Sheikh Sultan receives 2024 Nile Award for Arab Innovators

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, was honoured with the 2024 Nile Award for Arab Innovators during a ceremony held on Thursday.

The event was attended by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS).

Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Egypt's Minister of Culture, presented the award. The Supreme Council of Culture has awarded the prestigious Nile Award, the highest cultural accolade, to distinguished Arab individuals excelling in literature, arts, and social sciences.

Sheikh Sultan expressed deep appreciation to the Arab Republic of Egypt for its honour, emphasising the nation's significant impact on Arab culture, knowledge, and education.

He also commended the country's lasting impact on science, culture, and education, reflecting on his personal academic experience as a graduate of Cairo University's Faculty of Agriculture.

At the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan engaged in friendly conversations with Ahmed Hanno, reflecting on his university experiences.

Sheikh Sultan highlighted how cultural, literary, and theatrical activities, along with a variety of libraries, played a significant role in shaping and enriching the personalities of students, including himself.

He further emphasised Egypt's crucial contribution to the advancement of societies and spreading of knowledge, literature, and culture throughout the region.

The meeting highlighted Egypt's significant historical legacy and its vital role in Arab and Islamic civilisation. It also emphasised Egypt’s cultural influence on countries across the region, supported by its strong institutional framework and deeply rooted, continuous cultural heritage. This has made Egypt a destination for intellectuals, writers, and literary figures, as well as a key source of rich cultural production.

Ahmed Hanno delivered a speech during the ceremony, conveying the congratulations and best wishes of Egypt's leadership and people to Sheikh Sultan for this well-deserved honour.

He stated: "It is a great honour, both personally and politically, to present the 2024 Nile Award for Arab Innovators to Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed in recognition from Egypt, his second homeland. This award is a profound acknowledgment of His Highness's exceptional contributions to Arab culture, reflecting the deep appreciation of Egypt's cultural community. It also recognises His Highness’ pivotal role in promoting and elevating Arab culture to its deserved status on the global stage."

Ahmed Hanno also underscored the notable contributions of the Ruler of Sharjah to the cultural scenery, pointing out the deep gratitude expressed by the people of Egypt and the whole Arab community for his unprecedented initiatives.

He stated, "Sheikh Sultan's contributions to supporting the arts, literature, and social sciences have had a profound impact on strengthening Arab cultural identity. His tireless efforts in backing cultural and artistic projects, whether through the establishment of cultural institutions or the support of literary and artistic events, have greatly contributed to the promotion and enhancement of Arab culture. This role is recognised and valued by every Egyptian and Arab.”

Concluding his statement, he affirmed that His Highness is indeed worthy of the highest cultural honour bestowed by the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Egyptian Minister of Culture wrapped up his remarks by extending heartfelt gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah.

He highlighted Sheikh Sultan's’ significant contributions to the cultural landscape and the deep respect he has for the Egyptian people, particularly its intellectuals, authors, and writers. He expressed his hopes for His Highness's ongoing health and well-being.

During the conclusion of the ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah was presented with a gift from Ahmed Hanno, which included a comprehensive encyclopaedia detailing ancient Egyptian history, comprised of multiple valuable volumes.

The awarding of the Nile Award for Arab Innovators to Sheikh Sultan underscores his unique and distinguished position as a leader and a significant global intellectual.

Sheikh Sultan has made significant contributions to the support of culture and its advocates, establishing institutions focused on education, science, academia, publishing, libraries, and book fairs in Sharjah, as well as in key cities across the Arab world and globally.

He has been recognised for initiating a range of groundbreaking cultural projects aimed at making reading and literature accessible to all segments of society. Notable initiatives include " Knowledge Without Borders," the "Library in Every Home" project, the House of Wisdom, and various public libraries. Sharjah received multiple respected titles, such as  "The Capital of Arab and Islamic Culture" and " The World Book Capital for the year 2019 " all attributed to the wise leadership of Sheikh Sultan.

The recognition of the Ruler of Sharjah with the Nile Award for Arab Innovators celebrates his extensive contributions to Arab culture across different fields and highlights his unwavering backing for intellectuals, writers, poets, artists, historians, and others. H.H. has continuously encouraged, empowered, and recognised their roles in elevating society and enriching cultural life.

Additionally, Sheikh Sultan has personally contributed to various fields, including theatre, literature, novels, history, and geography, enriching local, Arab, and global libraries with more than 94 works across diverse areas of knowledge.

He has received a variety of respected honours and titles from notable cultural, scientific, and academic institutions both within the UAE and around the globe.

He is acknowledged as a prominent thinker and intellectual, a dedicated advocate and promoter of culture, and an essential figure in laying its foundations, highlighting its vital importance in shaping society and enhancing the well-being of its members.

WAM