The Sheikh Zayed Book Award commemorates the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, and his pioneering role in promoting national unity and development. The Award, and its associated accolades, are presented annually to outstanding writers, intellectuals, and publishers, as well as young talent whose writing and translation in humanities objectively enriches Arab intellectual, cultural, literary, and social life.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, is an independent cultural initiative administered by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.