Zayed Book Award withdraws Literature Award

It has come to Shiekh Zayed Book Award's attention that some entities have raised serious concerns with respect the scientific research methodologies and ethics employed by Dr Hafnaoui Baali in his book entitled ‘Comparative Cultural Criticism - An Introduction’, the winning book of the Literature Category Award in the Award's fourth edition.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the Award has taken stringent investigative procedures by appointing a panel of experts and specialists in literature and scientific research to review and re-assess the references and resources the author referred to while writing the book, and to examine whether the author followed the scientific research standards and procedures acknowledged, communicated and applied, thoroughly and earnestly.

It noted the investigation revealed that, while the book provides international and interdisciplinary explorations of intellectual controversies, trends, and issues in culture, theory, and philosophy, it contains excerpts and quotations that where ill-referenced or not referenced at all, to the extent considered wrongful appropriation of other authors' thoughts, ideas and expressions, and the representation of them as one's own original work.

"Hence, and in light of the findings of the investigation, and to safeguard the standards and regulations the Award works by evaluating, assessing and nominating winners from outstanding Arab writers, intellectuals, publishers as well as young talent whose writings and translations of humanities have scholarly and objectively enriched Arab cultural, literary and social life, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has decided to withdraw the award granted to the author," the statement said.

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