Dr Aseel Al Saleh, Dean of Student Affairs at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), took part in the inauguration of the fifth edition of the Sovereign Charity Art Award. The event was organised by the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs. The ceremony, held at the Art Station in Muharraq, was attended by Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the RHF, as well as around 200 school and university students.

During the proceedings, Shaikh Ali delivered a speech in which he praised the generous patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser for the award. He emphasised the RHF’s commitment to diversifying its community initiatives, enhancing social responsibility and promoting a comprehensive approach to humanitarian endeavour. He also noted that Bahraini private school students, by expressing their sentiments through artistic works, are contributing to the charity’s benevolent projects, explaining that internal competitions were held at both school and university levels to select the winning artworks, which will go on display at a charity art exhibition scheduled for April 25, 2025, at the Marassi Galleria mall.

In her remarks at the event, Dr Aseel Al Saleh stated that the Sovereign Charity Art Award represents a pioneering step, reflecting the institution’s commitment to supporting the arts as an effective tool for addressing humanitarian and community issues. The award attracts contemporary artists from across Asia and the Middle East and aims to raise awareness of the importance of art in bolstering humanitarian initiatives by generating funds through the sale of artworks, with the proceeds directed towards charitable projects.

Dr Al Saleh further emphasised that AGU remains steadfast in its support of initiatives that integrate art with humanitarian work, viewing the award as a testament to the Kingdom’s status as a cultural and humanitarian centre within the region. She underlined the importance of fostering creativity and culture to build cohesive, compassionate communities, noting that art is a universal language capable of conveying profound messages and empowering both artists and young people by providing them with a platform to address societal issues.