The prestigious Al Owais Award for Creativity continues to celebrate remarkable talents and influential figures in the cultural landscape of the UAE. This year marked the 29th edition of the award, coinciding with the conclusion of the centenary celebrations for the beloved poet Sultan bin Ali Al Owais. Hosted at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai, the event underscored the award’s commitment to promoting thought and nurturing literature and culture.
A Celebration of Cultural Excellence
During the event, Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan was honored as the cultural personality of the year. Esteemed figures in attendance included Mohammed Ahmed Al Mur, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library’s Board of Trustees, Ali bin Hamid Al Owais, the event’s patron, and Bilal Al Budoor, Chairman of the Cultural and Scientific Association, alongside a host of writers, intellectuals, and cultural enthusiasts.
Ali Obaid Al Hamli, Vice President of the Board and Head of the Media Committee, stated: “This year, the association is celebrating an exceptional cultural figure, Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, whose deep-rooted legacy of thought and contribution continues to have a significant influence on Emirati and Arab knowledge. Her leadership in various cultural initiatives has set a shining example of intellectual leadership, community service, and support for education and the arts.”
Acknowledging Diverse Talents
Continuing its mission to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the cultural landscape, the Al Owais Award for Creativity recognized three additional outstanding figures this year: calligrapher Taj Al Sur Hassan, Dr. Arefat Al Naim, and novelist Nasser Iraq, acknowledging their exceptional efforts to enrich Emirati culture.
Al Hamli emphasized the substantial number of important submissions received this cycle, covering various fields such as literature, culture, arts, media, and scientific research. This reflects the award’s esteemed status in the hearts of creators and highlights their confidence in its role in fostering creativity and expanding opportunities for researchers, writers, and artists, including emerging talents and those with rich experiences.
A Personal Perspective on Recognition
Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan shared her thoughts on the nature of cultural recognition. “It is not easy to stand before a cultural honor without pondering: what do we truly honor? Is it the individual, the journey, or the hidden bond we share with words that inspires belief despite their fragility?” She expressed her belief that this recognition extends beyond a single person, encompassing a long journey of reading, listening, and understanding. “When I reflect on my beginnings with books, I remember not a singular moment but an image: my father’s hand extending toward me with a book—a moment that reveals the essence of our relationship with knowledge,” she added.
A Range of Winners in Various Categories
In the competition for the best research on the UAE, Dr. Aisha Saeed Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, Mariam Obaid Mohammed Hassan Al Zaabi, Wissam Youssef Musleh, and Mohammed Ali Mohammed Abdullah Al Qassim were among the winners. The award for the best social media account went to “Kullna Ruban” by Ghanem Abdullah bin Jaber Al-Muhairi on Instagram, while the best informative video award went to Aisha Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla. The documentary “Spectrums of That Light” from the Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, directed by Najoom Al Ghanem, won for Best Local Documentary.
The award for Best Book by an Emirati author went to “Narrative Transformations in Emirati Literature” by Dr. Mariam Abdullah Al Hashimi and “The Code of Hammurabi or the Code of Ibrahim (peace be upon him)” by Dr. Mohammed Fares Al Fares. The top narrative creativity award went to “Al-Zabaa Palace” by Mohammed Al Habsi, while Salha Obaid’s “Except Your Grandmother Sang” received a tied first place. Additionally, Omar Al Amri’s “It Did Not Occur to Me” and Fatima Al Mazrouei’s play “The Threat of the Rose” were honored with encouragement awards.
In the adult scientific innovation category, Youssef Al Barai took first place, followed by Mohammed Adnan Mohammed Abdullah Al Ahmad and Mariam Hassan Ali Essa Al Dhabahi. The best artwork award in the drawing competition went to Mariam Rashid Al Kitoub. Encouragement awards were also given in various artistic fields, demonstrating the broad talent present in the UAE.
The Al Owais Award for Creativity has once again shown its commitment to honoring and uplifting the cultural scene, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of creativity and knowledge in the region.