Sheikha Latifa Launches Fifth Arab Awards Forum in Dubai
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, inaugurated the fifth edition of the Arab Awards Forum. Hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA), this two-day event brought together leading Arab intellectuals, scientists, and representatives from prominent regional awards.
The forum is an important platform for fostering cooperation among Arab awards and encouraging creativity, innovation, and knowledge exchange. It aims to connect Arab innovators, researchers, writers, and thinkers, enabling them to share ideas and solutions that impact society.
Dubai’s Growing Role as a Hub for Knowledge and Culture
Sheikha Latifa highlighted Dubai’s growing role as a global hub for culture, creativity, and innovation. She emphasized that the city is more than a business or tourism destination; it is a meeting point for Arab thinkers and innovators. By hosting the Arab Awards Forum, Dubai reinforces its commitment to knowledge-based progress and supports individuals and organizations driving positive change in the region.
She stated: “The Arab Awards Forum reflects Dubai’s belief that knowledge and innovation are the cornerstones of progress. The creativity, curiosity, and imagination of people are the nation’s most valuable investments. When we bring Arab innovators together, we empower them to shape solutions that benefit humanity and create a sustainable future.”
Sheikha Latifa also spoke about the historical contributions of Arab scientists, scholars, and creators, noting their achievements in fields such as medicine, astronomy, engineering, mathematics, and literature. She explained that today’s Arab innovators build on this legacy to address global challenges and advance human knowledge.
Recognizing Institutions Supporting Arab Awards
The opening ceremony also honored government institutions that have made significant contributions to Arab awards. Each institution received the Arab Awards Forum Plaque, signed by Khalid Al-Faisal, Honorary President of the Forum, to acknowledge their efforts in promoting creativity, knowledge, and excellence.
Some of the key honorees included:
- Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania – Recognized for supporting the Chinguetti Award, which celebrates literary and cultural achievements.
- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) – Acknowledged for hosting the MBRKA, one of the leading knowledge awards in the Arab world.
- Supreme Council for Culture in Egypt – Honored for pioneering awards such as the Nile Award for Arab Creators and the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for the Arabic Novel.
- Greater Amman Municipality – Recognized for sponsoring the King Abdullah II Ibn al Hussein Award for Creativity, which supports innovative projects and initiatives.
- Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre – Commended for supporting the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, a globally recognized award that celebrates Arabic literature and culture.
This recognition emphasizes the importance of institutional support in fostering a thriving ecosystem for creativity and innovation in the Arab world.
Promoting Collaboration and Excellence in the Arab World
Jamal bin Huwaireb, Secretary-General of MBRKA and CEO of MBRF, highlighted that the forum is key to making Dubai a global center for intellectual exchange and knowledge creation. He emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and collaboration, stating that Arab awards should not operate in isolation. Instead, they should work together to promote human capital, support scientific research, and advance creativity across the region.
“Our goal is to build a strong Arab ecosystem that can compete globally. By connecting innovators and thinkers, we can restore the region’s historic role as a pioneer in philosophy, science, literature, and the arts,” he said.
The forum provides a platform for Arab awards to share best practices, learn from each other, and raise standards. It also encourages young innovators and researchers to engage with established institutions, creating a continuous cycle of learning, mentoring, and growth.
The Arab Awards Platform: A New Initiative
One of the major highlights of this year’s forum was the launch of the Arab Awards Platform, in collaboration with the Arab Thought Foundation. This platform is a comprehensive Arabic database that includes all Arab awards meeting the forum’s membership criteria.
The platform offers detailed information about each award, including the awarding body, field, target audience, and monetary value. It allows users to filter awards by various categories, making it easier for researchers, writers, and innovators to find relevant opportunities.
This initiative enhances transparency, promotes cooperation, and strengthens the overall impact of Arab awards. It also encourages more individuals and institutions to participate in the awards ecosystem, helping to nurture talent and innovation across the region.
Expert Seminars and Knowledge Exchange
During the forum, specialized seminars and workshops were conducted to explore topics such as innovation, knowledge management, and the future of Arab awards. These sessions provided opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and develop strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of awards in promoting creativity and intellectual growth.
The forum also hosted a General Assembly meeting, which reviewed the forum’s achievements since its inception and discussed plans for future cooperation. Members shared their insights on improving the structure, management, and outreach of Arab awards.
The Role of Arab Awards in Society
Arab awards play a critical role in encouraging creativity, recognizing excellence, and inspiring innovation across multiple fields. By highlighting achievements in literature, science, arts, and research, awards motivate individuals and institutions to reach higher standards.
Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Chairman of the Arab Awards Forum and Secretary-General of the King Faisal Prize, stated that the forum is committed to enhancing communication among awards, sharing expertise, and promoting standards that elevate the quality of institutional work. He added that Arab awards also help broaden cultural and intellectual influence, both regionally and globally.
Strengthening Dubai’s Vision for Knowledge and Creativity
The forum aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in knowledge, culture, and innovation. By hosting events like the Arab Awards Forum, the city positions itself as a hub for Arab creativity, connecting thinkers, innovators, and institutions.
Sheikha Latifa’s message highlighted the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and shared ideas. The forum encourages participants to develop solutions that can address societal challenges, promote education, and advance scientific and cultural progress.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Another important focus of the forum is empowering young Arab talent. By providing access to awards, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing platforms, the forum supports the development of future leaders, researchers, and creators. Young innovators gain exposure to global best practices and learn how to turn ideas into impactful projects.
This focus ensures that the Arab world remains competitive globally and continues to produce groundbreaking research, literature, and creative work.
Looking Forward: Building a Knowledge-Based Arab Ecosystem
The Arab Awards Forum aims to create a sustainable, knowledge-based ecosystem that encourages collaboration, innovation, and excellence. By strengthening ties among Arab awards, fostering research, and supporting creative endeavors, the forum contributes to building a stronger, more innovative region.
Dubai’s role as host city underscores its ambition to be a global cultural and intellectual hub. Through initiatives like the Arab Awards Platform and strategic partnerships, the emirate demonstrates its commitment to nurturing creativity, knowledge, and innovation for the benefit of society.
