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4/18/25, 11:43 AM Sheikh Sultan the conscience of ‘Arab cultural endeavour’
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.
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