ALECSO Awards the First-Ever Arab Cultural Merit Medal to the Ruler of Sharjah - Jordan News

Jordan News

17-04-2025

ALECSO Awards the First-Ever Arab Cultural Merit Medal to the Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has been awarded the Arab Cultural Merit Medal – First Class, in its inaugural edition by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). اضافة اعلان The medal was received on behalf of His Highness by Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, during an official ceremony held at ALECSO's headquarters in the Tunisian capital, Tunis. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, Dr. Iman Al-Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia, ambassadors of Arab countries to Tunisia, and a select group of Arab intellectuals, thinkers, and media figures. In his opening remarks, the Director-General of ALECSO announced the launch of the Arab Cultural Merit Medal—the first of its kind—as a prestigious honor granted to individuals, organizations, or institutions in recognition of their outstanding contributions and dedicated service to Arab culture. The award celebrates excellence and creativity in cultural fields and aims to encourage valuable initiatives in the pursuit of knowledge. Dr. Ould Amar said: 'This medal is intended to acknowledge the efforts of pioneering individuals and institutions who have contributed to presenting Arab culture to the world in its human and civilizational dimensions, enriching the cultural landscape, and promoting Arab identity and values of knowledge. It is truly fitting that the organization's first recipient is an exceptional figure by all standards—humanitarian, intellectual, cultural, and political—thus affirming the credibility and prestige of this initiative.' He added: 'Today, we gather to honor, on behalf of all creatives, artists, intellectuals, writers, and poets, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who stands firmly at the forefront of cultural efforts across the globe, championing Arab identity and the human values it embodies, and presenting Arab culture as one of peace and dialogue.' Dr. Ould Amar also highlighted some of the major cultural initiatives led by the Ruler of Sharjah, including the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, which earned a Guinness World Record as the largest linguistic dictionary in human history. He also mentioned His Highness's financial and institutional support to ALECSO, contributions to the Encyclopedia of Arab and Muslim Scholars and Writers, and the establishment of cultural centers in Germany and Spain, as well as Quran and Arabic language schools across various African countries. Other key initiatives include the founding of the Arab Theatre Authority, which hosts the largest annual gathering of Arab dramatists, Sharjah Art Foundation, and Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, all aiming to foster Arab cultural exchange. Dr. Ould Amar continued: 'Undoubtedly, His Highness is the true conscience of the Arab cultural movement—an ever-visible force whose well-directed efforts have enriched universal knowledge systems and empowered Arab culture with strength, pride, and global presence. In recognition of this, and in accordance with the organization's charter and the decision of the Conference of Arab Ministers of Culture, ALECSO awards the Arab Cultural Merit Medal – First Class to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.' In a recorded message, HE Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, said: 'Today, we celebrate the awarding of the Arab Cultural Merit Medal – First Class to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, in appreciation of his distinguished cultural journey and his major role in supporting cultural initiatives and promoting regional and international cultural dialogue. This medal is a testament to a visionary cultural approach that transformed Sharjah into a hub of creativity, literature, and the arts.' He added: 'The cultural, literary, and intellectual efforts of His Highness have earned global recognition, leading to Sharjah being named World Book Capital, as well as Capital of Arab and Islamic Culture—among other prestigious honors that have helped elevate Arab culture on the global stage and preserve Arabic as a vessel of thought and creativity.' In his speech, Abdullah Al Owais conveyed greetings from His Highness and expressed his gratitude to ALECSO for its tireless work in promoting Arab culture. 'It is a great honor to represent His Highness at this important Arab cultural gathering, which reflects the continuing collaboration between ALECSO and cultural institutions across the Arab world.' He added: 'His Highness has long believed in the vital role of culture in the progress and development of societies. Over the past five decades, his efforts have led to the establishment of an extensive cultural infrastructure in Sharjah, including theaters, museums, cultural centers, and a vast network of public libraries—celebrating this year the centenary of Sharjah's first public library.' He also mentioned the establishment of various festivals in Sharjah dedicated to poetry, theatre, visual arts, Arabic calligraphy, and literature, all supported by His Highness and resulting in a wide range of awards, including the Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity – First Edition, aimed at young talents. Highlighting His Highness's dedication to the Arabic language, Al Owais noted: 'His Highness's most treasured cultural gift to the Arab and Islamic world is the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language—a monumental project completed in just seven years.' The audience also viewed a video presentation highlighting key cultural milestones in the journey of the Ruler of Sharjah, showcasing the evolution of his cultural vision and the international impact of his contributions. Another documentary focused on ALECSO, founded in 1970 as a specialized agency of the Arab League, headquartered in Tunis. It reviewed ALECSO's role in unifying Arab efforts, preserving cultural identity, and promoting research and heritage across the region. The event also included an exhibition of His Highness's published works, featuring titles ranging from historical writings and theatrical works to other creative and intellectual contributions.