-Abu Dhabi-

Italian Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Paolo Dionisi, presented Dr. Lamees Hamdan with the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity for her work spearheading the first UAE National Pavilion at the 53rd International Art Exhibition – the 2009 Venice Biennale.

The order was officially bestowed on Dr. Lamees Hamdan as Knight of the Order by the President of the Republic of Italy, The Honorable Giorgio Napolitano by the signing of the Presidential decree in Rome, Italy. The order is granted to non-Italian citizens making a significant contribution to the country and was officially presented in a ceremony held on June 19, 2010. The prestigious award was granted in recognition of Dr. Hamdan’s work in spearheading and organizing the first National Pavilion for the United Arab Emirates at the 53rd International Art Exhibition – the Venice Biennale 2009.
―We are proud of the work done by Dr. Lamees Hamdan on behalf of the United Arab Emirates commented H.E. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development on the occasion of the presentation of the award. ―Our inaugural National Pavilion brought together the people of the United Arab Emirates and the people of Italy under the global language of art. This award granted by the Republic of Italy, has recognized the successful contribution of the UAE and Dr. Lamees Hamdan working on our behalf in deepening the cultural ties and strengthening the already strong bond that exists between our two nations.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Paolo Dionisi, the Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates remarked: ―It was my pleasure to present this award bestowed on Dr. Lamees Hamdan by the President of the Republic of Italy. The award is given in recognition of her dedication and desire to bring Emirati art and artistic talent to the most high profile non-commercial art exhibition in the world - the Venice Biennale. Her efforts on behalf of the United Arab Emirates and the establishment of the inaugural United Arab Emirates Pavilion ensured a world class exhibition – something of lasting importance for both Italy and the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dr. Hamdan said: ―I am honored today to be able to have represented my country in accepting this award. The UAE Pavilion at the 2009 Venice Biennale has, in its debut, done much more than celebrate the emergence of the United Arab Emirates on the cultural stage. Through its exhibition, its physical design, live programs and events, it provided a challenging artistic and intellectual contribution to the Venice Biennale—one that reflected a global shift in critical thinking and artistic practice. I was honored to be given the challenge to establish our inaugural National Pavilion and was extremely proud of the efforts and contribution made by the entire team, and our dynamic, artists – all of which was made possible by the strong support given by our government and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development. We were pioneers representing our country and are delighted and very proud to be recognized by the Government of Italy for our contribution.

-Alarabonline-

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IA