Dr. Afaf Bataineh, Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Arabic, has been awarded the Special Cultural Award at the prestigious Al Owais Creative Awards. The award recognizes her significant contributions to the cultural and academic landscape of the region.

The Al Owais Creative Award, established in 1990 by the late Emirati poet and philanthropist Sultan bin Ali Al Owais, honors excellence in a variety of cultural and creative fields. The award categories include competitions in literary and creative activity, competitions in the arts, youth competitions, and special honors, including the one bestowed upon Dr. Bataineh.

The awards ceremony, which took place at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai on 23 September 2024, brought together leading cultural figures to celebrate this year's winners.

Dr. Bataineh expressed her gratitude for this recognition, stating, “I am honored to have been nominated for this prestigious award, and it is a privilege to be acknowledged for my work in advancing cultural dialogue and education in the region.”