Dubai: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), graced the opening of the fifth Arab Awards Forum, an event organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA). The forum, attended by leading Arab intellectual and scientific figures, as well as representatives from notable regional awards, underscores the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation's (MBRF) commitment to fostering a dynamic intellectual atmosphere in the Arab region.
According to Emirates News Agency, the two-day forum aims to enhance collaboration among Arab awards, amplifying their influence in promoting creativity and innovation. H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasized the forum's significance as a platform uniting thought leaders, cultural figures, and scientists from the Arab region, celebrating intellectual achievements that drive progress and foster excellence.
Sheikha Latifa remarked that Dubai's hosting of the Arab Awards Forum underscores the city's emergence as a pivotal hub for culture, creativity, and knowledge. She highlighted the city's role in gathering Arab innovators, researchers, and thinkers to acknowledge their contributions in various impactful fields. She also noted that the forum exemplifies Dubai's belief in knowledge and innovation as fundamental to progress, encouraging dialogue and collaboration to cultivate solutions benefiting humanity and ensuring a future grounded in shared growth.
Highlighting the historical contributions of Arab scientists and scholars in fields such as science, astronomy, medicine, and engineering, H.H. Sheikha Latifa reiterated the necessity of sustaining this legacy through investments in knowledge, research, and innovation for future generations.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, Secretary-General of MBRKA and CEO of MBRF, in his opening address, reaffirmed Dubai's status as a global center for knowledge creation and intellectual exchange by hosting this forward-thinking event. He underlined the forum's strategic role in supporting Arab awards, enhancing their operational frameworks, and adapting to global developments. MBRF's pivotal role through MBRKA, launched in 2015 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was highlighted as essential in recognizing achievements that contribute to global human progress.
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 leadership in thought and knowledge, and praised MBRF's support for regional creative and innovative projects. He expressed optimism for future collaborations to enhance communication, exchange expertise, and elevate Arab awards on the global stage.
The forum's opening ceremony honored government institutions supporting Arab awards, presenting them with the Arab Awards Forum Plaque. Among the honorees were institutions like the Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, MBRF, the Supreme Council for Culture in Egypt, the Greater Amman Municipality, and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, recognized for their contributions to fostering creativity and excellence.
Additionally, the forum introduced the 'Arab Awards Platform,' a comprehensive Arabic database detailing Arab awards, facilitating classification by awarding body, field, target category, and monetary value. This initiative aims to streamline information access for researchers, nominees, and media, while promoting cooperation among awards to share expertise.
The forum's first day also featured a General Assembly meeting reviewing the forum's journey and discussing future cooperation plans, alongside specialized seminars with esteemed thinkers and experts.