Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an Emiri Decree to establish the Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais Cultural Foundation.
According to Emirates News Agency, this decree lays the groundwork for a private arts and culture institution in the Emirate, functioning as a non-governmental, non-profit entity with legal personality and the capacity to achieve its set objectives. The foundation, owned by Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, enjoys financial and administrative autonomy.
The foundation's headquarters will be situated in Sharjah, with the Board of Trustees authorized to create additional offices or branches within the emirate. It will also be registered with the Sharjah Economic Development Department. The foundation's mission is to foster cultural and artistic development throughout the emirate, emphasizing the promotion of community awareness of heritage and artistic values. It also aims to preserve and display the founder's rare manuscripts, artistic artifacts, and heritage items, making them accessible to the public to enrich cultural knowledge and sustain national identity.
The decree specifies the foundation's responsibilities, which include supporting cultural, artistic, and educational projects that align with its mission. The foundation will collect and document heritage artifacts, particularly the founder's personal collection, and maintain them in optimal condition. Moreover, it will publish studies on cultural heritage and national identity and establish cultural partnerships with various entities and educational institutions.
The institution is governed by a board, which serves as its highest authority, exercising powers in accordance with the decree and the foundation's bylaws. Until the board is constituted, the founder will manage the institution, representing it in dealings with governmental and private entities. The founder will also establish the initial board of trustees, serving as the chairperson, with the board responsible for setting policies, managing operations, and appointing key personnel.
The decree also outlines the Board of Trustees' powers, including policy establishment, bylaw formulation, decision-making, budget approval, and the creation of committees. It also provides for the appointment of a director and financial manager, with the possibility of delegating board powers. The decree includes several legal articles addressing financial governance, institutional framework, and enforcement provisions.