Saudi Ministry of Culture honors winners of National Cultural Awards

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture on Friday honored the winners of the National Cultural Awards initiative in its second session, at a ceremony in the historic Diriyah neighborhood.

The ceremony, which was held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was attended by a large number of cultural leaders, intellectuals, writers and media professionals.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Hamed Fayez, said: “The historical depth and cultural heritage of our country and the creativity of its people have placed the Kingdom in an advanced cultural position, enabling the Ministry of Culture to highlight our creative treasures with sustainable work, in accordance with a vision and plans emanating from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

During the ceremony, officials announced that the next National Cultural Awards will include a new international category to celebrate the achievements of global cultural pioneers, reaffirming their commitment to cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and the world.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue and Secretary General of the King Faisal International Prize, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Sabeel, won the “Cultural Personality of the Year” award, in recognition of his rich literary and cultural career, and his cultural roles in which he held a number of leadership and academic positions.

Writer and film director Badr Al-Hamoud won the “Youth Culture” award in recognition of his efforts in filmmaking, publishing, translation, and technical projects.

Meanwhile, writer Kifah Buali won the literature award, poet and translator Dr. Sherif Bakna won the translation award, designer Dr. Samira Al-Otaibi won the fashion award, researcher Ahmed Al-Nugheithar won the national heritage award for his drawings and inscriptions, and chef Abdel Samad Al-Hawsawi won the culinary arts award.

The award for visual arts was won by the artist Muhannad Shonu, the award for theater and performing arts was given to writer, actor and director Ali Khabrani, the muscial award was won by Bandar bin Obaid, the film award by producer and distributor Faisal Baltoor, and the award for architecture and architectural design was given to engineer Mohammed bin Ibrahim Shafei.

As for the cultural institutions award, these were distributed over three categories, where the Diriyah Gate Development Authority won the award for cultural institutions in the governmental sector, while the Misk Art Institute won the award for cultural institutions in the non-profit sector, and the Music Home School of Art won the award for cultural institutions in the private sector.