emirates7 - The Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) awarded His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the prestigious Arab Cultural Merit—First Class in the inaugural edition of this esteemed honor.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, received the award on His Highness's behalf during a formal ceremony at ALECSO’s headquarters in Tunis.
The event was attended by Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, ALECSO's Director-General, Dr. Eman Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia, as well as ambassadors from Arab nations and intellectuals, artists, and media figures from across the Arab world.
In his opening speech, Dr. Ould Amar announced the launch of the Arab Cultural Merit award, which recognizes individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to Arab culture. He explained that the award honors those who have significantly advanced Arab culture, promoting values of knowledge and heritage, and that Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi was a fitting first recipient, given his exceptional contributions across various domains.
Dr. Ould Amar emphasized His Highness's initiatives, including the monumental Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, which holds the Guinness World Record as the largest dictionary in human history. He also acknowledged Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s financial support for key ALECSO projects, such as the Encyclopaedia of Prominent Arab and Muslim Scholars and Writers. Other significant initiatives include the Islamic Cultural Centre in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Azzagra Cultural Centre in Spain, and schools focused on Quran memorization and Arabic language across Africa. His Highness’s work to strengthen cultural ties within the Arab world was also highlighted, particularly through the Arab Theatre Authority and various cultural and educational institutions in Sharjah.
Dr. Ould Amar praised Sheikh Dr. Sultan as the "conscience of Arab cultural endeavor" and emphasized his role in advancing global knowledge systems while preserving Arab identity.
In a recorded message, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Culture, expressed pride in His Highness's recognition, celebrating his efforts in making Sharjah a center of creativity, thought, literature, and the arts. He noted that His Highness’s vision had helped elevate Arab culture globally and preserve the Arabic language as a means of intellectual and creative expression.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais delivered a speech on behalf of His Highness, thanking ALECSO for its cultural initiatives and emphasizing the importance of culture in societal development. He highlighted His Highness’s commitment to building a vibrant cultural infrastructure in Sharjah, with the establishment of theatres, museums, cultural centers, and libraries, along with numerous festivals that have enriched Arab culture.
Al Owais also underscored the Ruler of Sharjah’s dedication to the wider Arab world, noting collaborations such as the Arab Theatre Authority, Houses of Poetry across several Arab countries, and the promotion of Arabic language preservation through projects like the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language.
The ceremony also featured a presentation that showcased Sheikh Dr. Sultan's cultural milestones, detailing his significant contributions to both Arab and global cultural landscapes. Attendees were treated to a documentary about ALECSO’s mission and history, as well as an exhibition of books authored by His Highness, including historical works, theatrical writings, and other literary contributions.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, received the award on His Highness's behalf during a formal ceremony at ALECSO’s headquarters in Tunis.
The event was attended by Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, ALECSO's Director-General, Dr. Eman Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia, as well as ambassadors from Arab nations and intellectuals, artists, and media figures from across the Arab world.
In his opening speech, Dr. Ould Amar announced the launch of the Arab Cultural Merit award, which recognizes individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to Arab culture. He explained that the award honors those who have significantly advanced Arab culture, promoting values of knowledge and heritage, and that Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi was a fitting first recipient, given his exceptional contributions across various domains.
Dr. Ould Amar emphasized His Highness's initiatives, including the monumental Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, which holds the Guinness World Record as the largest dictionary in human history. He also acknowledged Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s financial support for key ALECSO projects, such as the Encyclopaedia of Prominent Arab and Muslim Scholars and Writers. Other significant initiatives include the Islamic Cultural Centre in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Azzagra Cultural Centre in Spain, and schools focused on Quran memorization and Arabic language across Africa. His Highness’s work to strengthen cultural ties within the Arab world was also highlighted, particularly through the Arab Theatre Authority and various cultural and educational institutions in Sharjah.
Dr. Ould Amar praised Sheikh Dr. Sultan as the "conscience of Arab cultural endeavor" and emphasized his role in advancing global knowledge systems while preserving Arab identity.
In a recorded message, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Culture, expressed pride in His Highness's recognition, celebrating his efforts in making Sharjah a center of creativity, thought, literature, and the arts. He noted that His Highness’s vision had helped elevate Arab culture globally and preserve the Arabic language as a means of intellectual and creative expression.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais delivered a speech on behalf of His Highness, thanking ALECSO for its cultural initiatives and emphasizing the importance of culture in societal development. He highlighted His Highness’s commitment to building a vibrant cultural infrastructure in Sharjah, with the establishment of theatres, museums, cultural centers, and libraries, along with numerous festivals that have enriched Arab culture.
Al Owais also underscored the Ruler of Sharjah’s dedication to the wider Arab world, noting collaborations such as the Arab Theatre Authority, Houses of Poetry across several Arab countries, and the promotion of Arabic language preservation through projects like the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language.
The ceremony also featured a presentation that showcased Sheikh Dr. Sultan's cultural milestones, detailing his significant contributions to both Arab and global cultural landscapes. Attendees were treated to a documentary about ALECSO’s mission and history, as well as an exhibition of books authored by His Highness, including historical works, theatrical writings, and other literary contributions.