The Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature has announced the winners of its 12th session, recognizing outstanding achievements in the fields of culture, arts, and literature. The award, which is presented annually by the Sultan Qaboos Higher Center for Culture and Science, aims to promote intellectual and cultural achievement, and to honor distinguished individuals and institutions.
## Winners of the 12th Session
The 12th session of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature was dedicated to Arabs in general, and received a total of 466 applications from across the region. The winners were announced on Wednesday, with the Asilah Forum Foundation from Morocco taking the top prize in the field of private cultural institutions. The foundation was recognized for its outstanding contributions to the cultural landscape of Morocco and the wider Arab world. In the field of sculpture, the award went to Essam Mohamed Sayed Darwish from Egypt, while in the field of autobiography, the winner was Hikmat Al-Majzoub Al-Sabbagh, known as Yumna Al-Eid, from Lebanon.
## Significance of the Sultan Qaboos Award
The Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature is considered one of the most prestigious cultural awards in the Arab world, and is designed to promote cultural awareness and support distinguished intellectuals, artists, and writers. According to His Excellency Habib bin Mohammed Al-Riyami, Chairman of the Sultan Qaboos Higher Center for Culture and Science, the award is an important tool for promoting the Sultanate of Oman’s soft power, and for presenting Omani culture to the world. The award alternates between being local, where it is limited to Omanis only, and Arab, where Omanis compete alongside their Arab counterparts.
### Enhancing Cultural Ambitions
The Sultan Qaboos Higher Center for Culture and Science uses the award to enhance cultural ambitions and promote the Sultanate’s cultural achievements beyond its geographical boundaries. By recognizing outstanding achievements in the fields of culture, arts, and literature, the center aims to present Oman to the world in a sophisticated and nuanced way. The award is not limited by geographical location, specific ideas, or age, making it a truly inclusive and prestigious recognition of cultural excellence.
## Competition and Selection Process
The 12th session of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature received a total of 466 applications, which were carefully evaluated by a panel of experts. The applicants were distributed across three categories: private cultural institutions, sculpture, and autobiography. The selection process was rigorous, with the winners being chosen based on their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. The award’s focus on promoting cultural awareness and supporting distinguished intellectuals, artists, and writers is reflected in its careful selection process.
The Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature continues to play a vital role in promoting cultural excellence and recognizing outstanding achievements in the Arab world. As the award continues to evolve and grow, it is likely to remain a significant cultural force in the region, promoting intellectual and artistic achievement, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Oman and the wider Arab world. By honoring distinguished individuals and institutions, the award inspires future generations to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
