Sharjah Ruler Honored with 2024 Nile Award for Arab Innovators

Photo : Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, was presented with the prestigious 2024 Nile Award for Arab Innovators during a ceremony held on Thursday morning. The event, which took place in the heart of Sharjah, was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

The award was presented by His Excellency Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Egypt's Minister of Culture. The Nile Award is renowned as the highest cultural accolade bestowed by the Supreme Council of Culture, recognizing distinguished Arab individuals for their outstanding contributions in literature, arts, and social sciences.

Expressing his gratitude, His Highness acknowledged the honor bestowed upon him by the Arab Republic of Egypt, emphasizing its profound impact on Arab culture, knowledge, and education. He reflected on his personal academic journey as a graduate of Cairo University's Faculty of Agriculture, highlighting Egypt's enduring influence in shaping scientific and cultural advancements.

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During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan engaged in warm discussions with His Excellency Ahmed Hanno, sharing anecdotes from their university experiences. He emphasized the significant role that cultural, literary, and theatrical activities, along with a variety of libraries, played in shaping and enriching students’ personalities, including his own. His Highness noted Egypt's pivotal contribution to the advancement of societies and the dissemination of knowledge, literature, and culture throughout the Arab region.

The event also served as a platform to reflect on Egypt's rich historical legacy and its vital role in Arab and Islamic civilization. It underscored the country’s cultural influence across the region, bolstered by its robust institutional framework and a deeply rooted cultural heritage. This heritage has made Egypt a beacon for intellectuals, writers, and literary figures, serving as a significant source of cultural production.

In his address, His Excellency Ahmed Fouad Hanno conveyed the heartfelt congratulations of Egypt’s leadership and its citizens to His Highness for this distinguished honor. He remarked, “It is both a personal and political privilege to present the 2024 Nile Award for Arab Innovators to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to Arab culture.” He highlighted that this award reflects the deep appreciation of Egypt’s cultural community for His Highness's role in promoting and elevating Arab culture on the global stage.

His Excellency also acknowledged the substantial contributions His Highness has made to the cultural landscape, emphasizing the gratitude expressed by the Egyptian people and the broader Arab community for his unprecedented initiatives. He stated, “His Highness's support for the arts, literature, and social sciences has significantly strengthened Arab cultural identity.” His commitment to fostering cultural and artistic projects, through establishing cultural institutions and supporting literary and artistic events, has greatly contributed to the promotion and enhancement of Arab culture, which is recognized and valued by every Egyptian and Arab citizen.

Wrapping up his remarks, the Egyptian Minister of Culture extended his profound gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his invaluable contributions to the cultural scene. He expressed his sincere hopes for His Highness’s continued health and well-being, acknowledging the respect he holds for the Egyptian people, especially its intellectuals, authors, and writers.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Excellency Ahmed Fouad Hanno presented His Highness with a thoughtful gift: a comprehensive encyclopedia detailing ancient Egyptian history, consisting of multiple volumes that encapsulate the rich heritage of Egypt.

The awarding of the Nile Award for Arab Innovators to His Highness not only highlights his unique position as a leader but also recognizes his significant contributions to cultural advocacy. His Highness has played a pivotal role in establishing institutions dedicated to education, science, academia, publishing, libraries, and book fairs in Sharjah and across key cities in the Arab world and beyond.

His Highness has been instrumental in launching several groundbreaking cultural initiatives aimed at making reading and literature accessible to all. Notable projects include "Knowledge Without Borders," the "Library in Every Home" initiative, the House of Wisdom, and numerous public libraries. These efforts have garnered Sharjah esteemed titles such as “Capital of Arab and Islamic Culture” and “World Book Capital” in 2019, reflecting His Highness's visionary leadership.

The recognition of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah with the Nile Award for Arab Innovators not only celebrates his extensive contributions to Arab culture but also emphasizes his unwavering support for intellectuals, writers, poets, artists, and historians. His Highness has continuously encouraged and recognized the vital roles these individuals play in enriching cultural life and uplifting society.

Additionally, His Highness has made significant personal contributions to various fields, including theater, literature, history, and geography, enriching local, Arab, and global libraries with over 94 works spanning diverse knowledge areas. His accolades and titles from esteemed cultural, scientific, and academic institutions, both within the UAE and internationally, position him as a prominent thinker and a dedicated advocate for culture.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi stands out as an essential figure in promoting culture, underscoring its fundamental importance in shaping society and enhancing the well-being of its members.