Dubai: The second edition of the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dubai Patrons of the Arts Awards, which honours contributors to Dubai's arts scene, was held on Sunday with Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, presenting the awards to winners in several categories.
Shaikh Maktoum handed out the awards in four categories: Distinguished Patrons of the Arts, Patrons of the Arts; Supporters of the Arts and Friends of the Arts.
Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, was honoured in the Supporters of the Arts category and Shaikh Majid collected the award on her behalf.
Shaikha Latifa Bint Maktoum Al Maktoum was honoured in the Patrons of the Arts category.
The importance and magnitude of the cultural scene in Dubai has grown significantly, according to the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), which was evident through figures released at the awards.
Mohammad Al Murr, Vice Chairman, Dubai Culture, said at the awards ceremony: "The creative pursuits of our artists have touched the lives of people everywhere, providing them with a vibrant environment to enhance their understanding of culture and art through various initiatives. The growth in the cultural and the arts sector indeed owes to the generous support and commitment to the patrons of the arts.
"This year, more than half the honourees are new to the awards - a clear testament to the growing number of individuals and organisations stepping forward to drive Dubai's cultural and arts initiatives. Creating a culture of patronage, which in turn builds a strong artistic infrastructure, is a slow but steady process, but one that is built on strong and well-researched fundamentals."
Shaikh Maktoum and Shaikh Majid were accompanied by other shaikhs and high-ranking officials at the ceremony
The first awards ceremony last year honoured patrons for their contributions of approximately Dh250 million from 2007 to 2009. This year's ceremony honoured financial or in-kind contributions towards cultural initiatives to the sum of Dh130 million in 2010 alone.
Some of the companies and bodies honoured included Al Tayer Motors, Dubai Police, Dubai Courts, the Roads and Transport Authority, Emirates airline, Dubai Concert Committee, Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (Ductac) and the Cultural and Scientific Association.
Full list of winners:
Distinguished Patrons of the Arts
1. Dr. Farhad Farjam
2. Dubai Pearl
3. Abraaj Capital
4. Majid Al Futtaim Group
5. Emirates Airline
6. Jumeirah
7. TECOM Investments
Patrons of the Arts
1. Dubai Duty Free
2. du
3. Barjeel Art Foundation
4. Shaikha Latifa Bint Maktoum Al Maktoum
5. Ramin Salsali
6. Roads & Transport Authority
Supporters of the Arts
1. Orbit Showtime Network
2. Hills Advertising
3. Al Tayer Motors
4. Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Center
5. Van Cleef & Arpels
6. Bank Sarasin-Alpen (ME) Ltd, Alpen Capital (ME) Ltd
7. Deutsche Bank
8. Dubai Police
9. Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
10. The Cultural and Scientific Association
11. Dubai Concert Committee
Friends of the Arts
1. Aramex
2. The Bank of New York Mellon
3. Michelin
4. International House
5. The JamJar
6. Electra
7. Arabtec Construction
8. Dubai Courts
9. Chalhoub Group
10. Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates
11. Barclays Wealth
12. Montblanc
13. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
14. Commercial Bank of Dubai
15. Tala Badri
16. Dr. Samiha Lutfi
