His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah called for early elections of Emirates Writers Union (EWU), under the supervision of the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD). This came during His Highness’ intervention via the Direct Line Programme, broadcast live on Sharjah Radio and Television.

In reference to the issues and questions trending on Twitter regarding what is happening at EWU after the death of Habib Al Sayegh, President and Secretary General of EWU and renowned Emirati poet, author and journalist, His highness noted that the union held elections but the internal regulations of the union need to be restructured.

His Highness explained, “I have contacted Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and asked her to have a list of our writers and intellectuals, and together we dug deep into these lists. We then found out that many of our writers are marginalised or absent, which is a big issue.”

“I then contacted Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, and informed her that this is wrong and is done under your management. I requested her to abandon the current list and to have a general assembly meeting to hold new elections for the union,” His highness added.

His highness extended an invitation to all writers and intellectuals that are currently or previously registered at the union to attend an open meeting to discuss the internal regulation of the union, because there are some issues that need attention.

“I would like to note here that all writers and intellectuals are our pride and we would be proud of them joining the union, young and old. We would like them all to attend the open meeting, under the supervision of the ministry, to ensure that the union is represented in a proper manner,” His Highness stressed.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah concluded the intervention wishing all the best of health and safety to his children, the people of Sharjah, praying to Almighty Allah to end the COVID-19 pandemic soon.