Egyptian Actors' Syndicate honours Sharjah Ruler for supporting theatre and arts in Arab world

The Egyptian Actors' Syndicate honoured His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, during the seventh edition of the "Egyptian Theatre Actors' Festival," in recognition of his contributions and efforts in supporting and promoting theatre and the arts in the Arab world.

The award was received on behalf of Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed by Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Culture Department, during the festival's opening ceremony held in Cairo, Egypt.

The event was attended by Dr Ibrahim Saber Khalil, Cairo Governor; Dr Ashraf Zaki, festival president and head of the Actors' Syndicat, Counsellor Saleh Al Saadi, UAE Embassy representative in Egypt; Dr Inas Abdel Dayem, Honourary President of the Festival and former Egyptian Minister of Culture; Mohamed Riad, President of the National Theatre Festival, along with a large number of Egyptian and Arab artists, theatre professionals, and cultural figures.

The Actors' Syndicate also chose to honour artists including the renowned actor Yehia El Fakharany, Director Samir Al Asfoury, and posthumously the late actor Ahmed Rateb.

In his opening remarks, Abdullah Al Owais expressed his happiness in attending the festival, saying, "We are delighted to be with you at this joyful event on the occasion of the Egyptian Theatre Actors' Festival, where the theatre once again comes together through artistic and theatrical activities in Egypt's vibrant cultural scene."

Al Owais praised the role of Egyptian public and private institutions in enriching Arab cultural life, and conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and expressed His Highness' gratitude for the honour.

Also, Zaki praised the role of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in Arab theatre, stating, "His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah has played a pivotal role in the revival of Arab theatre through continuous cultural initiatives, both materially and morally. In addition to this support, His Highness has made significant contributions to playwriting, which holds great importance for Arab intellectuals."

Zaki added, "His Highness' support extends to many cultural sectors, with theatre being a beneficiary of this broad cultural vision. His enormous efforts to support the Arab theatre movement have had a clear impact, and His Highness' generous support includes the establishment of a home for elderly artists in Egypt, which is greatly valued and appreciated by every Egyptian and Arab artist, creator, and intellectual."

The Egyptian Theatre Actors' Festival is an annual event aimed at supporting and encouraging young talents in the fields of acting and theatre.

The festival began in 2016 under the supervision of the Actors' Syndicate, chaired by actor Ashraf Zaki. It focuses on presenting new theatrical works by young artists and provides an opportunity for emerging talents, alongside different generations of syndicate members, to showcase their artistic abilities.