Manama:As part of the 30th Meeting of GCC Ministers of Culture, a ceremony was held to honour distinguished cultural figures from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The event recognized their achievements, efforts, and outstanding contributions to enriching cultural life across the Gulf, highlighting creativity as a cornerstone of Gulf identity and cultural development.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the ceremony was attended by Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Culture of GCC member states, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, and several prominent cultural and intellectual figures.
Honourees from the Kingdom of Bahrain included academic and researcher Dr. Abdullah Al Madani, recognized in the field of studies and intellectual production, and artist Dr. Huda Abdullah, honored in the field of audio arts music and singing. From the United Arab Emirates, composer and musician Ebrahim Juma Al Madani was acknowledged in the field of audio arts music, while poet and writer Aref Al Khaja was celebrated in the field of literary arts poetry.
From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, artist and musician Jamil bin Mohammed Mahmood was honored in the field of audio arts music, while writer and critic Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al Ghathami was recognized for his contributions to literary criticism. Honourees from the Sultanate of Oman included poet and writer Ahmed Muslim Qatan and poet and film critic Issa bin Hamad Al Tai, both acknowledged in the field of literary arts poetry.
Additionally, from the State of Qatar, writer and media professional Saleh Gharib Al Abdali was honored in the field of literary arts, while artist and calligrapher Ali Hassan Al Jaber was recognized in the field of visual arts. From the State of Kuwait, academic and researcher Professor Dr. Abdullah Yousif Al Ghunaim and historian and researcher Dr. Yaqoub Yousif Al Hajji were honored in the field of heritage manuscript research and editing.
The GCC Cultural Honouring Ceremony is one of the cultural events approved by Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Culture of GCC member states. Held as part of the ministerial meeting responsible for culture across the Council, the ceremony aims to recognize creative achievements in line with the GCC Cultural Strategy and honour the contributions of leading cultural figures and emerging talents. The fields of recognition include literary criticism, biographies, translation, studies and intellectual production, heritage research and manuscript editing, literary, performing, audio and visual arts, as well as traditional crafts and industries.