Dubai, UAE; October 17, 2013
The Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate's dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, will honour theatre veteran Omar Ghubash as 'Personality of the Year.'
A true veteran in Emirati theatre, Ghubash has played an integral role in supporting emerging theatric talent. The founder of the Association of Playwrights and Al Ahli Theatre, he was also one of the founders of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre.
He has been pivotal in the creation of several theatre festivals across the region, as well as the renowned Emirates Children's Theatre, collaboration between Ghubash and artists Abdullah Saleh and Ibrahim Saleh.
Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: "Mr. Ghubash has been the flagbearer of Emirati theatre. His passion and enthusiasm for the performing arts have resulted in the creation of some of the foremost theatre initiatives in the region, all of which have contributed significantly to the overall growth of the industry. We are privileged to honour Mr. Ghubash, who will continue to inspire generations of artists."
A graduate in Literature and the Arts from the University of Central Washington, Mr. Ghubash served as the Director of Television for Noor Dubai, and has received numerous accolades including as one of the 'Most Outstanding Playwrights in the Arab World' at the Damascus International Festival of Theatre in 2004; and 'Best Screenplay' at the Sharjah Festival Days in 2005.
This year, the Festival will offer simultaneous translations of the Arabic plays, providing a wider audience with an inherent understanding on one of the region's oldest artforms.
For this edition, theatre groups have to present their scripts in authentic and classic Arabic, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to nurture the Arabic language.
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About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world.
The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include: The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards: The first of its kind initiative in the Arab world honouring individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film in the region; Sikka Art Fair: An annual art fair aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists in the UAE; and Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.
For more information, please contact:
Nivine William / Divya Khanna
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
+9714 450760
nivine.william@bm.com, divya.khanna@bm.com
© Press Release 2013
