Nouakchott: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, hosted a cultural celebration highlighting the achievements of four key figures in Mauritanian literature. This event underscored the values of loyalty to creative individuals and acknowledged their significant contributions to cultural life.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was part of the 23rd Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum, organised by the Sharjah Department of Culture in collaboration with the Mauritanian Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament. The forum recognised poet Mohamed Fall Abdel Latif, linguistics academic Dr Yahya Al Hashemi, language researcher Dr Mohamedou Ameen, and poet Mohamed Al Hafiz Ould Ahmedou for their enriching impact on cultural life.
The forum aligns with the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah to acknowledge literary figures contributing to contemporary Arab culture. This marks the fourth occasion the forum has been held in Mauritania, previously honouring 12 Mauritanian creatives in past editions.
The award ceremony took place at the Conference Hall in Nouakchott, attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; El Houssein Ould Meddou, Mauritania's Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department; the Governor of Nouakchott-West representing the Mayor of Tevragh-Zeina Municipality; alongside a large audience of Mauritanian intellectuals, academics, writers, and the honourees' families.
In his address, Abdullah Al Owais emphasised the importance of the ongoing cultural partnership between Sharjah and Mauritania. He remarked, "We are pleased to gather today at this cultural event, which continues the cooperation between the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament. This partnership has facilitated numerous cultural activities supporting Arab culture and reinforcing the role of thought and creativity in our societies."
El Houssein Ould Meddou expressed gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, stating, "I am honoured to be part of this cultural gathering, celebrating this forum and noble initiative. I extend my heartfelt thanks to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, this cultured leader who has devoted his efforts to serving the Arabic language and literature, supporting culture and intellectuals throughout the Arab world."
The honourees expressed their deep appreciation for the recognition, viewing it as a badge of pride and acknowledgment of their cultural and creative contributions. They highlighted that the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum serves as a model for celebrating Arab intellectuals and affirms the Emirate's dedication to supporting creativity across the Arab world.
The honourees commended the Ruler of Sharjah's vision of culture as a development and identity pillar. They stressed that this recognition is not just a personal honour but a celebration of Arab culture and its creative figures across numerous fields.