For a second consecutive year, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, UAE; was honoured as a “Supporter of the Arts” at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards 2011 for her unwavering commitment to supporting the development of artistic and cultural talents, particularly among the youth. 

The award was accepted by H.H. Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, on her behalf at a Gala Awarding Ceremony held yesterday at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The awards were also graced by the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler as well as dignitaries, esteemed guests and prominent figures from the cultural scene. 

On the occasion, Sheikha Manal said: “It is with deep emotion that I accept this honoured distinction for a second year. It is my personal belief that the arts enrich our lives and gives us a sense of worth and dignity. And as patrons of the arts, it is our responsibility to recognise those who have demonstrated immense talent and achievements in the field of arts. It is my intention to continue my deep commitment to the arts in the future as well. ”

As an accomplished artist in her own right and truly visionary in her support of the arts, Her Highness Sheikha Manal has consistently sponsored youth-focused cultural and artistic endeavours in the UAE, through her patronage and the establishment of art projects such as ‘The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award’, ‘The Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Program’; plus international art exhibitions such as the ‘Pieces for Peace’ CITYarts project and ‘The Reflective Mirror’ art exhibition under the theme of ‘Expression of Womanhood’ at the United Nations Head Quarters, New York. She recently extended her patronage to The Nomads Box Project, a moving art space located within a transformed shipping container. In 2009, she was also honoured from CITYArts New York with the ‘Making a Difference through the Arts’ Award. She was also awarded for her contributions to the arts at the inaugural Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Patrons of the Arts awards ceremony in 2010. 

Organised by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards honour and recognize individuals, business, organisations and government entities that have demonstrated financial and in-kind contributions towards the arts in UAE, with sustained support and promotion of artistic activity. Contributions are recognised in the visual arts, film, literature and performing arts.

Sheikha Manal added, “Guided by our wise leadership, the UAE has always been in the forefront of support for art and culture, motivated by the firm belief that sustainable economic growth goes hand in hand with social and cultural development. This award stands as a testimony to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen Dubai’s position as a vibrant global city for culture and the arts.” 

The designing of the award hold special meaning as well. The trophy’s shape - a seed with its leaf - salutes the idea of patrons nurturing and supporting artists. The graceful lines of the award also evoke the tools of the artist: the quill of a calligraphy pen, an exclamation mark, a drop of paint, a musical note.