Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Thursday awarded Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Grand Collar of the Order of Camões, Portugal’s highest sovereign cultural honor.
The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace in Lisbon, marked Sheikh Sultan as the first Arab recipient and the sixth globally to receive the prestigious distinction, which recognizes exceptional contributions to culture, literature and intercultural dialogue.
President Rebelo de Sousa praised Sheikh Sultan’s global cultural role and his long-standing commitment to fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between civilizations, noting the award coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Portugal and the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Sultan expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing culture as a vital bridge between peoples and civilizations. The Order of Camões is named after Portugal’s iconic poet Luís de Camões and is conferred by presidential decree.
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