Sultan grants six-storey building to Theatrical Association

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has allocated a six-storey building in the Al Taawun area to the Theatrical Association in Sharjah. The Association’s board of directors has expressed its joy and pride at this generous gesture from the UAE’s foremost theatre patron.

On his part, Ismail Abdullah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commended the Ruler’s gesture, saying “This gesture represents a dream, which came true, thrilling the Emirati theatre artists thanks to His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan.”

He continued, “On the 2nd of July, a gathering was convened to commemorate an event initiated by the Theatrical Association to mark the Emirati Theatre Day, which has been designated to coincide with the birthday of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, in recognition of the pioneering contributions he has made to Emirati theatre, including the establishment, construction and provision of this cultural institution. In return, theatre professionals reciprocate this love with their own, demonstrating unwavering loyalty. The impetus for this undertaking was the profound influence that he had exerted on their passion for theatre.”

He further said, “The profound sense of elation experienced by theatre professionals had not yet dissipated when a new grant was bestowed from the depths of His Highness’s benevolence. He contemplates the future of the Emirati theatre with the same care and foresight as a fatherly figure. He bestowed upon the association a unique edifice, comprising six storeys, a gift that has enabled Emirati theatre professionals to ascend once more, releasing compositions of love and allegiance.

“Sheikh Sultan spares no effort to support all of us as his children. We do not fear for a future that he planned. This grant is a cultural statement with all the sublime meanings it carries. With this grant, the association enters a new era of work, consolidating values and promoting theatre. It is a solid covenant from a man who carried the theatre as a universal message and took us with him on its path. I, and on behalf of all theatre professionals in the UAE, extend to His Highness my thanks, gratitude and loyalty that words cannot express and no statement can suffice, “ Abdullah Ismail added.