Omar Khairat named SZBA’s Cultural Personality of the Year

Omar Khairat has been named Personality of the Year announced The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) on Monday, for its 17th edition, in honour of an illustrious, decades-long career of timeless musical creations.

Khairat will be honoured for his musical compositions which have contributed in shaping the collective cultural consciousness Arabs.

The award is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “this year, we are proud to select Omar Khairat, one of the most renowned and celebrated musicians in the Arab world.”

“His constant striving for excellence and innovation has seen the artist make an incalculable impact on the music industry and the wider cultural landscape, as well as foster important cross-cultural dialogue,” he added

Khairat started his career in the 1960s by joining the Egyptian rock band Les Petits Chats. The Night Fatima was Arrested was the first TV show that brought attention to Khairat’s music in the public in 1983.