Sheikh Mansour Honors Cultural Trailblazers at UAE Government Annual Meetings

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has bestowed the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity upon distinguished individuals during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026 in Abu Dhabi. Presiding over the third edition of this ceremony, Sheikh Mansour recognized pioneers who have made significant contributions to the fields of culture and the creative arts.

He emphasized that culture and creativity are fundamental pillars of the UAE's vision for comprehensive development, describing them as vital for human progress and among the most valuable long-term investments the leadership can make. "The UAE continues to cement its position as a beacon of culture and dialogue, guided by its approach to openness and to building bridges with nations around the world," Sheikh Mansour stated. He further noted that the Order for Culture and Creativity serves to underscore to younger generations that creativity is a national priority, actively nurtured and supported throughout the country.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, highlighted that the order functions as a national framework, transforming individual accomplishments into a source of inspiration for the wider community. It also encourages emerging talent to pursue creative endeavors and contribute to a sustainable cultural sector.

Among the recipients in the "pioneer tier" were the late Ahmed bin Sulayem Al Falasi and the late Sultan Al Owais, both honored for their profound contributions to Arabic literature. Dr. Fatima Al Sayegh and the late Peter Hellyer were recognized for their work in documenting the UAE's history and heritage, while Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim was celebrated for his instrumental role in establishing the UAE's contemporary art movement. Dr. Sultan Al Amimi received recognition for his efforts in documenting Emirati folklore poetry.

In the "visionary tier," Ali Abu Al Reesh was honored for his extensive literary career and his dedication to promoting the Arabic language. Dr. Najat Makki was acknowledged for her pioneering efforts in establishing the UAE's contemporary art movement and for her support of emerging artists.