Sharjah Ruler celebrates Emirates Writers Union 40th anniversary

Upon his arrival, His Highness was welcomed by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, and several senior officials, writers, and scholars.
During the ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honored the former presidents of the Union, namely: Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Abdul Ghaffar Hussein, Nasser Al Dhaheri, Ibrahim Al Hashemi, the late Nasser Gibran, Habib Al Sayegh, and the current president of the Union, Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi.
His Highness gave a lecture focused on the significance of culture and intellectuals in society, highlighting the historical origins of the endeavours of intellectuals and writers in Europe. These efforts led to significant changes, marking the onset of the activation of intellectuals' roles across Europe.
In his speech, His Highness praised the efforts of the former presidents of the Union. He appreciated their contributions to the fields of culture and literature, acknowledging their deep knowledge and experience in the community's educational, cultural, and scientific capabilities. The community greatly relies on them.
In his address, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah discussed the concept of culture, defining it as expertise and empowerment in the fields of science, literature, and the arts. He then traced the historical impact of intellectuals and writers on societies, starting in Britain in 1613 AD with the arrival of the renowned William Shakespeare, whose theatrical and literary works caused a significant sensation. This period continued to set England apart from the rest of Europe in terms of cultural revival until approximately a century later with the advent of the English scientist Isaac Newton, a period known as the Age of Enlightenment, contrasting the Dark Ages that plagued Europe. Subsequently, various European nations began to gravitate towards science, culture, and the arts, under the influence of England. This led to the emergence of a group of French philosophers, including Diderot, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and others, who confronted the lack of societal response to their ideas, until the case of Alfred Dreyfus, a French artillery officer. He authored an article in the Parisian newspaper L'Aurore, criticizing certain policies that led to his arrest and exile from the country. Subsequently, the French writer Émile Zola came forward and penned his letter "J'Accuse...!" which was published in L'Aurore, defending Dreyfus and demanding the reversal of his sentence. This action seemed to trigger the mobilization of intellectuals who shaped public opinion, ultimately leading to Dreyfus's release and acquittal of the espionage charge. This period saw the rise of the "committed writer" like Emile Zola and was referred to as the Beautiful Era, marked by the spread of culture through dedicated writings, as well as the flourishing of theatres, cinemas, and festivals, resulting in a comprehensive cultural enrichment across scientific, cultural, artistic, and academic domains.
His Highness provided another illustration of the significant influence of intellectuals in France's history, highlighting their role in transforming the focus and methodology of Sorbonne University from solely teaching religion to encompassing diverse fields of science and art. “We are encountering a societal power that shapes our community, and that power belongs to the intellectuals,” His Highness said.
The Ruler of Sharjah emphasized the importance of culture by citing the French and their resistance to globalization. From 2016 to 2018, the French rejected globalisation, ultimately deciding that it was detrimental to their culture. This decision influenced other European nations as well. The actions of French intellectuals serve as an example of how a culture can be protected from the negative effects of globalization.

His Highness urged the emerging writers to be dedicated as they have determination, fortitude, intellect, and understanding. His Highness said: “We ask them to have good faith and strong, sincere words that will make society not deviate from its heritage, culture, and knowledge.”
Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, the Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, delivered a speech expressing his gratitude for His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah's presence and support at the ceremony. He highlighted the importance of dedicating a day to Emirati writers as a significant cultural event in the nation's history. Dr. Al Ameemi emphasised the leadership's commitment to nurturing the development of individuals and their knowledge, particularly through the support of creative and intellectual content.
He discussed the history of the establishment of the Union, the state’s great interest in the cultural aspect and creative speakers, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah's unlimited support for the Union, and His Highness's valuable contributions to developing and advancing the writing, publishing, and authorship movement.
He said: "Forty years have passed since the establishment of the Emirates Writers and Writers Union. Since its inception, the union has aimed to contribute to the advancement of the Emirati cultural scene and to support writers in the Emirates. Its goals include highlighting the voices of writers, discovering and nurturing talented individuals, promoting the use of the Arabic language, and preserving outstanding written and intellectual works with meaningful content."

He indicated the progression of the union and the cultural shift in the nation, its evolution, and the government's backing to enhance and fortify the literary and intellectual movement, and endorse literature, authors, and scribes. This led to the formation of the Writers' Union on May 26, 1984, and preceding that, the introduction of literary festivals and various specialized cultural establishments.
Al Ameemi pointed to the current efforts being made to develop the Union’s work and achieve its desired goals, in culture, language, and confronting challenges.

He said: “A year ago, with the blessing of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Honorary President of the Union, the Union launched its new strategy for the next phase. Through this strategy, the Union aims to move its activities towards new horizons of planning, expansion, and support. This is based on the belief that our dear homeland is experiencing a stage of prosperity and leadership at various levels. At the same time, the media is undergoing constant change and exerting significant influence on individuals' lives. Therefore, the Union has become more confident in the need to create a balance between our originality, identity, and the Arabic language on one hand, and the significant and influential changes in our lives on the other hand.”
He concluded his speech by addressing the efforts and contributions of the former presidents of the Union who carried the banner of writing early and left a valuable legacy, indicating that the Union is moving steadily towards cultural and humanitarian contributions to the nation’s civilizational march. "We, at the Emirates Writers Union, recognize the importance of the roles and responsibilities entrusted to us in serving the cultural community. Writers from different generations participate, and we believe that Emirati writer needs to be constantly aware of the responsibility of their words in their writings. Writing has been and still is a fundamental human act that has contributed to the emergence of human civilizations, the development of their sciences, and the formation of identity and awareness. It represents a major element in the development of human thought and civilization. We also honor the founding members who laid the first building blocks for the establishment of this union. We do not forget the founding members who have passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy of creativity and giving. For forty years, they continuously gave and achieved many milestones. We all dream of greater efforts and achievements in the future," Al Ameemi said.
During the event, the audience observed a visual presentation commemorating the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Emirates Writers and Writers Union. The presentation highlighted the union's journey and accomplishments over the preceding years, as well as its involvement in numerous activities and events. It also emphasized the support that union members receive across various literary domains, both nationally and especially in Sharjah. This support has positioned Emirati creators at the forefront of global culture in the realms of thought, poetry, and literature.