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The forum celebrated four Jordanian literary figures: translator Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al Bakhit, critic Dr. Nabil Haddad, academic and critic Mahmoud Al Shalabi, and poet Mohammad Samhan.
The forum is held in line with the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to honour literary figures who have significantly contributed to contemporary Arab culture. This marks the fifth time the forum has taken place in Jordan, having previously recognised 16 Jordanian creatives in earlier editions.
The honouring ceremony took place at the National Library Department in Amman, in the presence of His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department; Hamad Al Matroushi, Chargé d'Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Jordan; Dr. Nidal Al Ayasrah, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Ministry of Culture; National Library Director Rouba Al Shamaila; and a large audience of Jordanian and Arab writers, intellectuals, and cultural figures.
The ceremony was moderated by Jordanian poet Iman Abdel Hadi, who opened by praising Sharjah’s pioneering role in promoting Arab cultural life and noted that the emirate has become a leading model for cultural initiatives across the region.
In his speech, Abdullah Al Owais expressed joy at the continued fraternal gatherings that enhance bonds of affection, particularly when united by shared Arab values and cooperation. He highlighted that this spirit is embodied in the strong historic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of both nations.
He said: “Today we are presenting a living example of these principles through the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum, which aims to recognise cultural figures who have enriched the Arab world with their literary creativity in various fields. After travelling across the Arab world, the forum returns for the fifth time to Jordan to honour a new group of distinguished Jordanian writers who have remained true to their craft and offered a wealth of diverse literary contributions.”
Al Owais extended sincere thanks to the Jordanian Ministry of Culture for its ongoing cooperation, which has led to the successful organisation of numerous cultural activities. He also conveyed the congratulations of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to the honourees, in appreciation of their dedication and cultural contributions, along with His Highness’s warm regards and best wishes for their continued success.
In his address, Dr. Nidal Al Ayasrah welcomed the attendees: “Welcome to Amman, which sends its warmest greetings to Sharjah through this rich cultural tapestry, representing a model of collaboration between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. It is a great occasion to honour a distinguished group of our nation’s creatives across diverse literary fields, who have shown commitment, determination, and a luminous vision in their cultural projects.”
He added: “Writers, poets, critics, and historians offer their insight so that others may benefit, often sacrificing their time and energy for the greater cultural good. The moments that bring them joy are those when words come alive, when wisdom and philosophy are shared, when poetry is in the air, and when younger generations connect with their rich Arab heritage.”
Al Ayasrah emphasised that such efforts gain immense value when supported by a generous hand like that of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. “It is then that we feel reassured that literature, thought, and history are alive and well, lighting the path forward and opening the doors of Islamic Arab civilisation to reflection, learning, and aspiration.”
He continued: “In Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II has consistently championed culture and intellectual development. And when Jordanian creatives join hands with their counterparts from the UAE, we see the embodiment of a shared Arab project and an ambition to explore new horizons in literature, arts, science, and thought.”
Al Ayasrah went on to say: “Sharjah has truly become a destination for intellectuals and a shining jewel in the crown of Arab culture. It stands today as a model for cultural work in all its dimensions, thanks to the vision of its ruler, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi—a scholar, writer, historian, and thinker whose generous support for culture, artists, intellectuals, and scientists knows no bounds.”
“In Sharjah, hardly a day passes without a lecture, conference, festival, or cultural gathering. The emirate has rightly earned its title as Capital of Arab Culture. We take this opportunity to say: thank you, Your Highness, for your noble humanity.”
Reflecting on the forum itself, Al Ayasrah said: “We deeply value the symbolic significance of the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum and the powerful motivation it offers. Now in its fifth edition in Jordan and 22nd across the Arab world, it is a journey deserving of respect. It confirms Sharjah’s enduring role in shaping and inspiring Arab creativity.”
He concluded by highlighting the broader impact of Sharjah’s cultural initiatives—from the founding of Arabic poetry houses to critical awards in poetry and visual arts, as well as festivals of arts and Arabic calligraphy. “All of this makes Sharjah a vibrant space for culture and enlightenment.”
Hamad Al Matroushi delivered a speech in which he said: “It is a great honour to participate in the 22nd edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum, held at the National Library in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and to be among this distinguished and creative group of intellectuals and writers.”
