Sharjah Ruler H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Honours Al Qawafi Award 2024 Winners
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, celebrated the recipients of the Al Qawafi Award 2024. The ceremony took place on Tuesday morning at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre. This event was part of the 21st Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival, which began on Monday evening.
The festival attracted poets, writers, and media professionals from various Arab and African countries. During the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan addressed the audience, extending greetings to poets and writers present and congratulating the award winners. He praised their dedication to crafting poetry that highlights the beauty and creativity of the Arabic language.
The Ruler of Sharjah highlighted Al Qawafi magazine's influence, which inspired the award's name. Published by the Sharjah Department of Culture, it plays a crucial role in showcasing poets and encouraging them to share their work. The magazine also recognises their significant contributions to literature.
Al Qawafi serves as a specialised publication introducing poetry enthusiasts to both historical poetry and contemporary works shaping today's literary landscape. It guides poets in their craft, ensuring their writing inspires hope and reminds readers of glorious moments in history.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan discussed the Houses of Poetry initiative he established across various Arab cities under his supervision. These Houses provide platforms for poets to display their talents, fostering cultural growth and uncovering emerging talents who inherit poetic legacies.
The House of Poetry in Kairouan, Tunisia, has expanded its reach beyond the city into rural areas, transforming Tunisia into a land immersed in poetry. Similarly, despite its remote location from Egypt's capital, Luxor's House of Poetry remains active and attracts a large audience.
Honouring Poets' Contributions
During the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan honoured winning poets who recited their award-winning poems covering diverse themes such as nostalgia for homeland, virtues of mothers, human emotions, reflections on life and poetry, praise for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and faith.
The honoured poets expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan for his unwavering support for poets and creatives across artistic fields. They felt proud to have their poems included in the prestigious Al Qawafi Award record.
Ceremony Attendees
The event was attended by Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of Protocol and Hospitality Department; Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Marri, Chairman of Dara; along with several officials and organisers from the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival.
At the conclusion of the event, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan welcomed poets and attendees while receiving personalised gifts such as poetry collections and books from participating poets.
With inputs from WAM
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