The Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) awarded His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Arab Cultural Merit—First Class, in the inaugural edition of this distinguished honor.
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.
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 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.
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 Muhammad 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.”
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais delivered a speech in which he conveyed His Highness’s greetings and appreciation to ALECSO for its cultural efforts.
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. 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.