Page 71 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - APRIL 2025

4/18/25, 11:47 AM ALECSO Awards the First-Ever Arab Cultural Merit Medal to the ...
In his opening remarks, the Director-General of ALECSO announced the launch of the Arab Cultural Merit
Medal—the first of its kind—as a prestigious honor granted to individuals, organizations, or institutions in
recognition of their outstanding contributions and dedicated service to Arab culture. The award celebrates

excellence and creativity in cultural fields and aims to encourage valuable initiatives in the pursuit of
knowledge.

Dr. Ould Amar said:

“This medal is intended to acknowledge the efforts of pioneering individuals and institutions who have

contributed to presenting Arab culture to the world in its human and civilizational dimensions, enriching the
cultural landscape, and promoting Arab identity and values of knowledge. It is truly fitting that the
organization’s first recipient is an exceptional figure by all standards—humanitarian, intellectual, cultural, and

political—thus affirming the credibility and prestige of this initiative.”

He added:

“Today, we gather to honor, on behalf of all creatives, artists, intellectuals, writers, and poets, His Highness
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who stands firmly at the forefront of cultural efforts across the
globe, championing Arab identity and the human values it embodies, and presenting Arab culture as one of

peace and dialogue.”

Dr. Ould Amar also highlighted some of the major cultural initiatives led by the Ruler of Sharjah, including the
Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, which earned a Guinness World Record as the largest linguistic

dictionary in human history. He also mentioned His Highness’s financial and institutional support to ALECSO,
contributions to the Encyclopedia of Arab and Muslim Scholars and Writers, and the establishment of cultural
centers in Germany and Spain, as well as Quran and Arabic language schools across various African countries.

Other key initiatives include the founding of the Arab Theatre Authority, which hosts the largest annual
gathering of Arab dramatists, Sharjah Art Foundation, and Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, all aiming to
foster Arab cultural exchange.

Dr. Ould Amar continued:

“Undoubtedly, His Highness is the true conscience of the Arab cultural movement—an ever-visible force
whose well-directed efforts have enriched universal knowledge systems and empowered Arab culture with
strength, pride, and global presence. In recognition of this, and in accordance with the organization’s charter

and the decision of the Conference of Arab Ministers of Culture, ALECSO awards the Arab Cultural Merit
Medal – First Class to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.”

In a recorded message, HE Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, said:
https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-117/Culture-Arts/ALECSO-Awards-the-First-Ever-Arab-Cultural-Merit-Medal-to-the-Ruler-of-Sharjah-41185 2/4