- Sheikha Mai Al-Khalifa and Pierre Choueiri among the award winners
DUBAI: Bahrain's Sheikha Mai Al Khalifa and Lebanese advertising mogul Pierre Choueiri were among those honoured by the Takreem Foundation last week at a gala dedicated to celebrating Arab excellence on the global stage.
Emirati writer, art historian and philanthropist Sultan Soud Al Qassemi was also among the distinguished figures honoured for their significant contribution to the region's cultural landscape.
Sheikha Mai, a Bahraini politician and passionate advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment to preserving and promoting Arab culture, as well as her consistent advocacy for the importance of preserving historical sites.
As President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at restoring and reviving the country’s rich heritage. Her close collaboration with UNESCO, particularly in her role as Chair of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, further underlines her commitment to protecting and promoting Arab cultural heritage globally.
Her award is in recognition of her enduring contribution to efforts to preserve cultural heritage in Bahrain and throughout the Arab world.
Choueiri, chairman and CEO of Choueiri Group, a leading media company in the region, received a special recognition for his contribution to the cultural landscape. Although not an overt cultural figure himself, Choueiri’s recognition is due to his support for the literary salon Al-Multaqa.
Al-Multaqa, also honored at the event, is a renowned platform for intellectual exchange centered around Arabic literature, philosophy, and art. Founded in 1998 by Asma Seddiq Al-Mutawa, who accepted the award on behalf of the platform, it has been recognized for its vibrant debates, especially those revolving around Arabic novels.
The UNESCO-recognized Salon has played an important role in fostering a vibrant reading culture, supporting emerging writers and promoting intellectual discourse throughout the Arab world.
The Takrim Foundation’s decision to honour Sheikha Mai and Choueri reflects the organisation’s holistic view of cultural impact. It recognises not only those directly involved in the creation and preservation of culture, but also those who provide important support and platforms for cultural exchange.
Founded in 2010, Takreem continues to highlight Arab achievements in various fields by hosting award ceremonies in major cities across the region and beyond. Through these events and charity galas, the foundation aims to inspire future generations and foster greater appreciation for Arab contributions to the world.
