In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court,  honoured recipients of the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity. 

The award ceremony took place during the UAE Government’s Annual Meeting 2024, which is held in Abu Dhabi. The award recognises individuals whose exceptional contributions have significantly impacted culture and creativity.

Sheikh Mansour emphasised the value placed on intellectuals and creatives in fostering cultural development. He said, “The UAE deeply values the contributions of intellectuals and inspiring individuals who foster the role of culture and creativity in development. This recognition is seen as a well-deserved honour for those whose work merits high accolades.”

Sheikh Mansour added, “Cultural and creative production is a vital contributor to our journey towards sustainable development. It supports our strides toward a brighter future across all fields.”

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), other sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.

The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity aims to advance and support cultural and creative initiatives, honor inspiring and outstanding creators in this field, encourage younger generations to pursue cultural and creative careers, elevate the quality of cultural life, solidify the UAE’s position on the global cultural and creative map, and strengthen the country’s cultural diplomacy both regionally and internationally.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, stated, “The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity reinforces the UAE’s status as a global cultural hub and a model incubator for creativity, marking the nation’s efforts to support intellectuals, creators and talents, as well as enhancing its role in the cultural and creative industries sector.”

He added, “The launch of the Order by the Ministry of Culture encourages intellectuals, creative persons, and arts supporters to pursue excellence and creativity, establishing inspirational models for young generations to participate in the cultural and creative fields. This initiative significantly contributes to the sustainability of the UAE’s cultural and creative heritage, fortifies its cultural message on an international level, and motivates intellectuals, creative pioneers and supporters to continue enriching diverse aspects of cultural and artistic expression.”

The Order’s design incorporates symbols inspired by the elements of Emirati heritage, embodying positive values that have continually inspired creators to produce unique works, enriching and supporting both local and international culture.

10 Recipients 

The recipients of the UAE Medal for Culture and Creativity in the Giving Class include:

• Juma Al Majid, President of the Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage.

• Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University.

• Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation.

• Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival.

• Abdel Moneim bin Issa Al Serkal, founder of Alserkal Avenue.

• Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Library and Archives.