Egypt has consistently maintained its status as the cultural heart of the region, frequently dominating the winners' list. In the most recent 29th edition (January 2026), Egyptian poets and Ahmed Imam Mahmoud Bayoumi secured the top two prizes in the poetry category. Historically, Egypt often provides the highest number of entries—reaching 137 works in a single cycle—reflecting the deep-seated literary tradition in the country. Why the Arab League Secretary-General Supports the Arts
Commonly known as the , this "Oscar" of the Arab world specifically targets young creators aged 18 to 40. It focuses on six core disciplines: Poetry Short Story Novel Theater Children’s Literature Literary Criticism arab creativity oscar arab league secretary general egypt
The statement concluded by expressing pride in the Arab nominees and winners, asserting that the "Oscar moment" will remain a cherished memory in the Arab collective consciousness. It serves as a reminder that from the banks of the Nile to the shores of the Mediterranean, creativity remains the Arab world’s most enduring export. Egypt has consistently maintained its status as the
Secretary General Aboul Gheit concludes, "The Arab world has a wealth of creative talent, and we are committed to supporting and promoting our filmmakers on the global stage. We look forward to seeing more Arab films at the Oscars and other international film festivals, and we are confident that our stories will resonate with audiences around the world." Why the Arab League Secretary-General Supports the Arts