Sheikh Mansour Honours Cultural Leaders at UAE Annual Meetings
The UAE recognizes pioneers in arts and literature to foster national creative development.
1Official Recognition Ceremony
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, presided over the third UAE Order for Culture and Creativity ceremony. Held during the 2026 UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, the event celebrated individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation’s cultural landscape and the creative arts sector.
2Strategic Cultural Vision
Sheikh Mansour emphasized that culture and creativity serve as core pillars for the nation's comprehensive development. He described these fields as essential investments for human progress, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to maintaining its status as a global beacon of dialogue, openness, and bridge-building with diverse nations across the world.
3Inspiring Future Generations
The Order serves as a national mechanism designed to transform individual achievements into community-wide inspiration. Minister of Culture Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi noted that the initiative encourages emerging talent to pursue creative work, ensuring that the country's cultural sector remains sustainable and vibrant for all future generations.
4Honouring Literary Pioneers
In the pioneer tier, the late Ahmed bin Sulayem Al Falasi and the late Sultan Al Owais were recognized for their profound contributions to Arabic literature. Additionally, Dr. Sultan Al Amimi received honors for his extensive work in documenting Emirati folklore poetry, preserving the oral traditions of the local heritage.
5Preserving National History
Dr. Fatima Al Sayegh and the late Peter Hellyer were honored for their dedicated efforts in documenting the history and heritage of the UAE. Their academic contributions provide a foundational understanding of the nation's past, ensuring that historical narratives remain accessible and preserved for scholars and the general public alike.
6Contemporary Art Movement
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim was recognized for his instrumental role in establishing the UAE's contemporary art movement. His work has helped shape the visual identity of the nation, providing a platform for modern expression that aligns with the country's broader goals of fostering a sophisticated and globally recognized creative ecosystem.
7Visionary Tier Awards
Ali Abu Al Reesh was honored in the visionary tier for his long literary career and his commitment to promoting the Arabic language. Alongside him, Dr. Najat Makki received recognition for her pioneering role in the contemporary art movement and her ongoing support for emerging artists within the country.
8National Creative Priority
By institutionalizing these awards, the UAE government signals that creativity is a top national priority. This structured approach to cultural recognition aims to nurture talent systematically, ensuring that the arts remain a central component of the country's long-term development strategy and its international reputation for cultural and intellectual growth.
Original article: The National — Sheikh Mansour Honours Cultural Leaders at UAE Annual Meetings