Latifa Bint Mohammed Inaugurates The 5th Arab Awards Forum To Promote Creativity And Collaboration
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the opening of the Arab Awards Forum's fifth edition. Hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA), this two-day event featured prominent Arab intellectuals and scientific figures. It aims to foster collaboration among Arab awards, enhancing their role in promoting creativity and innovation across the region.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, Secretary-General of MBRKA and CEO of MBRF, highlighted Dubai's status as a global hub for knowledge creation. He stated that hosting this event reinforces Dubai's position as a centre for intellectual exchange. The Forum supports Arab awards by advancing their frameworks and aligning them with global developments. MBRF has been pivotal in this effort through MBRKA, launched in 2015 under directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Chairman of the Arab Awards Forum and Secretary-General of the King Faisal Prize, emphasised Dubai's role as a global destination for thought leadership. He noted that the city supports creative projects in the region. Dr. Alsebail expressed ambitions to enhance communication among awards, exchange expertise, and elevate institutional standards to broaden their impact globally.
The Forum began with a ceremony honouring government institutions supporting Arab awards. Honourees included Mauritania's Presidency for backing the Chinguetti Award and Egypt's Supreme Council for Culture for adopting pioneering awards like the Nile Award for Arab Creators. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre was recognised for sponsoring the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa stressed the importance of nurturing Arab scientists' contributions to fields like science and engineering throughout history. She reaffirmed investing in knowledge and innovation to empower future generations to continue this legacy of creativity and discovery.
The Forum also launched a new project in collaboration with the Arab Thought Foundation: the ‘Arab Awards Platform.’ This comprehensive database includes all Arab awards meeting membership criteria, providing detailed information about each award. It classifies awards based on various criteria such as awarding body, field, target category, and monetary value.
Strategic Partnerships
Bin Huwaireb stated that strategic partnerships are essential for making Arab awards critical tools for building human capital and advancing knowledge production. "We must move beyond traditional methods," he said, aiming to cultivate an ecosystem capable of competing globally.
The first day included a General Assembly meeting reviewing the Forum’s journey since its inception. Members discussed cooperation prospects and future plans while specialised seminars featured thinkers and experts sharing insights on various topics.
The event reflects efforts by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation to create a vibrant intellectual environment in the Arab world. H.H. Sheikha Latifa noted that Dubai’s hosting underscores its role as a global meeting point for culture, creativity, and knowledge.
She said: "Dubai’s hosting of the Arab Awards Forum reflects the emirate’s growing role as a global meeting point for culture, creativity, and knowledge — a city that brings together Arab innovators, researchers, and thinkers to celebrate their contributions in fields that continue to shape the world."
With inputs from WAM
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