Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Honored with the Prestigious Al-Owais Cultural Award

The Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award has chosen Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to receive its Achievement Award. The decision recognizes his decades-long contributions to culture, knowledge, and human development across the Arab world and beyond.

The award's board of trustees said they honored "thought, not titles" and "achievements, not positions" when making their choice. They described Sheikh Mohammed's work as creating a unique model that puts people at the center of progress, turns knowledge into a tool for change, and makes giving a lasting legacy.

His cultural initiatives have reached millions across the region. The Arab Reading Challenge, launched in 2015, has drawn over 163 million students to participate in reading competitions. It's become the largest Arabic-language reading event worldwide and has helped build reading habits among young Arabs while strengthening their connection to their native language.

The Digital School, launched in November 2020, offers complete online education for students in areas where traditional schooling isn't available. It targets disadvantaged communities and provides flexible learning options through smart technology.

Other major projects include the "Arab Geniuses" initiative, started in 2022 to discover and support talented individuals across the Arab world. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library serves as a cultural hub aimed at enriching intellectual life in the region. The Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Arabic Language works to strengthen the language's position globally.

Beyond institutional work, Sheikh Mohammed has written extensively. His books cover topics from leadership and life lessons to poetry and philosophy. Titles include "Life Taught Me," "My Vision," "My Story," and several poetry collections celebrating desert life and Arabian horses.

The award committee noted that his approach goes beyond traditional governance. He's made culture, knowledge, science, and innovation core pillars of sustainable growth. His initiatives operate without discrimination based on religion or ethnicity, focusing instead on opening opportunities for human development.

This recognition comes as Arab nations seek to rebuild their cultural influence and contribute more to global civilization. Sheikh Mohammed's work provides a blueprint for how leadership can create lasting cultural institutions that serve both local communities and broader human progress.