Sharjah’s Ruler Convenes Arab Theatre Institute Board, Doubling Prize for Outstanding Theatrical Work
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi renews confidence in the Institute's Board of Trustees and commits enhanced support for Arab theatre across the region and beyond.
The Sultan Al Qasimi Centre hosted a significant gathering on Monday morning as His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, welcomed members of the Arab Theatre Institute’s Board of Trustees. The meeting brought together cultural leaders from across the Arab world to discuss the Institute’s trajectory and the future direction of theatrical arts in the region.
In welcoming the Board members, His Highness commended the Institute’s sustained commitment to advancing Arab theatre, preserving its rich heritage, and nurturing its cultural significance across Arab societies. He emphasised the importance of the Institute’s work in raising awareness through exceptional theatrical productions and in deepening the connection between artists and audiences throughout the region.
A notable development emerged from the meeting: His Highness announced the doubling of the Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Award for Best Arab Theatrical Work at the Arab Theatre Festival to AED 200,000. This enhancement reflects a commitment to encouraging theatre professionals to participate more actively, to foster creative excellence, and to elevate the standard of theatrical productions across the Arab world.
Discussion during the meeting extended across several strategic areas. Board members reviewed the Institute’s performance over the preceding period, examining achievements in school theatre programmes across various Arab nations and the growth of amateur theatre initiatives that bring theatrical experience to audiences in rural and distant communities. The conversation also encompassed the Institute’s expanding work in African countries through theatrical festivals, youth engagement and training, and the discovery of emerging talent through school theatre programmes, which continue to serve as a vital channel for nurturing new voices.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to establishing specialised theatre institutes throughout the region and recognised theatre festivals as essential cultural and artistic components of society. These gatherings strengthen professional networks and facilitate the exchange of expertise among theatre practitioners across the Arab world and with their international counterparts, fostering cross cultural dialogue and mutual enrichment.
In a gesture of recognition, His Highness received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lebanon International Theatre Festival in acknowledgement of his pioneering cultural contributions and enduring support for Arab theatre and the arts. The Board members, in turn, expressed their gratitude for the renewal of confidence in their stewardship and pledged to continue their dedication to advancing Arab theatre, its professionals and audiences throughout the coming term.
Source: WAM