Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Sultan Celebrates SPAA Graduates And Announces New Arts Programmes
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, expressed his pride in the graduates of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy. During a ceremony on Saturday morning, he praised their talent and dedication. The event welcomed graduates from across the Arab world, including countries like Mauritania and Oman.
Peter Barlow, Executive Director of the academy, highlighted Sheikh Sultan's vision and support for advancing arts education. He noted that Sharjah is a model of academic excellence with a comprehensive education system serving over 40,000 students. Education here not only focuses on academics but also fosters creativity and responsibility.
Sheikh Sultan announced the launch of a new College of Music starting in September. This initiative reaffirms Sharjah's commitment to nurturing regional talent. Additionally, plans for a filmmaking programme were unveiled, completing the academy’s focus on Theatre, Music, and Cinema.
The development of these programmes reflects Sharjah’s mission to uplift creative communities and offer transformative learning opportunities. Sheikh Sultan stated that knowledge can correct errors in individuals or nations by proceeding with calm and measured steps.
Barlow shared that 90 percent of academy graduates are employed in creative sectors both locally and internationally. This success is attributed to strong institutional support, expert faculty, and an environment fostering ethical leadership in the arts.
Addressing the graduates, Barlow said they have transformed into skilled professionals despite setbacks. He encouraged them to embrace uncertainty as learners without clear maps or guarantees but with the challenge of creating something new.
Guest of honour Zainab Al Askari expressed her happiness at being part of the celebration. She appreciated Sheikh Sultan’s support for artists and described the academy as a dream realised—an institution enabling artists to refine skills and communicate powerful messages.
She praised the academy’s role in preparing future generations of performers while expressing gratitude for the organisers' hospitality. The ceremony concluded with Sheikh Sultan distributing graduation certificates to students as their families watched proudly.
With inputs from WAM
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