In the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and on behalf of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic at the rank of Officer — Italy's highest order of merit — in recognition of her sustained contributions to strengthening cultural relations between the Italian Republic and the United Arab Emirates, and her role in harnessing books, education, culture, and international dialogue to build bridges of communication and understanding between peoples.
The award was made on the recommendation of Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the UAE, who stated in his official letter that the honour reflects the prominent role Her Highness has played in consolidating cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi received the medal and certificate of honour during an official ceremony held at Al Bait Al Wasati in the UAE on 13 July, where His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara pinned the medal on Her Highness on behalf of the President of the Italian Republic.
Following the ceremony, Her Highness and the Italian Ambassador toured Al Bait Al Wasati, one of the heritage houses restored, revived, and repurposed as a cultural venue for events in the Heart of Sharjah district by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: