The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has published Kanz Al Jeel (Treasure of the Generation), a landmark poetry collection celebrating the enduring legacy and deep-rooted wisdom of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Published by Assouline, the book offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the poetic vision of the founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — his outlook on life, unity, and humanity, and his profound love of his homeland.
Comprising 118 carefully selected poems, with 75 translated into English, the book embodies the values and authentic traditions that shaped the founding father's vision. It explores themes of leadership, compassion, belonging, tolerance, love, goodness, and beauty — values that continue to form the pillars of Emirati identity today.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: "Kanz Al Jeel represents a cultural responsibility as much as it is a literary publication. Through its carefully curated pages, we celebrate the poetic voice of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
"We safeguard his intellectual and humanitarian legacy, which embodied his vision of unity, his deep bond with the homeland, and his unwavering belief in humanity. This work reflects the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to preserving the UAE's cultural heritage and ensuring it continues to inspire future generations, both locally and globally."
He added that by bringing this poetic heritage together in a single publication, the aim is to strengthen intergenerational bonds and entrench the values of compassion, belonging, and shared humanity that formed the foundation of the nation's renaissance. "We hope this book will stand as an enduring tribute to Sheikh Zayed's legacy — a bridge connecting our past, present, and future — and will reinforce Abu Dhabi's role in preserving our cultural heritage and conveying it to the world."
Organised according to the rhyme of the opening verse of each poem, the carefully curated publication ensures that the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan continue to inspire generations with their profound wisdom and deep humanitarian vision. The book also embodies a renewed connection between the homeland and the roots of its authenticity.
It reflects the enduring presence of poetry and literary tradition in the cultural and national identity of the United Arab Emirates, and comes within the framework of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi's commitment to protecting and preserving the UAE's cultural heritage and strengthening its presence locally and globally.
The work was completed with the support of national partners, including the Office of the Founder at the Presidential Court, serving as the central platform that highlights the legacy of the founding father as a ruler and prominent global leader — ensuring that the voice of the late Sheikh Zayed continues to inspire generations and reinforcing the shared national responsibility for protecting the UAE's literary heritage. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre also provided support.
Alongside the digital edition of Kanz Al Jeel, the project includes audio recordings of the poems and a glossary of Emirati dialect vocabulary drawn from the poetry of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Kanz Al Jeel reflects the United Arab Emirates' values of cultural exchange and the promotion of mutual understanding among peoples, with poetry presented as a living bridge connecting past, present, and future.
The publication also affirms Abu Dhabi's standing as a leading global cultural hub that preserves national heritage and presents it to the world through international platforms, helping to broaden its reach and strengthen its presence among audiences around the world.
From Assouline's perspective, Kanz Al Jeel represents a valuable addition to the publisher's global catalogue of works of exceptional cultural significance, reflecting the house's commitment to producing publications that celebrate the world's human and cultural heritage.