Latest news with #SharjahDepartmentofCulture
Sharjah 24
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
6th Moroccan Poets Festival concludes
The festival was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The three-day event was organised by Sharjah Department of Culture in cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. Distinguished presence The festival saw the participation of more than 40 poets, poetesses, intellectuals, and artists amidst a festive atmosphere of poetry and its creators. The sixth edition honoured 83 students in a poetry writing workshop organised by the House of Poetry in Tetouan, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arabic Language at the Higher Teachers' School in Martil. Eighteen students were also honoured in the regional competition for Arabic Language Pioneers, organised by the House of Poetry in collaboration with more than 37 secondary and middle school educational institutions. The festival was also attended by a large audience from various Moroccan cities. The closing ceremony was held at the National School of Crafts and Arts in Tetouan, in the presence of Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture; Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department; Rachid Al Mustafa, Head of the Cooperation Department in the Culture Sector at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication; Dr. Youssef Al Fahri, President of the Higher School of Teachers in Martil; Mukhlis Al Sagheer, Director of the House of Poetry in Tetouan; and a large number of writers, intellectuals, and university students. Mukhlis Al Sagheer pointed out that the Moroccan Poets Festival strives to innovate with each new edition, and to grow in poetry and cultural resonance in the Arab world. He highlighted that the sixth edition enjoyed a prominent official presence, alongside a public audience with a passion for poetry and art. Al Sagheer explained that the House of Poetry in Tetouan, founded in 2016, affirms its tireless efforts to organize a distinguished seventh edition next year, to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Poetry and the Performing Arts The second day of the festival featured a critical symposium titled "Poetry and the Performing Arts," held at the Higher School for Teachers. Speakers included Abdul Aziz Al Halawi, Khaled Amin, and Youssef Al Rihani, with Houria Al Khamlichi moderating the session. The speakers emphasised that when poetry is recited on stage, or combined with movement or music, it transforms into a performance art. This is where what is known as "the poetics of performance" emerges, where poetry emerges from the page and is embodied through the body, voice, gaze, and silence. They noted that at this moment, literature intersects with the live arts, providing the recipient with a multi-sensory artistic experience. Speakers emphasised the intersection of poetry and performance, where word meets movement, voice meets silence. This is when a magic called the poetics of the performing arts is born; where the poem becomes a vibrant body, and the scene becomes a visual poem that is read by the eye and felt by the heart. The second day's activities continued in the garden of the National School of Crafts and Arts, with a poetry reading session featuring Hafiza Bouamama, Nabil Mansour, Adel Lotfi, Abdel Azim Al-Haidawi, Najib Khaddari, Iman Al Khattabi, and Abdel Din Hamroush, with Maryam Kroudi introducing the session. At the end of the meeting, Abdullah Al Owais and Muhammad Al Qasir presented certificates of appreciation to the students enrolled in the poetry workshops at the House of Poetry in Tetouan, in recognition of their creative and scholarly efforts in the workshops. Special Poets The Moroccan Poets Festival has an exceptional section, bringing the audience together with visually impaired poets at the Taha Hussein Institute in Tetouan, in a poetic and humane moment where poetry met poetry with a number of visually impaired creatives who drew inspiration from life's features and, from its details, wove their vast worlds. The poetry session featured Said Al Khamsi, Saida Amlal, and Mohamed Al-Amrani, while the readings were accompanied by a distinguished musical performance by the Taha Hussein Band. School of Crafts and Arts The Moroccan Poets Festival held its sixth edition at the National School of Crafts and Arts. The school hosted a series of poetry readings featuring Mohamed Boudouik, Ikram Abdi, Abdullah Benaji, Ahmed Raissouni, Omar Al Taous, Thuria Iqbal, Hafiza Bouamama, and Aziz Al Tazi, with the poetry readings presented by Mourad Al-Qadri. Sharjah.. the city of culture Participants in the Moroccan Poets Festival agreed that Sharjah has become a pioneering model in supporting Arab culture and actively contributing to shaping a new generation of Arab intellectuals. They emphasized that Sharjah's cultural, intellectual, and cultural achievements over the past decades were not a coincidence, but rather the result of the broad cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. His Highness believes that culture is the cornerstone of human and societal development. Participants believe that Sharjah's experience represents a model to be emulated, as it has not only supported cultural production but has also strived to create an integrated knowledge environment that attracts new generations and instils in them a love of reading, thinking, and criticism. They explained that many young Arabs who have benefited from Sharjah's cultural experiences have now become prominent voices in the fields of literature, thought, and the arts.
