The Arab Theatre Institute has launched the inaugural edition of the “His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Award for Arab Youth Theatre Excellence”, aimed at supporting outstanding young Arab talent and recognising their contributions to the development of Arab culture and theatre.
The award was introduced following an initiative by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It seeks to empower emerging theatre practitioners across the Arab world, reinforcing the role of youth in shaping the region’s theatrical landscape while celebrating their creative achievements.
The initiative places creative excellence at the heart of cultural development, underscoring theatre’s contribution to the wider Arab cultural scene and strengthening its capacity to engage and compete on the global stage.
Ismail Abdullah, Secretary General of the Arab Theatre Institute, said the initiative reflects a strong commitment to empowering young talent and investing in the future of Arab theatre. “This generous gesture reinforces our belief in the pivotal role of youth in shaping both the present and future of theatre. Through this award, we aim to translate that belief into sustained action, establishing it as an annual platform that recognises excellence, inspires creativity and supports the continued growth of outstanding young practitioners across the Arab world,” he said.
The award is open to Arab theatre practitioners aged between 30 and 40, spanning a broad range of disciplines including acting, writing, directing, design and theatre criticism. For its inaugural edition, the award focuses on three main categories — writing, directing and acting. Applicants are required to submit at least three documented works that demonstrate originality, sustained creative activity, meaningful artistic contribution and clear relevance to Arab societies. Submissions that violate human rights, intellectual property laws, or include racist or derogatory content will be automatically disqualified.
A specialised jury will assess nominations against a comprehensive set of criteria, including distinction and originality in the applicant’s field, innovation in ideas, content and artistic techniques, as well as the critical and media impact of their work. The evaluation will also consider the consistency of the applicant’s production and contribution to theatre, alongside the relevance of their work within both local Arab contexts and broader humanistic perspectives.
Winners will be announced on November 6, 2026, with the awards to be formally presented at the 17th Arab Theatre Festival on January 16, 2027.
