-Ma’rifa employs when selecting books for publication, including content quality, originality, linguistic accuracy, and intellectual significance. He stressed the importance of thorough scientific and linguistic review processes, respect for intellectual property rights, and exploring avenues for book distribution and participation in cultural events and awards.

The panelists collectively praised the Doha International Book Fair for its role as a major cultural hub, facilitating exchanges among writers, publishers, and researchers from across the region and beyond. They recognized the Arab Book Award as a key institution in promoting Arab intellectual production and supporting genuine scholarly contributions.

The Arab Book Award is currently accepting nominations for its fourth edition until May 28. This cycle is dedicated to works focused on verifying books related to beliefs, religious principles, Islamic philosophy, and jurisprudential fundamentals.