The Reason Behind Awarding the Nile Prize to the Ruler of Sharjah

Sheikh Sultan bin Hamad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, has been awarded the Nile Prize for Arab Creators for the year 2024. This prestigious award, first introduced in 2012, honors the contributions of Arab intellectuals and creators in enriching the cultural movement. The importance of the prize—valued at 500,000 Egyptian pounds in addition to a gold medal—lies in its strict criteria. It requires cultural institutions to nominate individuals who have significantly contributed to elevating Arab culture and creativity, particularly in the fields of arts and social sciences.

The selection of candidates is conducted through a secret ballot by the Board of the Supreme Council for Culture, which, in its 70th meeting, awarded the prize to Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi. Born on July 2, 1949, Sheikh Sultan has been the ruler of Sharjah since 1972. Since assuming power, he has consistently supported culture, arts, sciences, and social studies, establishing numerous educational and cultural institutions in his emirate, including Sharjah University and the American University of Sharjah. He is also the founder of the Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the most significant book fairs in the Arab region.

Interestingly, the Supreme Council for Culture in Egypt awarded this prize to Sheikh Al Qasimi under the leadership of former Minister of Culture, Dr. Nevine El-Kilani, in May of this year. The prize was officially handed over to him by Egypt’s new Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henawi, in an official ceremony in Sharjah, attended by Dr. Bodour bint Hamed Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, along with a number of intellectuals, academics, and diplomats from both the UAE and Egypt.

In his speech, Dr. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi reflected on his memories in Cairo during his university years, emphasizing the profound impact of Egypt in shaping the Arab intellectual in general, and particularly in shaping his own cultural identity. He stated, “Without Egypt, I wouldn’t be who I am.” On his part, the Egyptian Minister of Culture expressed his personal and political pleasure in meeting the distinguished Arab intellectual, Sheikh Sultan bin Hamad, and in presenting him with the highest Egyptian award given to Arab figures who have made significant contributions to supporting culture, arts, and literature