Sharjah 24
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
‘Sharjah School Theatre12' launches initial phase in Khorfakkan
Notable turnout The first day of the event was attended by Ahmed Burahima, Director of the Theatre Department at the Department of Culture and Director of the Festival, along with several educators and those interested in school theatre. 8 Theatrical Performances The jury, composed of artists Abdullah Saleh, Ibrahim Salem, and Ashjan, watched eight theatrical performances presented by primary schools. Their themes varied between educational and social values and creative imagination. Discovering and Refining Theatrical Talents The organization of this stage is part of the Sharjah Department of Culture's ongoing efforts to support school theater, as it is an important platform for discovering and refining students' theatrical talents.
Gulf Today
17-04-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Sultan the conscience of ‘Arab cultural endeavour'
The Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) awarded His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Arab Cultural Merit-First Class, in the inaugural edition of this distinguished honour. 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 Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO; Dr. Eman Al Salami, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Tunisia; ambassadors from Arab countries to Tunisia; and distinguished intellectuals, thinkers, and media professionals from around the Arab world. Award to an outstanding pioneer 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. A high-level recognition of quality 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. ALECSO's badge of honour for Sheikh Sultan. 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 Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. 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.' Key initiatives 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. 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.' Exceptional cultural vision 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 Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, 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.' 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.' Landmark moves for the Arab world 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. 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. WAM
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.
Gulf Today
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sharjah to launch Narrative Forum in Cairo
Dr Ashraf AlIzzazi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Culture in Egypt, welcomed the collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Culture to hold the 21st edition of the Sharjah Narrative Forum in Cairo next September. This was discussed during a meeting between Abdallah Bin Muhammad Al-Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, and Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Qusair, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department, with the Secretary-General, held at the council's headquarters in Cairo. The meeting was part of the Sharjah delegation's visit to organise a new edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum to celebrate a selection of Egyptian creatives. During the meeting, Al-Owais presented Dr Ashraf Al-Izzazi with the official invitation to organise the 21st Sharjah Narrative Forum in Cairo. The Secretary-General warmly accepted the invitation, affirming that Egypt's doors are always open to any cultural projects with Sharjah. Al-Owais emphasised that the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, enhance the forum's Arab presence. He noted that Sharjah continually seeks to open avenues for ongoing cultural collaboration. Al-Owais pointed out that holding the Sharjah Narrative Forum outside the UAE reaffirms the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah to strengthen the shared Arab cultural presence and expand interaction with narrative issues in various contexts. This continues efforts to support the Arab narrative movement, with the forum having travelled to many Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Sudan, Morocco, and Mauritania. He recalled the first edition of the Sharjah Narrative Forum outside the UAE in 2019, held in Luxor, southern Egypt, emphasising that Egypt has always been a cultural and creative hub for the Arab cultural project. Al-Owais highlighted that the forum opens spaces for critical and intellectual dialogue, providing a platform for writers, researchers, and critics to exchange views and discuss key issues affecting the Arab narrative field. He mentioned that the upcoming edition will focus on a significant topic related to the novel. Al-Izzazi praised Sharjah's leading role in the cultural sector and its continuous commitment to organizing events that enhance Arab cultural awareness, based on the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah. WAM
