Celebrating Literary Excellence at the 27th Sharjah Cultural Forum
On June 3, 2026, the 27th Sharjah Cultural Forum took place in Rabat, Morocco, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This vibrant event honored four distinguished Moroccan cultural figures, acknowledging their significant contributions to Arab literature and intellectual thought. The honorees included the celebrated poet and novelist Mohamed Ashari, the esteemed writer and critic Abdel Fattah Kilito, the noted writer and critic Ahmed Al-Madini, and the academic and researcher Dr. Houria Al-Khamlichi. Their recognition reflects the forum's commitment to celebrating and promoting cultural excellence across the Arab world.
Strengthening Cultural Ties and Celebrating Achievements
The ceremony took place at the National Library in Rabat and was graced by notable attendees, including Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qasir, the Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture, and Ghizlane Darrous, the Director of the Directorate of Books, Libraries and Archives at Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. With a host of Moroccan and Arab writers, intellectuals, and academics in attendance, the forum, which is now in its fourth edition hosted in Morocco, aimed to honor those who have significantly enriched contemporary Arab culture.
During his address, Mohammed Al Qasir expressed his delight in the flourishing cultural exchange between Morocco and Sharjah, stating, "We are pleased that this cultural exchange continues to flourish as we gather to celebrate scholars, thinkers, and creative minds whose contributions have enriched Moroccan and Arab culture." He emphasized the importance of culture as a cornerstone for progress and a vital means of promoting knowledge, awareness, and dialogue among nations.
Ghizlane Darrous, representing Moroccan Minister of Culture Mohammed El-Mahdi Bensaid, remarked on the significance of the forum as one of the most important Arab cultural initiatives, reinforcing the strong cultural bonds between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. She commended the cultural initiatives launched by H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, which encompass poetry houses, cultural publications, festivals, and awards that celebrate Arab intellectual and literary achievements.
The honored figures expressed their gratitude for the recognition. Mohamed Ashari noted that the honor is part of a broader cultural initiative that continues to bolster Arab creativity and intercultural dialogue. Ahmed Al-Madini viewed the recognition as a testament to Sharjah's commitment to knowledge and creativity across the Arab region. Similarly, Abdel Fattah Kilito highlighted the importance of literature in fostering awareness and cultural dialogue, while Dr. Houria Al-Khamlichi emphasized Sharjah's dedication to supporting intellectuals and promoting culture as a civilizational endeavor.
As the ceremony concluded, Mohammed Al Qasir and Ghizlane Darrous presented certificates of appreciation, signed by H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, to each honoree, acknowledging their literary and intellectual contributions. The event also featured a documentary showcasing significant milestones in the careers of the honorees, along with an exhibition of their published works and a selection of books from the Sharjah Department of Culture.
As reported by bignewsnetwork.com.
