Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum Celebrates Jordanian Literary Luminaries in Amman
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 22nd edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum commenced in Amman, the capital of Jordan.
This year’s gathering paid tribute to four distinguished Jordanian literary figures: translator Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al Bakhit, critic Dr. Nabil Haddad, academic and critic Mahmoud Al Shalabi, and poet Mohammad Samhan. Their extensive contributions have significantly enriched the landscape of contemporary Arab culture.
The forum, guided by the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, continues in its mission to recognise intellectual and creative achievements across the Arab region. Held for the fifth time in Jordan, the forum has previously honoured 16 Jordanian pioneers, cementing the deep cultural ties between Sharjah and Amman.
The honouring ceremony unfolded at the National Library Department in Amman, in the presence of prominent dignitaries including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department; Hamad Al Matroushi, Chargé d’Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Jordan; Dr. Nidal Al Ayasrah, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Ministry of Culture; and Rouba Al Shamaila, Director of the National Library, alongside a distinguished assembly of Arab writers, intellectuals, and cultural leaders.
Abdullah Al Owais stated:
“Today we are presenting a living example of these principles through the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum, which aims to recognise cultural figures who have enriched the Arab world with their literary creativity in various fields. After travelling across the Arab world, the forum returns for the fifth time to Jordan to honour a new group of distinguished Jordanian writers who have remained true to their craft and offered a wealth of diverse literary contributions.”
He also conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the consistent support from the Jordanian Ministry of Culture, which has facilitated successful cultural collaborations over the years.
Welcoming attendees, Dr. Nidal Al Ayasrah said:
“Welcome to Amman, which sends its warmest greetings to Sharjah through this rich cultural tapestry, representing a model of collaboration between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It is a great occasion to honour a distinguished group of our nation’s creatives across diverse literary fields, who have shown commitment, determination, and a luminous vision in their cultural projects.”
He added:
“Writers, poets, critics, and historians offer their insight so that others may benefit, often sacrificing their time and energy for the greater cultural good. The moments that bring them joy are those when words come alive, when wisdom and philosophy are shared, when poetry is in the air, and when younger generations connect with their rich Arab heritage.”
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al Bakhit remarked:
“On behalf of myself and my fellow honourees, I extend our sincere gratitude to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, for his noble civilisational initiative to recognise those who have served culture in their communities, countries, and among their audiences—particularly in these challenging times facing the Arab world and its intellectuals. These circumstances call for creative initiatives capable of transforming reality and overcoming obstacles, so that intellectuals may play an active role in enriching civilisational life.”
The ceremony featured a vibrant exhibition of publications from the Sharjah Department of Culture, including editions of Sharjah Cultural Magazine, Al Rafid, Al Qawafi, Theatre Magazine, and Al Heera from Sharjah, along with a selection of books spanning multiple literary genres. The exhibition garnered significant attention, with numerous guests exploring and acquiring the culturally rich publications.
The event was elegantly moderated by Jordanian poet Iman Abdel Hadi, who opened the ceremony by praising Sharjah’s leadership in advancing Arab cultural life, acknowledging the emirate as a beacon of regional literary innovation.
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Team V.4-EM-UAE
