Sharjah Deputy Ruler opens 12th International Film Festival, honouring artists across the UAE, Gulf, and Middle East.
SHARJAH: His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, officially inaugurated the 12th Sharjah International Film Festival on Sunday evening at Al Qasimia University Theater, marking the start of one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events.
Organised by the FANN Media Discovery Platform, the festival aims to be a dynamic platform where filmmakers, artists, and creatives from around the globe converge to celebrate cinematic excellence and youth-driven storytelling.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed praised the festival’s growing regional and global significance. As part of the ceremony, he presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards to a number of acclaimed artists for their enduring contributions to film, drama, and theatre.
Honourees included Emirati actor Abdullah Saleh and Saudi actor Abdul Mohsen Al Nemer, recognised for their artistic influence across the UAE and Gulf. Celebrated Syrian actor Abed Fahd received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Middle East category.
The festival also spotlighted emerging talents in the youth category. Marwan Abdullah Saleh received the Youth Award at the UAE level, while Hala Al Turk was honoured at the Gulf level. Acclaimed Syrian actor Basil Khayat was given a special recognition for his distinguished contributions to Arab cinema and television.
The Sharjah International Film Festival continues this week with screenings, workshops, and industry panels designed to inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
