Last night, the Takreem Foundation honoured a number of distinguished creative and political figures during a gala fundraiser held on Thursday at Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her enduring contributions to Arab culture and the preservation of heritage. A pioneering Bahraini figure in the fields of art and cultural advocacy, Shaikha Mai has long championed the safeguarding of historical identity across the region.

Appointed Minister of Information in 2008, she went on to serve as Bahrain’s Minister of Culture from 2010 to 2014. As President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives to restore and protect the nation’s historic landmarks.

In her role as Chairperson of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, Shaikha Mai has worked in close collaboration with UNESCO, leading efforts that resulted in the inscription of key Bahraini sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list — including Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) and “Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy.”

Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi received the Takreem Foundation’s Cultural Excellence award.

Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a known writer and researcher, was honoured for his work in promoting Arab art and culture as the founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, an independent initiative established in 2010. The foundation is dedicated to managing, preserving and exhibiting an extensive collection of modern and contemporary works from the region. It has hosted exhibitions around the world and contributed to the global visibility of Arab artists.

Sheikh Sultan has also taught at prestigious institutions, including Yale University, Columbia University, Boston College and American University of Sharjah. His courses often examine the intersection of politics, art and modern Arab history. 

“I founded Barjeel Art Foundation about 15 years ago”, Sheikh Sultan Al Qassemi said in his acceptance speech. “It has been an enriching experience that introduced me to our contemporary culture and Arab identity. This joinery revealed an important truth: our responsibility isn’t just to share our culture and heritage with the world – we must also share it with one another.”

The late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his enduring legacy in philanthropy, education, and social reform. A visionary Saudi royal, he was widely respected for his advocacy across the region. The award was accepted on his behalf by his son, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud.

Established in 2010, the Takreem Foundation was founded with the mission of spotlighting Arab accomplishments and celebrating exceptional individuals from across the region on a global stage. Since its inception, the foundation has honoured a diverse array of laureates, recognising excellence in fields ranging from science and education to culture and humanitarian work.

Takreem’s prestigious awards ceremonies have taken place in cities such as Beirut, Doha, Manama, Paris, Marrakesh, Dubai, Cairo, Amman, and Kuwait. In addition to its annual honours, the foundation hosts regular gala events to raise funds in support of various humanitarian initiatives throughout the Arab world.