Sharjah Honors a Distinguished Egyptian Cultural Group in Cairo
Al Owais: The forum affirms its mission, enhances the status of culture, and encourages Arab writers.
Al-Ezzazi: We value Sharjah's efforts and its active role in supporting Arab creatives.
Honorees: Sharjah is a beacon of knowledge and creativity.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Egyptian capital, Cairo, witnessed the launch of the 21st edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honoring Forum, celebrating four Egyptian literary figures: writer and novelist Etidal Othman, critic Shawqi Badr, writer and critic Salah Al-Sarouri, and novelist and journalist Ezzat Al-Qamhawi.
This forum comes in line with the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, to honor literary figures who have contributed to contemporary Arab culture. It is the sixth time the forum is held in Egypt, having previously honored 17 Egyptian creatives in earlier editions.
The honoring ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Supreme Council of Culture in Cairo, attended by H.E. Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah; Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department; Dr. Ashraf Al-Ezzazi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council; H.E. Abdul Basit Al Marzouqi, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Head of the UAE Consular Mission in Egypt; along with a large audience of Egyptian and Arab writers, intellectuals, and cultural figures.
The event was hosted by Egyptian poet Obaid Abbas, who began by emphasizing that Sharjah has become a leading model in supporting culture and the arts, highlighting the emirate’s continuous efforts in enriching the Arab cultural scene.
Al Owais Highlights Cultural Partnership
In his speech, Abdulla Al Owais noted the importance of the cultural collaboration, stating:
"The cultural cooperation between the Department of Culture in Sharjah and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture continues in a spirit of brotherhood that has led to numerous cultural activities, including theater, poetry, storytelling, and literary awards.”
He continued about the forum and its goals:
"Here is the Sharjah Cultural Honoring Forum returning once again to the Arab Republic of Egypt, to honor a new group of distinguished Egyptian writers, recognizing and valuing their rich literary contributions. This forum, which seeks to maintain connection with writers across the Arab world, consistently strives to elevate Arab culture, invigorate the literary scene, and encourage every writer of noble, constructive words."
He added:
"The continuation of this cultural cooperation confirms the deep brotherly relations between the UAE and Egypt, strengthened by the wise leadership of both nations.”
Al Owais extended his gratitude and conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the honorees, stating:
"I take this opportunity to express sincere appreciation to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture for always welcoming Arab cultural initiatives. I am honored to convey the congratulations and best wishes of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to the honorees of this edition."
"Pride and Appreciation"
At the beginning of his speech, Dr. Al-Ezzazi welcomed the attendees, saying:
"Welcome to the Supreme Council of Culture, where the 21st edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honoring Forum takes place across the Arab world—and for the sixth time here in Egypt—under the generous initiative of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture."
He continued:
"This edition honors a group of writers and literary figures who enriched cultural life and represent a shining example of the Egyptian intellectual who defends the values of truth, goodness, and beauty. This honoring is a testament to the creator’s vital role in advancing cultural action and creativity across the Arab world."
Speaking about the importance of honoring creatives in their own countries, Al-Ezzazi said:
"Honoring writers in their homeland and among their peers carries a special gesture, as Sharjah reaches out to the creative individuals where they are, acknowledging their cultural and national contributions. This initiative comes to Egypt for the sixth time, having honored seventeen Egyptian writers in the past four years."
He directed heartfelt thanks to the Ruler of Sharjah, saying:
"I extend deep gratitude to the Emirate of Sharjah and His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi. Sharjah’s fruitful and impactful cultural activity is well known. This is evidenced by events such as the Sharjah Narrative Forum and the Sharjah Award for Arab Creative Youth, which were both hosted multiple times at the Supreme Council of Culture. We value this role and hope for continued cooperation in enriching creativity and strengthening the bonds of love and brotherhood between our two nations.”
"A Beacon of Knowledge and Creativity"
The honorees praised the initiatives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and the emirate’s effective role in revitalizing the Arab cultural scene. They affirmed that Sharjah, through its cultural efforts, has become a beacon of knowledge and creativity.
Shawqi Badr praised the cultural contributions of His Highness, stating that the forum offers unprecedented support to deserving Arab writers in advancing contemporary Arab culture.
"I believe I have achieved successes in the field of writing that I am proud of, even at this advanced age. Despite that, I still engage in this work daily with dedication. This honor brings me great joy and proves that my efforts in narrative criticism were not in vain."
Dr. Salah Al-Sarouri expressed happiness about the recognition, calling it a qualitative shift for Arab writers. He commended Sharjah's cultural work since the 1970s.
Speaking of his journey, he said:
"From a young age, I was curious about the meanings of things, always asking questions. That was the beginning."
He acknowledged those who influenced his path:
"I owe everything I’ve faced and experienced—from childhood onward—as well as to my professors at the prestigious institutions of Dar Al Uloom and the Faculty of Arts at Cairo University: from Taher Ahmed Makki and Ali Ashri Zayed to Saad Maslouh, Abdel Mohsen Taha Bader, Abdel Moneim Tallima, and Hassan Hanafi. I also appreciate my colleagues and students at Helwan University, and everyone who provided me with feedback."
Writer Etidal Othman expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying she is honored by the recognition and her literary journey.
Speaking about writing, she said:
"The act of writing is the lasting impact. It is the sign of the journey and the meaning that is never fully realized, yet never entirely denied. Writing remains the witness to the path that is crowned today with the Sharjah Cultural Honoring Forum recognizing my creative and critical contribution to the Arab cultural landscape."
Author Ezzat Al-Qamhawi reflected on his path:
"A writer is not born a writer but a reader. The moment of birth into reading varies widely. Some children grow up surrounded by books yet ignore them. Others, even in homes without a single book, fall deeply in love with reading. That was me. I never unwrapped a book as a birthday gift, nor did my parents take me to a bookstore. But somehow, the books found their way to me, and from there, my journey began."
"Honorees at a Glance"
Poet and novelist I’tidal Othman, born in 1942, is a storyteller and critic with a significant role in Egyptian and Arab cultural life across decades, earning a respected literary status in the Arab world.
Writer Shawqi Badr, born in 1941, is a member of the Egyptian Writers' Union and has numerous works in criticism and narrative studies.
Dr. Salah Al-Sarouri is an academic researcher and literary critic with a PhD from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest (1990). He is currently a professor at the Arabic Language Department at Helwan University and has authored many influential publications.
Ezzat Al-Qamhawi, born in 1961, is an Egyptian novelist and journalist, known for his novels, short story collections, and various texts.
"Certificates of Appreciation"
At the end of the event, Abdulla Al Owais, Mohammed Al Qaseer, and Al-Ezzazi presented the four honorees with certificates of appreciation signed by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, in recognition of their literary and intellectual contributions to the Arab cultural scene.
"Recorded Presentation"
Attendees watched a recorded presentation featuring scenes from past visits of the Sharjah Cultural Honoring Forum to Egypt, recalling the journey that started in Egypt and toured the Arab world for over twenty sessions. The video also documented images of this edition’s honorees.
"Publications Exhibition"
Alongside the honoring ceremony, an exhibition featured various publications from the Sharjah Department of Culture, including Al-Shariqa Al-Thaqafiya Magazine, Al-Rafid, Al-Qawafi, and Masrah Magazine.