Dubai: The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award announced the conferment of its Achievement Award in its nineteenth cycle upon His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. This recognition comes in light of his significant contributions to culture and knowledge over several decades globally.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Award's Board of Trustees stated that the honor is a testament to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's unique journey, which has made a substantial impact on culture, development, and humanity. The Board highlighted that the Award celebrates thought over titles and journeys over names, leading to the decision to honor Sheikh Mohammed for his career that embodies generosity, development, and a future-oriented vision.
The Board emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed's achievements are rooted in a vision that prioritizes people in the progress equation, utilizing knowledge as a catalyst for change, peace as a universal approach, and giving as a lasting legacy. His projects and institutions serve as beacons of hope and inspiration.
The recognition underscores a comprehensive renaissance model that connects humanity, knowledge, culture, economy, and peace, redefining the essence of achievement. Sheikh Mohammed's vision places culture, knowledge, science, and innovation at the core of sustainable development, transforming human giving into a system that supports communities and empowers individuals regardless of religion or race.
Notable initiatives by Sheikh Mohammed include the Arab Reading Challenge, the world's largest Arabic-language reading competition, launched in 2015. This initiative has engaged over 163 million students, promoting a culture of reading and affirming the importance of intellectual and civilizational progress.
The Great Arab Minds Award, launched in 2022, aims to discover and honor exceptional Arab talents in science, culture, and innovation, reviving the Arab world's role in global civilization. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library and the Digital School are other significant contributions that support the UAE's cultural strategy and provide quality education in underserved regions.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Award for the Arabic Language enhances the language's global stature, connecting it with scientific and technological advancements. Now in its ninth edition, the award fosters creativity and innovation in the service of the Arabic language, complemented by a modern Arabic dictionary of scientific and technical terms.
Sheikh Mohammed's literary works, including My Vision, My Story, Life Taught Me, and others, have enriched national and Arab libraries. The Board also acknowledged prestigious awards established by Sheikh Mohammed in culture, arts, science, and Quranic studies, solidifying the UAE's leadership in culture and innovation regionally and globally.