SHARJAH: The 15th edition of the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum unfolded in the Tunisian city of Sidi Bou Said, paying tribute to four distinguished Tunisian writers: Dr. Al Manji Al Kaabi, Al Tahami Al Hani, Dr. Fawzia Al Zaouq, and Salem Al Shaabani.
The forum comes in implementation of the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to honour literary figures who have contributed to serving contemporary Arab culture and it is held for the third time in Tunisia after celebrating, in two previous sessions, an elite group of Tunisian writers.
The honouring ceremony took place at the Nejma Ezzahra Palace in Sidi Bou Said in the presence of Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of the Department of Culture in Sharjah; Dr. Hayat Qatat Al Qarmazi, Tunisian Minister of Cultural Affairs; Dr. Iman Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia; Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, alongside a distinguished gathering o
f intellectuals, writers, and the families of the honourees.
In his address, Abdullah Al Owais expressed joy with renewing the cultural encounter in Tunisia, emphasising the warm reception that the brotherly Arab nation extends to Sharjah’s cultural initiatives. This, he noted, underscored the profound fraternal ties uniting the UAE and Tunisia, fostered under wise leadership dedicated to Arab integration across all domains.
Al Owais remarked, “Today, we gather for the 15th session of the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum, honouring four Tunisian writers-a testament to the robust cooperation between the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, culminating in the forum being hosted in Tunisia for the third time.”
Dr. Al Qarmazi conveyed gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah, commending the lofty initiative that transcends borders and celebrates cultural figures throughout the Arab world. She lauded the Department of Culture in Sharjah for its unwavering commitment to recognising Arab crea
tors and showcasing their intellectual and literary contributions through the “Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum.” Al Qarmazi concluded by extending heartfelt congratulations to the honorees.
The esteemed awardees, in turn, acknowledged Sharjah’s significant cultural endeavours in fostering creativity and honouring creators. They expressed their elation at being recognised at the pinnacle of honours, the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum.
As the ceremony reached its conclusion, Al Owais and Al Qaseer, accompanied by Al Qarmazi and Al Salami, presented certificates of appreciation to the four honorees, bearing the signature of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, in acknowledgment of their outstanding creative contributions.
Source: Emirates News Agency