Sharjah Celebrates Jordanian Literary Excellence in Amman
The 22nd edition of the prestigious Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum was held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in the vibrant Jordanian capital of Amman. This cultural event, deeply rooted in the vision of His Highness to honour individuals who have significantly enriched contemporary Arab culture, once again brought the spotlight to the literary excellence flourishing in Jordan. The forum this year recognised four prominent Jordanian literary figures, celebrating their remarkable contributions to the Arab cultural and intellectual landscape.
Celebrating Jordanian Literary Luminaries
The forum honoured a distinguished group of Jordanian creatives: Prof. Dr Mohammad Al Bakhit, a celebrated translator; Dr Nabil Haddad, an insightful critic; Mahmoud Al Shalabi, a respected academic and critic; and Mohammad Samhan, a poet whose work resonates across the Arab world. Their dedication to advancing Arab literature and thought was recognised at a ceremony held at the National Library Department in Amman.
The forum’s continued tradition of celebrating Jordanian literary achievements is a testament to the strong cultural ties between Sharjah and Jordan. Marking the fifth occasion the forum has been hosted in Jordan, it has previously honoured sixteen Jordanian cultural figures, underscoring a sustained commitment to recognising regional talent and fostering intellectual exchange.
A Gathering of Cultural Leaders and Intellectuals
The honouring ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries and cultural leaders, 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. The event attracted a broad audience of Jordanian and Arab writers, intellectuals, and cultural enthusiasts, creating a vibrant atmosphere of appreciation and celebration.
Strengthening Historic and Cultural Bonds
In his keynote speech, Abdullah Al Owais expressed deep joy at the forum’s role in fostering enduring fraternal ties anchored in shared Arab values and cooperation. He emphasised that these values are vividly embodied in the historic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, nurtured under the visionary leadership of both nations.
Al Owais remarked, “The Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum is a living example of our commitment to honouring those who enrich Arab culture through literary creativity. Returning for the fifth time to Jordan to recognise a new cohort of distinguished Jordanian writers reflects our ongoing dedication to celebrating cultural contributions that remain authentic and impactful.” He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the Jordanian Ministry of Culture for their invaluable collaboration, which has been instrumental in organising many successful cultural initiatives.
Jordan’s Warm Welcome to Sharjah’s Cultural Initiative
Dr. Nidal Al Ayasrah, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Ministry of Culture, warmly welcomed the attendees, praising the forum as a symbol of the fruitful cultural partnership between Jordan and the UAE. He noted that such events illuminate the rich literary tapestry of the Arab world and provide a platform to honour dedicated creatives who inspire generations through their artistic and intellectual endeavours.
He articulated, “Writers, poets, critics, and historians dedicate themselves to illuminating the cultural heritage of our Arab world. Their efforts often require personal sacrifices, yet their joy comes from seeing their words enliven public discourse and passing down wisdom to younger generations who connect deeply with our rich Arab identity.”
Honourees’ Reflections on Cultural Contributions
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Professor Dr Mohammad Al Bakhit expressed sincere gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for initiating this noble civilisational endeavour. He emphasised that recognising cultural figures is especially vital amidst the challenges faced by the Arab intellectual community today.
Dr Al Bakhit said, “The Arab world currently faces numerous trials that test its intellectual and cultural resilience. This forum represents an important creative initiative that empowers intellectuals to play a pivotal role in enriching civilisational life and overcoming obstacles. It is through such recognition that the arts and humanities can thrive even in the most difficult circumstances.”
Exhibition Showcasing Sharjah’s Literary Heritage
Complementing the honouring ceremony was an engaging exhibition featuring a broad collection of publications from the Sharjah Department of Culture. The display included notable titles such as the Sharjah Cultural Magazine, Al Rafid, Al Qawafi, Theatre Magazine, and Al Heera, alongside a diverse array of books representing multiple literary genres.
This exhibition attracted a considerable audience eager to explore and acquire these culturally rich works. It served not only as a celebration of literary achievement but also as an educational platform promoting awareness of Arab cultural heritage and creative expression.
The Role of Sharjah in Advancing Arab Culture
The event was skilfully moderated by Jordanian poet Iman Abdel Hadi, who began by acknowledging Sharjah’s pioneering leadership in advancing Arab cultural life. She highlighted that the emirate’s commitment to fostering arts and literature has positioned it as a model for cultural initiatives throughout the Arab world.
Iman Abdel Hadi reflected, “Sharjah has become a beacon for cultural development in the region. Through forums like this and numerous other initiatives, it actively promotes intellectual dialogue, preserves cultural heritage, and supports the growth of Arab literature and creativity.”
Ongoing Commitment to Arab Cultural Excellence
The Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum embodies a sustained dedication to uplifting Arab cultural figures and facilitating cross-national cultural collaboration. The forum not only acknowledges individual accomplishments but also contributes to a larger cultural movement that strengthens the identity and unity of the Arab world.
By honouring Jordanian literary pioneers, Sharjah continues to deepen the bonds of friendship and cultural cooperation between the UAE and Jordan, reinforcing the shared commitment to preserving and advancing Arab culture in the modern era.
Continuing the Legacy of Cultural Recognition
Since its inception, the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum has travelled across various Arab countries, recognising the diverse and rich literary talents contributing to the Arab world’s cultural mosaic. Its presence in Jordan for the fifth time signifies the importance of this partnership and the enduring impact of cultural diplomacy.
Through such initiatives, Sharjah reiterates its role as a custodian of Arab culture and an active participant in nurturing intellectual growth and creative expression. The forum also serves as a platform to inspire future generations of Arab writers, critics, translators, and poets, encouraging them to uphold the values of creativity, knowledge, and cultural pride.
