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