H.H. Sheikha Latifa Opens Fifth Arab Awards Forum in Dubai
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), attended the opening of the fifth edition of the Arab Awards Forum, hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA). The two-day forum brings together leading Arab intellectuals, scientists, and representatives of prominent regional awards to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation across the Arab world.
Speaking at the opening, H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasized the Forum’s role as a key platform connecting thought leaders, cultural figures, and scientists. She noted that the Forum celebrates intellectual achievement as a driver of progress and strengthens the capacity of Arab awards to encourage collaboration and excellence in various fields.
“Dubai’s hosting of the Arab Awards Forum reflects the emirate’s growing role as a global meeting point for culture, creativity, and knowledge — a city that brings together Arab innovators, researchers, and thinkers to celebrate their contributions in fields shaping the world,” H.H. Sheikha Latifa said. She underscored the historical contributions of Arab scientists and scholars in areas such as science, astronomy, medicine, and engineering, highlighting the importance of investing in knowledge, research, and innovation to empower future generations.
In his opening remarks, Jamal bin Huwaireb, Secretary-General of MBRKA and CEO of MBRF, affirmed that hosting the Forum reinforces Dubai’s status as a global center for knowledge creation and intellectual exchange. He highlighted the strategic role of the Forum in supporting Arab awards, enhancing their frameworks, and enabling them to meet global standards.
Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Chairman of the Arab Awards Forum and Secretary-General of the King Faisal Prize, noted that hosting the event in Dubai reflects the city’s leading position in thought leadership and innovation. He emphasized the Forum’s commitment to enhancing communication, exchanging expertise, and promoting Arab creativity on the international stage.
The Forum opened with a ceremony honoring government institutions that support Arab awards, presenting them with the Arab Awards Forum Plaque signed by HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Honorary President of the Forum. Honorees included the Presidency of Mauritania, MBRF, the Supreme Council for Culture in Egypt, Greater Amman Municipality, and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, recognizing their contributions to fostering creativity and excellence in the Arab world.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Arab Thought Foundation, the Forum launched the ‘Arab Awards Platform’, a comprehensive Arabic database of Arab awards. The platform provides detailed information about each award, facilitates research and media access, and promotes cooperation among award-giving institutions.
The first day of the Forum also included a General Assembly meeting, reviewing the Forum’s progress since its inception and discussing future plans, along with specialised seminars featuring selected experts and thought leaders.
The Arab Awards Forum continues to serve as a vibrant hub for intellectual dialogue, innovation, and regional collaboration, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to advancing knowledge, creativity, and cultural development across the Arab world.
