In a significant cultural event, the Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai held a ceremony to honor the winners of the Al Owais Creativity Award in its twenty-ninth edition. Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan was recognized for her outstanding cultural contributions. This event is part of the celebrations marking the centenary of poet Sultan bin Ali Al Owais and aims to promote a culture of creativity and thought in the UAE by presenting awards that encourage different generations to engage in literature and the arts.
Distinguished Attendance at the Ceremony
The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Mur, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, Ali bin Hamid Al Owais, the event’s sponsor, along with Bilal Al Bodour, Chairman of the Cultural and Scientific Association, Engineer Rashad Bukhsh, and the heads of the award committees. Al Hamli noted that the celebration is not just an honor for individuals but a revival of the journey of thought and knowledge in Emirati society.
Inspiration from the Cultural Personality of the Year
In her speech, Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan expressed her feelings, emphasizing the importance of this recognition in enhancing intellectual and cultural pursuits. She stated, “It is not easy to stand before a cultural honor without first asking ourselves: What are we truly honoring?” She encouraged the necessity of re-reading and providing new generations with the opportunity to express themselves and engage in critical thinking about culture.
Winners in Various Categories
During the ceremony, several winners of the Al Owais Creativity Award were honored, playing a significant role in encouraging diverse cultural voices. Among the winners, researcher Dr. Aisha Saeed Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi stood out with the award for Best Research on Cultural Identity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Calligrapher Mr. Taj Al-Sir Hassan, Dr. Arafat Al Naim, and writer and novelist Nasser Iraq were also recognized for their remarkable contributions to Emirati culture.
Diverse Artistic Creations
The ceremony featured a showcase of various artistic works, including the film “Shadows of That Light,” which won the award for Best Local Documentary. The awards spanned diverse fields, with writers and artists of all ages being recognized, underscoring the significance of the Al Owais Creativity Award in promoting culture and the arts in the UAE.