Sharjah celebrates Order of Arts and Letters conferred on Sultan

As part of its ongoing ‘Piece of the Month’ project, Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre has decided to shine light in the month of February on France’s prestigious Order of Arts and Letters with the rank of Knight Commander conferred on His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah in July 2003. 

The prestigious French civilian honour had been conferred on His Highness Ruler of Sharjah in recognition of his immense contributions and invaluable scientific, academic and cultural achievements that he harnessed to serve the UAE and the Arab world. The French order also recognised his support for a culture of ideas, civilizational exchange, knowledge and literary exchange, and the fields of arts and theatre between the peoples of the East and Western civilizations.

His Highness Ruler of Sharjah received the award at the Elysee Palace in the French capital, Paris, from Jean-Jacques Alegon, the French Minister of Culture and Communication, on behalf of French President Jacques Chirac at the time, in the presence of senior French officials, scholars, intellectual, and number of dignitaries from the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs.

It is worth mentioning that “Piece of the Month” is a project launched by Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre and aims to shed light on a monthly basis on one of the distinctive pieces from the collection of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which represents exceptional achievements in various scientific and cultural fields.

SHARJAH’S EXTRAORDINARY MILESTONES: Curtains came down on the lavish production and immersive theatrical show, ‘Narratives of the Place’ (Sard Al Makan), after having mesmerised arts enthusiasts and lovers of Sharjah with its stunning scenes and elaborate settings across four days at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah.

Organised by Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the spectacular production celebrating the 50th anniversary of accession of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, concluded yesterday (Saturday, January 29). The show narrated the epic journey of growth of the emirate and its achievements over the past 50 years and showcased a vibrant range of performing arts expressions.

‘Narratives of the Place’ dramatically recreated the scenes of Khorfakkan’s invasion in the 16th century and depicted how its people bravely resisted and defended their homeland. It vividly showcased the story of the Ruler of Sharjah who once mortgaged his golden dagger to buy books, the perilous expeditions of the pearl divers, as well as the manifold accomplishments of the emirate which earned it the title of Unesco World Book Capital and transformed the emirate into a global hub of tourism and creativity.

Implemented by Multiple International in collaboration with ‘The 7 Fingers’, the live show incorporated 10 creative art forms, and combined poetry, narration, music, theatrical performance, acrobatics, light art, and 3D visual scenes, amongst others.

Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, said: “Sharjah’s phenomenal journey of growth reflects the vision of a wise leader who believes in the essence of humanity and knowledge as the corner stones of development.

Today, 50 years later, Sharjah has emerged as the role model of a city that embraces arts, knowledge, and humanity, promotes development and growth, and is a source of inspiration for all cultures. As the ‘Narratives of the Place’ concludes, we celebrate 50 years of rule of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and carry with us invaluable lessons of ambition and determination, as we enter a new era of growth and look forward to many more long years of achievements under the leadership and directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.”

“’Narratives of the Place” is a greeting from the people in Sharjah, including its residents and citizens, and is a message of love to His Highness and a commitment to work hard and promote creativity,” Allay added.