The Ministry of Culture has officially launched the 19th edition of the Al Burda Award, embracing the theme “Social Cohesion and Unity” for 2025. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s declaration of the Year of the Community and reflects the enduring values of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) teachings. It aims to foster a cohesive, tolerant society rooted in peaceful coexistence.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the award affirms the UAE’s commitment to nurturing Islamic arts. Sheikh Abdullah noted that the award supports the country’s cultural strategy to introduce Islamic art to global audiences, preserve its heritage, and spotlight the values of tolerance inherent in Islamic culture.
A Platform for Cultural Dialogue and Artistic Unity
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, highlighted that the Al Burda Award represents the UAE’s vision to promote shared human values. He stressed that Islamic arts serve as a universal language, capable of uniting people through creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
He further added that the arts help revive Islamic heritage while spreading messages of harmony. Creatives across the Islamic world are encouraged to participate with works that reflect the beauty and spirit of Islamic expression.
The theme for this year draws inspiration from Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, which underscores humanity’s unity through diversity. It also references a renowned line from Imam Al-Busiri’s Burda poem:
“Mohamed is the master of the two worlds and of both realms — mankind and jinn, Arabs and non-Arabs alike.”
Award Categories and Prize Allocations
The 2025 edition features three main artistic disciplines:
- Arabic Calligraphy: Includes traditional, contemporary, and typographic design.
- Arabic Poetry: Covers classical, Nabati, and free verse formats.
- Ornamentation: Encompasses both traditional and modern approaches.
The Ministry has announced significant prize allocations for each category:
- Poetry:
- AED 210,000 for the top three winners in classical and Nabati poetry
- AED 160,000 for the top three winners in free verse poetry
- Calligraphy:
- AED 210,000 for the top five winners in both traditional and contemporary styles
- AED 160,000 for the top three winners in typographic design
- Ornamentation:
- AED 210,000 for the top five winners in traditional ornamentation
- AED 160,000 for the top three in contemporary ornamentation
Celebrating Islamic Art and Global Talent
The Al Burda Award celebrates the life, values, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by positioning Islamic arts as a tool for intercultural dialogue. It supports innovation, encourages young artists to explore traditional Islamic forms, and reinforces tolerance and creativity.
Since its inception in 2004, the award has honoured more than 390 artists, poets, and calligraphers from across the globe. It has become a leading platform for Arabic language and Islamic art, highlighting the UAE’s role in promoting cultural excellence and preserving heritage.
Interested artists can register at burda.ae/ar by 30 September 2025. Submissions for calligraphy and ornamentation will be accepted until 13 October 2025.