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Sharjah 24
17-04-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
ALECSO awards Arab cultural merit to Sharjah Ruler
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, accepted the award on His Highness's behalf during a solemn ceremony at ALECSO's headquarters in Tunis. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation; Dr Eman Al Salami, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Tunisia; ambassadors from Arab countries to Tunisia; and distinguished intellectuals, thinkers, and media professionals from around the Arab world. New cultural merit unveiled The event began with a speech by ALECSO's Director-General, who announced the inauguration of the first edition of Arab Cultural Merit, a prestigious award given to individuals, organisations, or institutions for outstanding contributions to Arab culture. The award is a high-level recognition of quality and originality in cultural domains, and it encourages worthwhile efforts to develop knowledge and cultural services. Dr Ould Amar spoke about the award, saying, "This award aims to recognise the efforts of pioneering individuals and institutions that have contributed to presenting Arab culture to the world with its humanitarian and civilisational depth while enriching the cultural landscape and promoting Arab identity and knowledge values." It is natural that the organisation's first recipient is a remarkable individual in every human, intellectual, academic, and political sense – a decision that validates the credibility, validity, and stature of this high-level initiative." He went on, "Today we come together—in the name of all intellectuals, creators, artists, thinkers, writers, and poets—to honour His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah." We honour this great persona, who stands as a guardian of culture and knowledge, safeguarding Arab identity and supporting human values. He has tirelessly worked to present an authentic image of Arab culture as one of peace, dialogue, and harmony.' Monumental projects and global impact The Director-General also highlighted His Highness's key initiatives, including the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a modern monumental project and the largest linguistic endeavour in Arab history; it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest dictionary in human history. He also acknowledged His Highness's financial support for ALECSO, which enabled the ongoing operations of the Encyclopaedia of Prominent Arab and Muslim Scholars and Writers, a significant reference book at the Arab and Islamic levels. Other significant initiatives include the Islamic Cultural Centre in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Azzagra Cultural Centre in Spain, and the establishment of Quran memorisation and Arabic language schools in several African countries. His Highness also launched initiatives to strengthen cultural ties across the Arab world, such as the Arab Theatre Authority, which organises the largest annual gathering of Arab theatre professionals and artists; the Sharjah Art Foundation; and the Sharjah Academy for Performing Arts, among others. A conscience of Arab culture Dr Ould Amar added, 'There is no doubt that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah is the conscience of ' Arab cultural endeavour', a clear, visible conscience manifested in inspiring scientific and cultural projects that have contributed to shaping global knowledge systems and empowering Arab culture. In appreciation of all of this, and in line with ALECSO's goals and internal regulations, and under the authority of its Director-General and the mandate of the Conference of Arab Ministers of Culture, the organisation has decided to award His Highness the Arab Cultural Merit—First Class—in recognition of his profound contributions to Arab and Islamic culture, the preservation of civilisational identity, and the promotion of a knowledge-based society. Minister of Culture's message of appreciation In a recorded message, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, said: 'Today, we celebrate the awarding of the Arab Cultural Merit – First Class – to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in recognition of his cultural and intellectual journey and his significant efforts in supporting cultural programmes and initiatives and fostering civilisational and intellectual exchange at regional and global levels. This merit reflects Arab appreciation for an exceptional cultural vision that has made Sharjah a hub of creativity, knowledge, thought, literature, and theatre. It embodies His Highness's belief in the role of culture in building and advancing societies and his continuous efforts to embed culture as a path for development and an investment in human capital.' He added, 'His Highness's cultural, literary, and intellectual initiatives deserve complete recognition. They have led to Sharjah being named the World Book Capital, Capital of Arab Culture, and Capital of Islamic Culture, among many other achievements that have contributed to elevating Arab culture on the global stage and preserving the Arabic language as a vessel for thought and creativity.' Legacy of cultural development in Sharjah Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, delivered a speech in which he conveyed His Highness's greetings and appreciation to ALECSO for its cultural efforts and stated, 'With Arab affection and brotherhood, I am honoured to convey greetings from the Emirate of Sharjah, expressing my delight at this blessed gathering, which reflects a continuation of pan-Arab cultural meetings driven by the sincere efforts of ALECSO. This special occasion—honouring His Highness with the Arab Cultural Merit—is indeed dear to all of us. He added, 'His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah recognises the crucial role of culture in the advancement of societies and the preservation of future generations. For over fifty years, he has dedicated himself to building a vibrant cultural landscape in Sharjah, evidenced by the establishment of theatres, specialised museums, cultural centres, and an expansive network of