Sharjah honours four Jordanian writers in Amman Forum

Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 22nd edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum was launched in the Jordanian capital, Amman.

The forum celebrated four Jordanian literary figures: translator Prof. Dr Mohammad Al Bakhit, critic Dr Nabil Haddad, academic and critic Mahmoud Al Shalabi, and poet Mohammad Samhan.

The forum was held in line with the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to honour literary figures who have significantly contributed to contemporary Arab culture. This marks the fifth time the forum has taken place in Jordan, having previously recognised 16 Jordanian creatives in earlier editions.

The honouring ceremony took place at the National Library Department in Amman, in the presence of Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department; Hamad Al Matroushi, Chargé d'Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Jordan; Dr. Nidal Al Ayasrah, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Ministry of Culture; National Library Director Rouba Al Shamaila; and a large audience of Jordanian and Arab writers, intellectuals, and cultural figures.

STRONG HISTORIC TIES

In his speech, Abdullah Al Owais expressed joy at the continued fraternal gatherings that enhance bonds of affection, particularly when united by shared Arab values and cooperation. He highlighted that this spirit is embodied in the strong historic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of both nations.

He said, "Today we are presenting a living example of these principles through the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum, which aims to recognise cultural figures who have enriched the Arab world with their literary creativity in various fields. After travelling across the Arab world, the forum returns for the fifth time to Jordan to honour a new group of distinguished Jordanian writers who have remained true to their craft and offered a wealth of diverse literary contributions.”

Al Owais extended sincere thanks to the Jordanian Ministry of Culture for its ongoing cooperation, which has led to the successful organisation of numerous cultural activities.

In his address, Dr Nidal Al Ayasrah welcomed the attendees, "Welcome to Amman, which sends its warmest greetings to Sharjah through this rich cultural tapestry, representing a model of collaboration between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It is a great occasion to honour a distinguished group of our nation’s creatives across diverse literary fields, who have shown commitment, determination, and a luminous vision in their cultural projects.”

He added, "Writers, poets, critics, and historians offer their insight so that others may benefit, often sacrificing their time and energy for the greater cultural good. The moments that bring them joy are those when words come alive, when wisdom and philosophy are shared, when poetry is in the air, and when younger generations connect with their rich Arab heritage.”

'NOBLE CIVILISATIONALS INITIATIVE'

Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Professor Dr Mohammad Al Bakhit said, "On behalf of myself and my fellow honourees, I extend our sincere gratitude to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, for his noble civilisational initiative to recognise those who have served culture in their communities, countries, and among their audiences-particularly in these challenging times facing the Arab world and its intellectuals. These circumstances call for creative initiatives capable of transforming reality and overcoming obstacles, so that intellectuals may play an active role in enriching civilisational life.”

The honouring ceremony was accompanied by an exhibition showcasing a range of publications from the Sharjah Department of Culture. Among the featured titles were Sharjah Cultural Magazine, Al Rafid, Al Qawafi, Theatre Magazine, Al Heera from Sharjah, and a collection of books across various literary genres. The exhibition attracted a large audience, with many keen to browse and acquire these culturally rich titles.

The ceremony was moderated by Jordanian poet Iman Abdel Hadi, who opened by praising Sharjah’s pioneering role in promoting Arab cultural life and noted that the emirate has become a leading model for cultural initiatives across the region.

WAM