In a resplendent testament to his enduring contributions to Arab culture, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has been honoured with the prestigious Nile Award for Arab Creators for the year 2024.
The announcement was made by Egyptian Minister of Culture, Nevine Kilani, during a press conference following the assembly of the Supreme Council of Culture. This esteemed council convened with its members, vested with the authority to vote for the award recipients, and conducted the electronic voting process within the hallowed halls of the Supreme Council of Culture in Cairo. The presence of the council members underscored the significance of this momentous occasion, celebrating a leader whose vision and dedication continue to illuminate the cultural landscape of the Arab world.
The Minister of Culture stated: "I congratulate all the winners of this year's State Awards. Thank you for your sincere efforts and outstanding creativity, which enrich our lives and contribute to building a bright future for Egypt." The Nile Award for Arab Creators, the most prestigious of these awards, is given to a prominent Arab figure in the fields of literature, arts, and social sciences.
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. On the platform X, he remarked: "Congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi on receiving the Nile Award for Arab Creators. This accolade is Egypt's foremost cultural honour, celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fields of culture and innovation."
It is a well-deserved win, and it comes as no surprise that Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has received this prestigious award in Arabic literature. Since his early youth, he has dedicated a significant portion of his life and interest to the realms of literature, history, and the humanities. His well-known efforts to support culture, literature, and creativity in the Arab world are unparalleled.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has not only received numerous awards but has also actively supported and encouraged creators with utmost sincerity. His contributions to writing and authoring books, novels, stories, memoirs, and various studies have immensely enriched the Arab library. Moreover, his historical plays have been met with great admiration by readers and viewers across the Arab world, both within and outside the UAE.
In addition to his literary contributions, His Highness has shown unwavering support for education, culture, and knowledge. This has significantly elevated the city of Sharjah, making it the capital of Arab culture. His commitment to supporting and preserving the Arabic language, along with his focus on Arab cultural affairs, underscores his profound impact on the cultural landscape of the region.
The Nile Award for Arab Creators represents the pinnacle of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi's unwavering and enduring commitment. It stands as a testament to the profound impact of his decades-long dedication to scientific, cultural, and literary pursuits. His Highness's visionary leadership has been instrumental in the establishment and nurturing of literary, scientific, and educational institutions in the UAE and beyond.
His deliberate cultural policy strikes a delicate balance between honouring tradition in diverse scientific, cultural, and knowledge domains and spearheading innovative cultural endeavours. These include theatre, painting, cinema, and a myriad of cultural exhibitions. His Highness diligently tracks Arab, international, and humanitarian achievements in literature, translation, history, and the arts, while also fostering creative expressions among Arab youth. He actively encourages their participation, creativity, and exceptional contributions, thus significantly enriching the cultural landscape and supporting literature and culture at large.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi is synonymous with the image of a learned and enlightened leader, deeply committed to intellectual, cultural, and literary diversity. His steadfast belief in the power of language is evident in his emphasis on writing, research, knowledge, and translation, all of which are pillars of his rich and diverse body of work. His literary contributions span studies, novels, stories, and narratives, reflecting his commitment to printing books, organizing book exhibitions, and hosting cultural competitions that cater to the entire Arab world.
Culture lies at the heart of His Highness's vision, blending the wisdom of the past with the realities of the present and future. His approach is rooted in a positive cultural ethos, highlighting his dedication to fostering a harmonious blend of tradition and progress.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has eloquently expressed his dedication through his extensive array of studies, translations, and historical inquiries focused on the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula. This dedication extends to his cultural and literary creations, including theatrical and novelistic works, all contributing to a lasting legacy of cultural enrichment. His contributions form an integral part of a broader cultural landscape, characterized by a sustained commitment to supporting the role of books, theatres, museums, and cultural institutions. This commitment ensures a cultural continuum that resonates across time and generations, enriched by the literary, intellectual, and cultural tributaries that the UAE proudly embodies. The United Arab Emirates and its steadfast citizens take immense pride in this cultural legacy.
Source: Al-Ittihad Newspaper – Dr. Ali Al-Quhais