In a formidable display of cultural prowess, the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation orchestrated an extensive array of top-tier activities throughout 2023, encompassing a rich tapestry of intellectual and artistic events, enthralling cinematic and art performances, as well as dynamic gatherings that resonated profoundly with a broad audience of enthusiasts and the Foundation’s friends.
The meticulously curated events have significantly contributed to elevating the local cultural landscape, positioning the Foundation at the vanguard of the nation’s foremost culturally active institutions.
Fine arts prominently featured in the Foundation’s activities, featuring an exhibition titled “Oblivion” by Iraqi artist Alaa Bashir that was accompanied by a seminar delving into his prolific career. Additionally, the Foundation organised an exhibition titled “Verses” by Iranian artist Vahid Jazayeri, showcasing captivating calligraphy paintings.
The Foundation also dedicated a space for creative young artists through the “Marawed” exhibition, which was accompanied by an enlightening symposium. Also, Veteran Syrian artist Saad Yakan presented a seminar titled “The Crisis of Expressing Heritage in Fine Art”, adding depth and insight to the cultural discourse.
The Foundation’s collaboration with the Art for All Centre -Falaj brought forth an impactful exhibition featuring talented creative artists of determination. The exhibition, drawing a remarkable turnout, showcased promising talents among individuals of determination. It was complemented by a seminar that delved into the experiences of these talented individuals within the domain of painting.
An addition to the fine arts season was the “Coloured Letters” calligraphy exhibition, featuring an elite group of Iranian calligraphers. Furthermore, the Foundation organized an art exhibition titled “A Sustainable Tomorrow” in conjunction with the “Cultural Sustainability Forum” held at the Zayed University.
The exhibition activities concluded with the exhibition “The UAE Through a Photographer’s Lense by Bahraini photographer Abdullah Al Khan, which was organized by the Foundation in celebration of the UAE’s 52nd National Day. Cultural activities, seminars, and evenings were also marked by significant presence, exemplified by events like the Poetry evening by poet Sheikha Al Mutairi and the book signing ceremony for her work “Colon Comma”.
A group of readers from the Cultural Reading House from the Sultanate of Oman engaged in discussions about the “Rose’s Diary” novel by Reem Al Kamali. Additionally, the Foundation hosted an evening and signing ceremony for the book “Our Aunt, the Palm Tree” by Abdul Ghaffar Hussein.
Also, Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, presented a seminar titled “The Religious Field: Its Limits, Discourses, and Contradictions”. The Foundation allocated time to discussing the shortlist for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction.
The pinnacle among the Foundation’s symposia was the “Cultural Sustainability for a Better Life in the UAE,” a significant event organized in collaboration with Zayed University-Dubai. The Foundation also distinguished itself with its unique Al Owais Forum for Children’s Literature.
The cultural activities also included the signing of “The True Story” book by Mirza Al Sayegh. These activities concluded with a seminar and book signing ceremony by Dr. Mohammed Al Rumaihi who signed several copies of his latest book: “The Gulf Cooperation Council: Evolving Times, Impact on Its People”, released recently by the Foundation.
Meanwhile, the Al Owais Film Club showcased a selection of films such as “Honey, Rain and Dust” directed by Nujoom Al Ghanem, “The Milestone” directed by Nasser Al Dhaheri, and “Going to Heaven” (Sayer Al Jannah) directed by Saeed Salmeen Al Marri. A discussion was conducted with the filmmakers about the cinema’s role in refining artistic taste
After the renovation of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Theatre, the Foundation hosted a series of musical and theatrical performances on its stage. Among these was the Prof Art Dance Ensemble’s presentation of the folkloric dance show titled “Echoes of Armenia.
Singer Amir Hosseini captivated a substantial portion of the audience with his concert titled “Reflections of Rumi,” while the Spirit of Music Band enchanted the crowd with their renditions of oriental songs from various parts of the Arab world.
The artistic and musical events culminated in a grand concert by the Emirates Music Band, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and under the supervision of artist Eid Al Faraj.
Additionally, the Month of Reading activities played a pivotal role in introducing a new audience segment to the Foundation’s cultural realm, specifically children’s story readings that were presented by Sabah Deby, Ali Al Shaali, Ahmed Mohammed, Ali Al Saban, Hessa Al Muhairi, and Nadia Al Najjar.
The Foundation’s participation in the activities of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair surged with significant cultural momentum. It organized a host of events at its stand, featuring luminaries such as poet Ali Jaafar Al Allaq, poet Qassim Haddad, and novelist Nabil Suleiman.
Several seminars took place at the Foundation’s Stand during the exhibition. They included a symposium on experiences and voices titled “Testimonies on the Emirati Novel” featuring Jamal Mattar, Salha Obaid Hassan, and Afra Mahmoud, and a symposium on “The Aesthetics of Narrative in the UAE.”
Syrian writer Nabil Suleiman signed his novel “Jidariyat Al Sham: Namnouma” (Syrian Murals) during a signing ceremony at the Foundation’s Stand, where a session was held in collaboration with the UAE Book Club to discuss the novel “Days of the Bright Sun” by novelist Meral Al Tahawi.
This was Followed by a book signing ceremony for late Emirati novelist Thani Al Suwaidi’s book “The Sea’s Foam May Dry Out,”, which was signed by Dr. Shaker Nouri. Another book signing ceremony was held for the book “Hymns of Echo: The Experience of Poet Ahmed Issa Al Asm as a Model” by critic Dr. Haitham Yahya Al Khawaja.
Throughout the year, the Foundation organized visits to various cultural institutions, including the Al Shindagha Museum and the Museum dedicated to the late Emirati poet Rashid Al Khader in Ajman.
On collaboration, the Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ajman Tourism Development Department, and another one with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.
