The Al-Babtain Foundation: Awards When They Go to Those Who Deserve Them
The announcement of the winners of the 20th edition of the Saudi Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Prize for Poetic Creativity, held by the Al-Babtain Foundation for Poetic Creativity, sparked a wave of joy, happiness, and satisfaction in the local and Arab cultural sphere last Monday. Unlike the usual reactions to the announcement of winners of any prize in our Arab world—where rejection, criticism, and debate often arise regarding the legitimacy of the winners, the integrity of the judging committee that awarded them, and even the intentions and objectives of the prize and its sponsors, whether individuals or official and private entities—the announcement of the Al-Babtain Prize winners was met with widespread welcome from all parties in the Arab cultural arena. This was evident in the rush to congratulate the winners, praise their achievements, and reach a consensus on their rightful claim to the awards.
The warm reception of the Al-Babtain Prize announcements, the acceptance of the winners’ names with satisfaction and conviction, and the praise they received, stem from several reasons. The first is that the awards indeed went to their rightful recipients among Arab creators, with no flattery, favoritism, or questioning of the judging committees or the prize’s integrity and objectivity. The second reason for the prevailing sense of satisfaction and happiness regarding the Al-Babtain Prize is that this edition is the second held since the passing of poet Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain, the founder and patron of the prize. Many had wondered whether the foundation would continue its important role in supporting the Arabic language, literature, and creativity after the death of its founder (may God have mercy on him, known as Abu Saud). The answer to these and other questions came clearly and concisely through the chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees, Saudi Abdulaziz Al-Babtain, who reaffirmed his father’s commitment and promise to continue his steps. He emphasized that care for the Arabic language, as the incubator of thought and creativity, remains at the core of the foundation’s mission. He stated that supporting poets and critics is not limited to celebrating winners but reflects a deep belief in the necessity of continuing the Arab cultural journey to discover new energies and forms of creative achievement. He also highlighted that Arabic poetry is one of the deepest manifestations of Arab identity and living memory.
The third reason for the joy surrounding the announcement of this year’s Al-Babtain Prize winners for Poetic Creativity lies in the monetary value of the awards. This makes participation and competition for the prize a significant endeavor, both in terms of recognizing creators and their works, and in successfully earning their trust and satisfaction. Chairman Saudi Al-Babtain has proven that he is not only following in his father’s footsteps but is also striving to achieve what his father dreamed of. He doubled the prize amounts, thereby enhancing the prize’s presence and impact on the cultural landscape.
The names of the winners, starting with the poetry criticism branch, won by Dr. Mohammed Al-Buainain and Dr. Abdulqader Fedhouch, followed by the best poetry collection branch, jointly won by poets Hassan Shahab al-Din and Jaber Baadani, as well as poet Nasser Al-Maliki in the youth category, extending to the most beautiful poem branch, won by poets Ali Al-Amirah and Saad Al-Qulaie, and the youth category winners Hazem Mustafa and Samia Wadi, and concluding with the Honorary Award for Poetic Creativity granted to poet Abdulqader Al-Husni—I say that all the winners’ names are highly respected and admired, with consensus among all parties in the Arab cultural sphere regarding their creativity and distinction in writing and critiquing poetry.
The bet on the Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation, and on its active role in supporting culture, fostering creativity, and honoring creators, will remain steadfast as long as this venerable institution, guided by its board of trustees, continues to follow the path of its pioneering founder, without deviating from the values and principles he established nearly half a century ago. What began as a mere prize launched in 1989 has evolved into a massive cultural project, manifested in its conferences, dictionaries, and successive publications year after year. The foundation has become a Kuwaiti beacon radiating civilization and creativity, illuminating the paths of creativity for Arab poets and others, enabling them to continue their journey in preserving our language, culture, and identity.
Hafiz Club