public libraries – the oldest of which marks its centennial this year.' He went on to say, "In parallel, His Highness initiated a wide array of cultural, artistic, and literary festivals—spanning poetry, theatre, calligraphy, visual arts, and book fairs—alongside various specialised cultural publications and magazines distributed across the Arab world." These efforts have resulted in numerous literary and cultural awards, including awards specifically for youth, such as the Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity – First Edition.' Al Owais highlighted the importance His Highness places on the wider Arab region, saying: 'The Ruler of Sharjah's commitment to the Arab cultural sphere is evident in the collaborative partnerships forged across the region. These include the Arab Theatre Authority, which revitalises Arab theatre through national festivals, and the flagship Arab Theatre Festival, which is held annually in a different Arab country. His Highness also established Houses of Poetry in several Arab nations, including Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania—all of which actively support Arab poetry through festivals and year-round events'. Regarding His Highness's care for the Arabic language, Al Owais said, 'The Arabic language has received utmost care from His Highness. The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language stands as a remarkable gift to the Arab and Islamic world — the result of a dedicated effort completed in just seven years.' The ceremony also featured a presentation highlighting key cultural milestones in the journey of His Highness, showcasing some of his contributions and achievements in both the Arab and international cultural arenas. It traced the beginnings of the Sharjah cultural project initiated by His Highness, founded on his belief that culture is the essence of human development and national advancement. Tributes and documentary features The audience also watched a documentary about ALECSO, which was established in 1970 as one of the most prominent specialised organisations affiliated with the Arab League. Headquartered in Tunis, the organisation's mission is to unify Arab efforts, reinforce cultural identities, preserve heritage, and promote scientific research. In conjunction with the awarding ceremony, an exhibition of books authored by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah was held, featuring a selection of his historical works, theatrical writings, and other literary contributions.
Sharjah 24
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah commemorates 4 Egyptian talented authors in Cairo
This forum is part of His Highness's mission to recognize literary figures who have made significant contributions to modern Arab culture. This year's event was extra special as it was the sixth time the forum has been hosted in Egypt, having previously honored 17 Egyptian creatives. The ceremony took place at the Supreme Council of Culture in Cairo and saw the attendance of many notable figures, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, the Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, and other distinguished writers, thinkers, and intellectuals. Egyptian poet Obaid Abbas hosted the event, highlighting Sharjah's role as a leader in supporting culture and the arts, and how it has enhanced the Arab cultural landscape through its ongoing initiatives. In his speech, Abdullah Al Owais talked about the strong partnership between Sharjah and Egypt in the arts and culture, which has led to many exciting events, including theater, poetry, stories, and literary awards. He expressed pride in returning to Egypt to honor a new group of writers, showing appreciation for their valuable contributions to literature. Al Owais emphasized that this collaboration reflects the deep ties between the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, strengthened by the wise leadership of both nations. He also conveyed greetings from His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the honorees, expressing gratitude to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture for their ongoing support of Arab cultural initiatives. Pride and appreciation At the start of his speech, Professor Al-Azzizi greeted everyone, saying, "Welcome to the Supreme Council of Culture! We're here for the 21st session of the Sharjah Cultural Honors Forum in the Arab world, and this is the 6th time it's being held in Egypt. This wonderful event is a special initiative from His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and is done in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture." He went on to say, "In this special edition, we celebrate a group of writers and authors who have greatly enriched our cultural life. They represent the creative and intellectual spirit of Egypt, using their writing to advocate for the values of truth, goodness, and beauty. This celebration acknowledges the important contributions of creative minds to culture and creativity throughout the Arab world." Al-Azzizi added that this honor is particularly meaningful because it takes place in the writers' own countries, surrounded by their families. He noted, "Sharjah is here to recognize the creative individuals in their own environments, showing support and pride in their important cultural and humanitarian roles. This is the sixth time we have held this event in Egypt, having honored seventeen Egyptian writers over the past four years." The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Culture in Egypt shared his heartfelt thanks to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, stating, 'I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Emirate of Sharjah and its Ruler, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This wonderful initiative and the impactful activities of Sharjah are not surprising, given the many cultural events organized in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Culture. Events like the Sharjah Narrative Forum and the Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity Forum, which has taken place here multiple times, highlight our successful collaboration. