Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation, has been awarded the insignia of Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to contemporary art and her profound impact on the cultural and artistic landscape both regionally and internationally.

The honour was conferred by Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, during a special ceremony held at The Flying Saucer in Sharjah—one of the iconic art spaces revitalised under Sheikha Hoor’s leadership.

The event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Government Relations Department; Sheikha Nawar Al Qasimi, Vice-President of the Sharjah Art Foundation; Jean-Christophe Barry, Consul General of France in Dubai; Sheikha Noora Al Mualla, Director of Learning and Research at the Sharjah Art Foundation; Sheikha Raad Al Qasimi, Secretary General of the International French Association in Sharjah.

Also in attendance were Stéphanie Salha, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Action at the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in the UAE; Marie Lozzo de Continglemy, Cultural Attaché at the French Embassy; Audrey Leseigneur, Director of Alliance Française Sharjah; and Lauren Martinez Randy, Head of Culture and Communication at the French Association in Sharjah.

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi expressed her heartfelt gratitude and happiness upon receiving the prestigious Order of Arts and Letters—one of the highest distinctions awarded by the French Republic. She remarked: “It is a great honour to receive this award with deep appreciation and joy—not only for myself, but for everyone who has stood by me, supported me, guided me, and inspired me throughout my journey. I am especially grateful to my father, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah. From a young age, they instilled in me a love for culture and creativity, nurturing my passion for the arts.”

She added: “This honour is not just a personal recognition—it is a tribute to the collective dedication and shared vision that make it possible for me to champion and support the creativity in Sharjah.”

Ambassador Nicolas Niemtchinow emphasised that the honour recognises Sheikha Hoor’s outstanding contributions to fostering cultural and artistic ties between France and Sharjah, and more broadly, between France and the UAE. He highlighted her unwavering dedication to the world of contemporary art and her instrumental role in strengthening Franco-Emirati relations. Praising her vision and commitment, he noted, “Sheikha Hoor has always worked in service of the arts.”