Sharjah Ruler Honors Winners of Al Qawafi Award 2024 for Excellence

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

On Tuesday morning, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, honored the winners of the Al Qawafi Award 2024. The ceremony took place at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in Sharjah.

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The award ceremony was part of a special event, where His Highness also welcomed the participants of the 21st Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival. The festival started on Monday evening and included poets, writers, and media professionals from across the Arab world and several African countries.

During the ceremony, His Highness addressed the audience, greeting the poets and writers in attendance and congratulating the award winners. He praised their dedication to creating poetry that highlights the beauty and creativity of the Arabic language. He explained that the Al Qawafi Award seeks to recognize poets who develop meaningful and impactful poetry, free from personal interests or agendas.

In his speech, His Highness also thanked the media, especially Sharjah TV, for their efforts in broadcasting programs that highlight the important work of poets and the Houses of Poetry. These media programs help connect people with poets from different nations, bringing attention to their work and helping to keep the tradition of poetry alive.

His Highness also spoke about the success of the Houses of Poetry, which have been established in several Arab cities under his direction. These houses offer poets a platform to showcase their work and connect with other poets and poetry lovers. He praised the House of Poetry in Kairouan, Tunisia, for its efforts in spreading poetry beyond the city and into the surrounding countryside, calling it a wonderful transformation. He also mentioned the House of Poetry in Luxor, Egypt, which remains active and continues to attract large audiences, even though it is far from the capital.

His Highness emphasized that many countries are known for their love of poetry, and he wants to support the growth of this passion by helping young poets develop their talents. He hopes that the Houses of Poetry will continue to grow and spread across the Arab world, becoming cultural hubs where poets can come together and connect with Sharjah as a central place for cultural exchange.

The Ruler of Sharjah also highlighted the importance of Al Qawafi magazine, which inspired the award's name. The magazine is published by the Sharjah Department of Culture and plays an important role in supporting poets. It introduces readers to both traditional and modern poetry, inspiring poets to create work that brings hope and reflects on the nation’s history. His Highness explained that the magazine also helps poets stay connected to the nation’s proud past, and it aligns with his writings that aim to celebrate the history and unity of the nation.

At the ceremony, the honored poets were invited to recite their award-winning poems. These poems covered various topics, such as love for their homeland, the importance of mothers, human emotions, reflections on life, and praise for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). After the recitations, His Highness warmly welcomed the poets and attendees, receiving thoughtful gifts from the poets, including collections of their poetry and other books.

The poets expressed their deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his unwavering support of the literary and artistic community. They felt proud to have their work recognized and included in the prestigious Al Qawafi Award.

The ceremony was attended by several important figures, including Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; M Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Marri, Chairman of the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre (Dara); and other officials and organizers of the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival.