ArtDayME: The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation hosted a dazzling cultural festival to pay tribute to the distinguished winners of the 18th edition of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award (2022-2023). The event, held in grandeur, served as a platform to honor the exceptional contributions of artists and intellectuals to the cultural landscape.

The festival commenced with an extraordinary exhibition, showcasing the Foundation's esteemed collections by 62 prominent Emirati, Arab, and international artists whose artworks have been exhibited at the Foundation for nearly 40 years.

In this exhibition, a part of Al Owais Cultural Foundation's treasure has been shown, which includes the works of artists from the Arab world and different nationalities.

Painting also has a large share in the treasure of Al Owais Cultural Foundation, which begins with a figurative painting of Sultan bin Ali Al Owais. 

This exhibition not only highlighted the diversity and richness of the Foundation's acquisitions but also underscored its commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

In this exhibition 62 distinguished artists, Ihsan Al Khatib, Esrafil Shirchi, Ismail Fatah, Amir Falsafi, Tagalsir Hassan, Hakim Ghannam, Hassan Abd Alwan, Hussein Al Hashimi, Hussein Gamaan, Hakim Ghazali, Davut Bektas, Dina Natagh, Rahil Beigi, Rakan Dabdoub, Robabeh Pur,Salim Al Dabbagh, Sami Makarem, Saeed Naghashian, Salman Al Hajri, Salman Al Marri, Salwa Laidi, Savas Gok, Salah Shirzad, Tala Moualla, Aref El Rayess, Amer Al Obaidi ,Aishe Mohammed, Abbas Akhavein, Abbas Al Baghdadi, Abdul Rahim Salem, Abdul qader Al Rais, Abdul Qader Al Mubarak, Abdul Karim Al Sayed, Abdul Latif Al Samoudi, Osman Ozcay, ALi Shirazi, Gholam Amirkhani, Fateh Al Modarres, Farouk Al Haddad, Fatima Saeed, Fatima Mohanad, Qassim Mohsen, Ladan Moshir, Mahmood Ahmed, Mohammed Al Qassab, Mehmet Ozcay, Mohamed Toson, Mohammed Issa, Mohammed Fahmi, Mohammed Mandi, Mosaad Khudair, Muatasim Al Kubaisy, Moza Abdullah, Nather Hosni, Najat Makki, Nazir Nabaa, Nouri Al Rawi, Haya Banan, Wajih Nahla, Vahid Jazayeri, Yaser Al Dwaik, Yaseen Shakir take center stage. 

As part of the festivities, an intellectual seminar provided a unique opportunity for the award winners to share insights into their creative journeys. Attendees were treated to enriching discussions, gaining deeper perspectives into the artistic and intellectual processes behind the awarded works.

One of the highlights of the event was the book signing ceremony featuring the newly published works of the winners. From Bahraini storyteller Amin Saleh's captivating narratives to critic Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim's thought-provoking analyses and poet Hassan Talab's profound verses, the literary offerings showcased the breadth and depth of creative talent recognized by the Foundation. Dr. Abdul Salam Benabdelali (Humanities and Future Studies Award) is another winner of the 18th edition of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award (2022-2023).

The tradition of immortalizing the winners through portraits continued, with renowned artists capturing their essence on canvas. These portraits serve not only as tributes to the awardees but also as testaments to their enduring legacies in the annals of culture.

Beyond the celebration, the Foundation's active encouragement of artists and procurement of original works signal its commitment to fostering creativity and preserving artistic heritage. With plans underway to establish an extensive art museum, the Foundation is poised to become a beacon for those passionate about the arts.

The festival's culmination marked a significant milestone in the Foundation's mission to promote visual culture and honor the creativity of fine artists. Through exhibitions, publications, and accompanying events, it reaffirmed the Foundation's dedication to nurturing cultural excellence and celebrating the enduring impact of artistic expression.

In essence, the Al Owais Cultural Foundation's festival was not just a celebration of individual achievements but a testament to the enduring power of culture to inspire, enrich, and unite communities.