Sheikh Sultan honours an awardee at the launch of the poetry festival. WAM

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Sunday attended at the Cultural Palace the launch of the 16th edition of the Sharjah Folklore Poetry Festival.

The festival is organised by the Department of Culture with the participation of more than 60 male and female poets and media men from 15 Arab countries.

Sheikh Sultan was received by Sheikh Salem Bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture, Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department, and a large gathering of festival guests and folklore poetry fans.

The ceremony started with a speech delivered by poet Butti Al Madhloum, director of the festival, followed by a group of poets reading their poems. During the festival, a documentary on the honoured personalities was shown concurrently with a poem titled ‘Lawhet Fannan’ by poet Saif Al Saadi.

Later, Sheikh Sultan was invited to honour the poets of the 16th edition of the festival: Mohammed Belhali, Saif Al Saadi and Mariam Al Tunaiji.

In another event, Sheikh Sultan chaired the meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees held at the AUS campus on Sunday.

Sheikh Sultan reviewed and approved resolutions related to the efficient operation and future development of the university. He expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the university’s board members and thanked the faculty and staff for their commitment and hard work.

The board acknowledged the advancement of the research agenda, noting the significant progress made on the range of scholarly and creative projects undertaken by faculty across the university.    

Progress on initiatives related to the student experience was also reviewed and the board recognised the university’s achievements in continuing to attract highly qualified students that contribute to a vibrant academic community, fostering student success, and developing extracurricular programmes to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth through activities on campus and beyond.

The board approved the key budget operating parameters for the fiscal year 2020-2021. It also reviewed and approved the strategic plan that will guide the university through 2025.

Commenting on the meeting, Professor Kevin Mitchell, Chancellor of AUS, said, “AUS continues to benefit from the tremendous support of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan and the board’s commitment to the success of the university. The support of the board has been essential for advancing the research agenda, enhancing academic programmes, and enriching the student experience.”

Chancellor Mitchell also thanked the members of the board for their support and commitment to AUS.

Sheikh Sultan has issued an Emiri Decree appointing Director-General of the General Directorate of Sharjah Civil Defence, SCD.

Emiri Decree No. 02 of 2020 stipulates that Colonel Sami Khamis Al Naqbi shall be appointed as the Director-General of the General Directorate of Sharjah Civil Defence.

The Decree is effective from the date of issuance and shall be published in the Official Gazette. Other competent authorities should implement its provisions each in its respective field.

Recently, Sheikh Sultan has ordered exemption of houses in Kalba, Al Ramtha and Al Quoz regions from the connection fees for sanitation services. He also ordered the government to pay the fees at a value of Dhs45 million.

Ali bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, Member of the Sharjah Executive Council and Chairman of Sharjah Directorate of Public Works, SDPW, announced this during his intervention via the Direct Line Programme, broadcast live on Sharjah Radio.