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to continuing our efforts to support creativity and creators, enriching life, and promoting beauty, love, and friendship between our two nations.' Knowledge and creativity beacon The honorees praised the efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, highlighting how active he has been in promoting Arab culture. They pointed out that Sharjah is making great strides in using culture as a key part of building strong individuals and communities. The cultural initiatives from Sharjah have become a shining example of knowledge and creativity. Shawqi Badr applauded the cultural impact of Sharjah's leader, noting that the forum is a unique opportunity to honor talented writers and authors from across the Arab world. This support is aimed at enhancing the current landscape of Arab culture. Dr. Salah Al-Saruri shared his joy at receiving this honor, viewing it as an important step forward for Arab writers. He also acknowledged the significant cultural role that Sharjah has played since the 1970s. Writer Itidal Othman expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this wonderful initiative, saying, "I take great pride in this recognition, just as I do in my own writing journey." Writer Ezzat El-Qamhawi reflected on his experiences and said, "A writer isn't just born; they start as readers. But the circumstances that lead to their development as a writer can vary greatly. Those who are naturally drawn to books often have a deep passion for reading that can't always be explained by having books at home or by coming from a family of readers." Acknowledgments At the end of the ceremony, Abdullah Al Owais, Mohammed Al Qaseer, and Al Azzazi presented certificates of appreciation to four honored individuals. These certificates were signed by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and recognized the honorees for their contributions to literature and culture in the Arab world. Documentary During the Sharjah Cultural Honors Forum, attendees enjoyed watching a documentary that showcased a filming scene from their visits to Egypt. This forum has a rich history, having started in Egypt and traveled across the Arab world for over twenty editions. The documentary also featured photographs of the honorees from this year's event, bringing back memories of the forum's journey and the individuals celebrated. Publications The ceremony to honor individuals included a special exhibition showcasing various publications from the Sharjah Department of Culture. This featured magazines like the Sharjah Cultural Magazine, Al Rafid, Al Qawafi, and Al Masrah, along with a selection of books that covered topics such as poetry, novels, theater, criticism, and other creative works. Guests at the event also had the opportunity to buy these publications.
Sharjah 24
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Department of Culture unveils 2025 cultural programme
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Department of Culture continues to lead the way in cultural and intellectual development with its ambitious 2025 programme. Announcing the plans, His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, highlighted how the Ruler's vision has transformed Sharjah into a beacon of knowledge and culture, thanks to a diverse range of cultural initiatives and events. Celebrating creativity and honouring achievements On 9 April 2025, the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum will mark its 21st edition in Egypt, recognising distinguished Arab figures who have made lasting contributions to Arab culture. Later, on 14-15 April, the 28th Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity – First Work will take place, cementing its reputation as a leading literary prize and a unique platform for discovering young talents. A Month of festivals and artistic expression In May 2025, the 6th Tetouan Festival for Moroccan Poets will run from 9 to 11 May, while the 12th Sharjah School Theatre Festival will be held from 12 to 15 May, nurturing young theatrical talents through workshops, lectures, and performances. The 8th Dibba Al-Hisn Theatre Festival for Two-Person Plays is set for 23 to 27 May. Meanwhile, Amman, Jordan will host the 22nd edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum on 28 May 2025. Supporting the arts and fostering critical thought The 16th Sharjah Award for Arab Poetry Criticism and the Sharjah Award for Arab Visual Arts Criticism, titled Inspiration of Arab Heritage in Contemporary Arab Visual Art, will also be launched. The latter remains unique in the Arab world, focusing on critical art discussions led by Arab writers, critics, and academics. Year-round cultural engagements The Sharjah Department of Culture will continue its extensive cultural initiatives, hosting poetry evenings and literary seminars at the House of Poetry, Al Hirah Literary Council, Khorfakkan Literary Council, and Kalba Literary Council. The Arabic Calligraphy Centre in the Calligraphy Square will continue to offer specialised workshops, promoting the art of Arabic calligraphy and cultural heritage.
Sharjah 24
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Arabic lyrical melodies performed at Sharjah Nabati Poetry
The event was graced by notable figures, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, the Chairman of the Department of Culture, and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, the Director of Cultural Affairs, along with poet Batti Al Mazloum and a large audience who love Nabati poetry. The third day's poetry evening featured performances by poets Aisha Al Haddadi from the UAE, Ahmed Al Sharari from Saudi Arabia, Matar Al Buraiki from Oman, Maryam Falamarzi from Bahrain, Mohammed Al Mannai from Qatar, and Amjad Al Sakhri from Jordan, all hosted by media personality Talaa Al Amoudi. On the fourth day, the Palace of Culture hosted another special poetry session focused on creative female poets. The lineup included Sheikha Juma (UAE), Asma Ibrahim Al Ghadami (Saudi Arabia), Majrad Sha'era (Kuwait), and Thawrat Al Zeer (Qatar), introduced by Najla Al Harbi. The festival is a wonderful celebration of poetic talent and cultural expression.
