Dubai: The Cultural Office of Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been named “Cultural Personality of the Year”, at the 24th edition of the Al Owais Creativity Awards. The award recognises The Cultural Office’s outstanding efforts in launching and supporting cultural and creative programmes that honour and encourage emerging cultural talent in the UAE. These efforts are in line with The Cultural Office’s strategy to support the local arts scene and inspire a cultural movement in the country.
Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and wife of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs, expressed her pride in the prestigious award. She commended the awards for playing an important part in fostering a literary and cultural environment and recognising prominent innovators over the years.
Shaikha Manal said: “This award reflects the excellence of the Cultural Office’s team, and their continuous efforts in the strategic development and implementation of our vision and mission to nurture and support young talent. The award is another incentive for us to continue on our path of creating a thriving cultural community.”
She added: “The Cultural Office is grateful for this prestigious award, which carries the name of the late Sultan Al Owais. Over the years, the Al Owais Creativity Awards have played a crucial role in embracing, supporting and motivating talented people of all ages across various creative fields.”
Shaikha Manal praised the humanitarian efforts of the late Sultan Al Owais, who was an inspiring national role model to people who believe in the importance of culture in the development of nations. His literary career, she said, will continue to be remembered throughout the Arab world. He also highlighted the importance of guiding young people and harnessing their abilities to support the nation’s development process.
Shaikha Manal concluded by congratulating the winners of this year’s Al Owais Creativity Awards, for their achievements in creativity, culture, science and literature.
The award was received by Mona Bin Kalli, director of The Cultural Office, at an awards ceremony which took place at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai. The event was attended by Sultan Saqer Al Suwaidi, chairman of the board of the Cultural and Scientific Association, alongside members of the board, the Cultural Office team, and a number of officials and public figures.
Over 120 contestants competed for 41 awards during the 24th edition of the Al Owais Creativity Awards. The Poetry Award was among the most prestigious awards, followed by the first and second prizes in the ‘Best Innovation’ category.
