Abu Dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, honored the recipients of the prestigious UAE Order for Culture and Creativity during the UAE Government’s Annual Meeting 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
The event was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed emphasized that, “The UAE deeply values the contributions of intellectuals and inspiring individuals who enhance the role of culture and creativity in development. The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity is a well-deserved honor, recognizing exceptional work that merits the highest accolades from our nation.”
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity is the highest recognition of its kind, celebrating individuals whose artistic and creative contributions have significantly enriched the UAE’s cultural landscape.
Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, expressed that, “The launch of the Order motivates intellectuals, creatives, and patrons of the arts to pursue excellence, inspire younger generations, and contribute to the sustainability of the UAE’s cultural heritage.”
The recipients of the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity in the ‘Custodian’ category included:
- Juma Al Majid, Chairman of the Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage
- Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the UAE University
- Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation
- Huda Ibrahim Alkhamis, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation
- Abdelmonem bin Eisa Alserkal, Founder of Alserkal Avenue
- Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Archives
Recipients in the ‘Pioneer’ category included:
- Artist Abdulqader Alrais
- Artist Eid Faraj Al Rumaithi
- Singer Mehad Hamad Al Muhairi
- Actress Ruzaiqa Taresh Alotaiba
The ceremony was attended by key leaders, including HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; HH Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mua’lla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; and HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, along with ministers and officials.
The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity extends the legacy of the Emirates Appreciation Award for Science, Arts, and Literature, which aims to recognize the contributions of intellectuals and creatives across various fields.