The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation recently celebrated the winners of its 19th cycle awards in a splendid ceremony held at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. This prestigious event not only recognized outstanding literary and cultural contributions but also marked a significant highlight in the foundation’s annual celebrations. With prominent figures in attendance, the award ceremony showcased a dedication to enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
Honoring Distinguished Contributors
Notable attendees included His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, the Minister of Culture, and His Excellency Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, followed by a short film that highlighted the foundation’s mission and achievements. Awards were presented to several distinguished winners: Iraqi poet Hamid Sayeed received the award for “Poetry,” while novelist In’am Kachachi was honored in the “Story, Novel, and Play” category. Moroccan critic Hamid Lahmadi received the award for “Literary Studies and Criticism,” and Tunisian thinker Abduljalil Al-Tamimi was recognized for “Future Human Studies.”
A Celebration of Cultural Legacy
During the ceremony, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash expressed pride in honoring His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the Cultural Achievement Award. He emphasized the UAE’s role under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in supporting cultural initiatives and fostering creativity. “The winners of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Prize are beacons of thought and creativity in the Arab world,” he stated, highlighting their contributions to the wealth of Arab heritage.
Reflections from the Winners
In her speech on behalf of the winners, novelist In’am Kachachi expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “On behalf of my fellow laureates, I would like to express my thanks for this noble gesture; it is indeed meaningful as it carries the name of a literary figure born in this beloved land.” Her words resonated with the audience and underscored the significance of such acknowledgments in promoting literature and culture.
A Musical Finale
The ceremony drew to a close with a captivating performance by the Fujairah Academy of Fine Arts, which featured a medley of Arabic, heritage, and Gulf musical pieces, showcasing the talent of 45 musicians. This vibrant performance underscored the celebration of culture and the arts, embodying the spirit of the awards presented by the foundation.