He added: “The directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, have played a major role in advancing the cultural renaissance in the UAE and the Arab world at large. His Highness has consistently supported and followed up on the work of both Emirati and Arab intellectuals and writers through pioneering intellectual and cultural initiatives, including the Sharjah Cultural Honours Forum, which is closely overseen by the Department of Culture in Sharjah. The emirate’s significant contributions and its dynamic cultural and literary movement at both the local and regional levels have earned admiration and appreciation from all, rightfully securing Sharjah’s title as the Capital of Culture.”
He concluded: “Finally, I would like to take this remarkable and renewed cultural event as an opportunity to express with pride the deep fraternal ties between our two countries across all fields—relations that stand as a model of excellence in international cooperation.”
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Professor Dr. Mohammad Al Bakhit began his speech by saying:
“This is the fifth time that His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has honoured a group of Jordanian intellectuals who have contributed to Arab culture in the modern era. Over the years, His Highness has graciously honoured many figures across the Arab world.”
He continued: “On behalf of myself and my fellow honourees, I extend our sincere gratitude to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, for his noble civilisational initiative to recognise those who have served culture in their communities, countries, and among their audiences—particularly in these challenging times facing the Arab world and its intellectuals. These circumstances call for creative initiatives capable of transforming reality and overcoming obstacles, so that intellectuals may play an active role in enriching civilisational life.”
Al Bakhit added: “Once again, we thank the Ruler of Sharjah for this initiative. Our thanks also go to the organisers of this event and to the staff of the National Library, which preserves our national memory, images, and cherished aspirations.”
Dr. Mohammad Adnan Al Bakhit, translator and President of the Jordanian Academy of Arabic Language, holds a BA in Arts/History from the American University of Beirut (1963), an MA in Islamic History from the same institution (1965), and a PhD in Islamic History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (1972). Dr Al Bakhit is proficient in Arabic, English, and Turkish, and has had a long academic career in research and translation. He founded the Centre for Documents and Manuscripts at the University of Jordan and has published numerous studies and books.
Dr. Nabil Youssef Haddad, born in Beisan in 1948, holds a post-doctoral certificate in writing and editing from the University of Missouri-Columbia (USA), sponsored by Yarmouk University, and a PhD in modern Arabic fiction from Ain Shams University (Egypt). Among his publications are The Novel in Jordan: Spaces and Foundations, Writing with the Pains of the Present: Textual Studies in Jordanian Fiction, Perspectives on the Egyptian Novel, Journalism in Jordan, and several works on journalistic styles, skills, and issues.
Mohammad Samhan is a poet, critic, historian, writer, and journalist who has actively worked in these fields for more than fifty years. His published poetry includes Two Melodies on a Broken String, Hymns of the Canaanite Knight, and Trinities, among other works and unpublished manuscripts. His poetry has been translated into English, Serbian, Swedish, and Spanish.
Dr. Mahmoud Al Shalabi, critic and academic, was born in Danna/Beisan in 1943. He holds an MA and PhD in literature and criticism from Al-Azhar University in Egypt.
The honouring ceremony was attended by the families of the honourees, who came to share in the celebration. Their presence added a unique human touch to the event, filling it with warmth, pride, and heartfelt gratitude. Attendees expressed their joy at this recognition, viewing it as a well-earned reward for the honourees’ dedication and cultural mission.
In addition to the strong family turnout, university students and representatives from local cultural institutions were also present to celebrate the honourees. Many expressed appreciation to Sharjah for its consistent focus on writers, who are seen as mentors and guiding figures for future generations.
At the end of the ceremony, Abdullah Al Owais, Mohammed Al Qaseer, Hamad Al Matroushi, and Nidal Al Ayasrah presented certificates of recognition to the four honourees. These were signed by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah as a tribute to their literary and intellectual contributions to the Arab cultural scene.
Attendees viewed a short documentary highlighting the personal and creative journeys of the four honourees. The film offered glimpses into their achievements and lasting impact in the fields of culture and creativity, portraying their careers as missions of purpose that transformed challenges into opportunities—making them truly deserving of celebration.
The audience found the screening an opportunity to learn more about the honourees, both culturally and personally.
The honouring ceremony was accompanied by an exhibition showcasing a range of publications from the Sharjah Department of Culture. Among the featured titles were Sharjah Cultural Magazine, Al Rafid, Al Qawafi, Theatre Magazine, Al Heera from Sharjah, and a collection of books across various literary genres. The exhibition attracted a large audience, with many keen to browse and acquire these culturally rich titles.
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