Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum Honors Four Tunisian Writers

The 15th edition of the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum pays tribute to four distinguished Tunisian writers. WAM
The 15th edition of the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum pays tribute to four distinguished Tunisian writers. WAM
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Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum Honors Four Tunisian Writers

The 15th edition of the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum pays tribute to four distinguished Tunisian writers. WAM
The 15th edition of the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum pays tribute to four distinguished Tunisian writers. WAM

The 15th edition of the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum unfolded in the Tunisian city of Sidi Bou Said, paying tribute to four distinguished Tunisian writers, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Thursday.

The writers are Dr. Al Manji Al Kaabi, Al Tahami Al Hani, Dr. Fawzia Al Zaouq, and Salem Al Shaabani.

According to WAM, the forum comes in implementation of the directives of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to honor literary figures who have contributed to serving contemporary Arab culture and it is held for the third time in Tunisia after celebrating, in two previous sessions, an elite group of Tunisian writers.

The honoring ceremony took place at the Nejma Ezzahra Palace in Sidi Bou Said in the presence of Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of the Department of Culture in Sharjah; Dr. Hayat Qatat Al Qarmazi, Tunisian Minister of Cultural Affairs; Dr. Iman Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia; Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, alongside a distinguished gathering of intellectuals, writers, and the families of the honorees.

“Today, we gather for the 15th session of the Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum, honoring four Tunisian writers—a testament to the robust cooperation between the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, culminating in the forum being hosted in Tunisia for the third time,” said Al Owais.

Al Qarmazi conveyed gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah, commending the initiative that transcends borders and celebrates cultural figures throughout the Arab world. She lauded the Department of Culture in Sharjah for its unwavering commitment to recognizing Arab creators and showcasing their intellectual and literary contributions through the "Sharjah Cultural Awards Forum."

The awardees acknowledged Sharjah's significant cultural endeavors in fostering creativity and honoring creators.

Al Owais and Al Qaseer, along with Al Qarmazi and Al Salami, presented certificates of appreciation to the four honorees, bearing the signature of Sharjah’s ruler, in acknowledgment of their outstanding creative contributions.



Riyadh Art Enriches Metro Stations with Artworks

Zaman Jassim’s When the Moon is Full. SPA
Zaman Jassim’s When the Moon is Full. SPA
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Riyadh Art Enriches Metro Stations with Artworks

Zaman Jassim’s When the Moon is Full. SPA
Zaman Jassim’s When the Moon is Full. SPA

Riyadh Art, the world’s largest public art program, has unveiled four monumental public artworks with the launch of the Riyadh Metro, transforming key metro stations into cultural landmarks.
At the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station, designed by the internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects, Alexander Calder’s Janey Waney takes center stage. This bold and colorful sculpture exemplifies Calder’s pioneering spirit in kinetic art, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors. Nearby, Robert Indiana’s LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside), one of the most recognizable public artworks globally, captivates audiences with its vibrant interplay of color and universal themes of connection and hope. Together, these masterpieces transform the daily commute into a celebration of art, architecture, and creativity.
At the Qasr Al Hokm Downtown Metro Station, designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, Ugo Rondinone’s The Sun stands as a striking golden centerpiece, symbolizing energy and renewal. Complementing this is Zaman Jassim’s When the Moon is Full, a reflective and poetic piece inspired by Riyadh’s rich cultural heritage. These artworks, combined with the architectural brilliance of the station, redefine public spaces, blending art with the rhythm of daily life to create a truly unique cultural experience.
“These permanent artworks embody our vision of transforming Riyadh into an open-air gallery that enriches the quality of life and fosters a deeper connection between people and art,” said Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, Executive Director of Riyadh Art. “By collaborating with some of the most creative minds of our time, we’re not just adding art to public spaces—we’re creating cultural landmarks that inspire and engage generations.”
Riyadh Art is an unparalleled cultural infrastructure initiative that reimagines urban spaces, fosters creativity, and enriches lives. Led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), as one of the four initial Mega Projects of Saudi Vision 2030, Riyadh Art champions cultural innovation, drives economic diversification, and positions Riyadh as a global center for contemporary art and culture.
Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has seamlessly integrated art into the urban fabric of Saudi Arabia’s capital, showcasing over 500 artworks by more than 500 local and international artists, hosting more than 6,000 community engagement activities, and engaging over 6 million visitors. As the program continues to expand, the number of artworks and initiatives is set to grow significantly, fostering a sense of community, enriching the city’s identity, and elevating Riyadh’s standing as a vibrant global arts destination.