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.



Saudi Crafts Shine at Banan Exhibition

The Banan Exhibition brought together artisans from over 25 countries. SPA
The Banan Exhibition brought together artisans from over 25 countries. SPA
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Saudi Crafts Shine at Banan Exhibition

The Banan Exhibition brought together artisans from over 25 countries. SPA
The Banan Exhibition brought together artisans from over 25 countries. SPA

The Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) served as a cultural forum, bringing together pioneers of handicrafts from across the globe, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

With participation from more than 25 countries, alongside Saudi artisans, the exhibition provided a vibrant space to explore diverse traditional arts that reflect the unique cultures of different peoples, SPA said.
Amid this diversity, Saudi handicrafts held a prominent position. The international participation offered Saudi artisans an opportunity to present their heritage in a global context, showcasing traditional crafts such as Sadu weaving, metal engraving, and palm frond weaving. These displays underscored Saudi heritage as an essential component of the international cultural landscape, SPA said.
One participating Saudi artisan remarked, “The exhibition is not only an opportunity to display our work but also a chance to learn from other cultures and discover similarities between our heritage and that of other nations.”
A visitor expressed his admiration, stating, “The exhibition allowed us to witness this incredible cultural diversity in one place. It gave us insights into the similarities and differences among various peoples through their handicrafts.”
By bringing together artisans from over 25 countries, the Banan Exhibition significantly contributed to fostering cultural understanding and dialogue among nations.