Outstanding publications are measured by ‘value of content’

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Honorary President of the Emirates Writers Union, met on Monday the President and Board members of the Union, in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority.

At the beginning of the meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the Sharjah Book Authority, Sheikh Sultan welcomed the Union’s President and members, praising the efforts made during the past period to develop the cultural scene and support Emirati intellectuals and writers, in a way that contributes to the advancement of their writings and increases literary and cultural production.

Sheikh Sultan stressed the importance of diversifying activities and programmes that encourage writers to continue writing and publishing works, noting that outstanding publications are not measured by the number of pages but by the value of their content and the appropriateness of their style.

He also emphasised the importance of nurturing young talents and supporting them in developing their writing and creative abilities, enabling them to progress and continue contributing valuable works to libraries.

Sheikh Sultan exchanged views with Union members on various cultural issues and the challenges facing Emirati writers, reaffirming his continued support for all initiatives and activities that contribute to supporting writers, backing their publications, and expanding their reach at all levels.

The President and members of the Emirates Writers Union expressed their appreciation for Sheikh Sultan’s support and close follow-up of the Union’s activities since its establishment, noting his ongoing keenness to meet with members and the guidance that enables the Union to move forward according to clear plans that help the cultural ecosystem, writers, and authors achieve their desired goals.

Recently, in a separate development, under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan, the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum reaffirmed its established presence as a leading cultural initiative that enriches the Arab creative landscape through renewed events celebrating Arab creators in their homelands.

In its latest stop, the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum, held in the historic city of Carthage in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, during its 24th edition, honoured four Tunisian writers: writer and literary figure Ezzedine Madani, writer and academic Dr Khaled Gharibi, poet Zakia Tanbari, and novelist and critic Dr Mustafa Kilani.

The Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum was held in accordance with the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah to honour prominent literary figures who have contributed to contemporary Arab culture. This was the fifth time the forum was held in Tunisia, having celebrated a group of intellectuals in four previous editions.

The ceremony took place at the House of Wisdom in Carthage, in the presence of Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; Dr Iman Al Salmi, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs; Dr Tawfiq Qarira, Director General of the Tunis Institute of Translation, representing Amina Srarfi, Tunisian Minister of Cultural Affairs; and a host of intellectuals, writers, media figures, and the families of the honourees.

Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum was held in Tunisia for the fifth time, having previously honoured a group of intellectuals, writers, media professionals, and the families of the honourees.

The ceremony began with a documentary highlighting Sharjah’s pioneering role in supporting and nurturing Arab creators and establishing a cultural environment conducive to creativity.

The presentation also included a review of the four honorees’ careers, focusing on their most significant creative milestones and their distinguished literary and intellectual achievements, which have marked a turning point in their cultural journeys over many years of dedicated service and tireless cultural work.

WAM