Emirati cultural icons Dr Habib Ghuloom and Ali Al Khawar honoured in a ceremony

Gulf Today

16-05-2025

Emirati author, playwright, director, producer and actor Dr Habib Ghuloom Al Attar and celebrated poet Ali Al Khawar were honored for their enduring contributions to the UAE.
The two of the nation's cultural luminaries were feted in a ceremony held at the residence of Omar Mohammed Zubair Al Marzooqi—former UAE national handball player, Al Nasr Club star, and a major in Dubai Police.
Surrounded by friends, dignitaries, and admirers, the ceremony was a testament to the deep appreciation for their unwavering loyalty, love, and devotion to their crafts and to the UAE.
As voices of heritage and identity, Habib Ghuloom's dramatic mastery and Ali Al-Khawar's poetic brilliance have long echoed the spirit of the nation.
Their extraordinary achievements, etched in the cultural fabric of the UAE, continue to inspire generations.
In honoring these icons, he reminded all in attendance of the values that bind the Emirati people: loyalty, pride, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the name of their beloved homeland.
In the rich cultural landscape of the UAE, few figures have left as deep and enduring a mark as Dr. Habib.
An actor, director, academic, and cultural leader, his journey has been one of dedication to the arts, unwavering vision, and a commitment to shaping the future of theatre and performance in the region.
His story began not on a grand stage, but with a passion for storytelling and performance that led him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Acting and Directing at the prestigious Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in Kuwait, graduating in 1987. From there, his pursuit of knowledge and mastery took him to Cairo, where he earned both a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master's degree in theatre from the Academy of Arts. But he didn't stop there—driven by curiosity and a thirst for academic excellence, Dr. Habib earned his Ph.D. in Theatrical Literature from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom in 1999.
Armed with academic prowess and creative insight, Dr. Habib returned to the UAE, not just to create, but to lead. He served as Cultural Advisor at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, where his voice helped shape national policies and initiatives that supported Emirati artists and preserved the country's heritage. His leadership extended across the region through his roles as Secretary-General of the Theatre Artists Association, board member of the Arab Theatre Authority, and Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, among others.
Yet, Dr. Habib is not just a man of titles—he is a man of action. He directed multiple editions of the Gulf Theatre and Film Festivals, bringing together talent from across the Arab world. He has been the consistent force behind the Children's Theatre Festival since 2007, nurturing the imagination of the young and sowing the seeds of a new generation of performers. He also spearheaded the University Theatre Festival, empowering emerging artists and students to find their voices on stage.
He is also a proud member of the UAE Government Leaders Programme, a member of the UAE Writers and Authors Union, and an active participant in GCC and international cultural meetings, representing the UAE with dignity and purpose.
Ali Al Khawar is more than just a poet—he is a voice that speaks to the heart of the Emirati identity. With his masterful use of Nabati poetry, he has immortalized national pride, and beautifully portrayed the love of the homeland.