Moroccan cultural entrepreneur Brahim El Mazned has been awarded the 2026 UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture, one of the international distinctions recognizing outstanding efforts to promote Arab arts and cultural heritage across the world.
The award was presented during an official ceremony held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, bringing together diplomats, cultural leaders, representatives of international institutions, and members of civil society. The distinction celebrates individuals and organizations whose work strengthens the global presence of Arab culture while encouraging intercultural dialogue.
Receiving the honor, El Mazned dedicated the recognition to the artists, researchers, intellectuals, and cultural professionals who contribute every day to preserving and promoting the richness of the Arab world’s creative heritage. He described the prize as a collective achievement reflecting years of collaboration within the cultural sector.
El Mazned also highlighted Morocco’s growing cultural influence under the leadership of **His Majesty King Mohammed VI**, noting that the Kingdom has made culture a strategic pillar of development, innovation, and international openness. He emphasized that sustained support for cultural institutions, creative industries, young talents, and women’s participation has strengthened Morocco’s position on the global cultural stage.
Known internationally as the founder of **Visa For Music** and the artistic director of the **Timitar Festival**, El Mazned has spent years building platforms that connect artists from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. His initiatives have helped expand opportunities for musicians while fostering exchanges between diverse cultures.
Reflecting on the evolution of Arab culture, El Mazned stressed that it continues to develop through its interactions with Amazigh, African, Mediterranean, and global influences. He said this diversity represents one of the region’s greatest cultural strengths and a source of creativity for future generations.
Established in 1998 with the support of the Government of Sharjah, the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture recognizes exceptional contributions to preserving, developing, and promoting Arab culture worldwide. The award also seeks to encourage mutual understanding between cultures through artistic and intellectual exchange.
