Abdul Hameed Shoman Cultural Forum – Shaping Thought and Opinion

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Cultural Forum is one of the most prominent intellectual and cultural platforms in Jordan and the Arab world. Established in 1986, it serves as an open space for dialogue and a forum that welcomes both scholars and the public to engage in research, discussion, and the exchange of ideas on issues facing our societies.

Since its inception, the Forum has served as an intellectual pillar of knowledge and a continuous space for hosting scientists, thinkers, and creatives from Jordan, the Arab world, and beyond. It is a place where ideas are shared and discussions are built around them to generate practical visions that raise awareness, broaden perspectives, and promote a culture of openness and constructive dialogue.

The Forum is not merely a weekly cultural tradition; it is a strategic knowledge project rooted in a rich legacy and deep experience. Its significance lies in its ability to reach a wide and diverse audience, transforming cultural engagement into a dynamic, everyday experience that fosters dialogue, generates awareness, and contributes to intellectual and societal development..

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Years Since the Forum’s Establishment

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Events and Lectures Across Diverse Fields

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Speakers from the Arab World

Notable Guests of the Cultural Forum

Throughout its history, the Forum has hosted prominent thinkers, academics, and decision-makers from Jordan, the Arab world, and beyond—individuals who have played a vital role in shaping intellectual awareness and cultural discourse.

Dr. Mahathir Mohamad – Former Prime Minister of Malaysia

Watch His Session Here

The Renowned Author Ibrahim Nasrallah

Watch his Session Here

The Renowned Author Wasini Al-A’raj

Watch his Session Here

Dr. Amr Moussa – Former Secretary-General of the Arab League

Watch his Session Here

Dr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam – President of Singapore

Watch His Session Here

Dr. Philip Yeo

Watch His Session Here

Cultural Forum Programs

Monday Lectures

The Monday Lecture Series is the cornerstone of the Shoman Cultural Forum— a weekly platform that hosts distinguished thinkers, academics, and experts from various fields to discuss topics of public relevance at both the local and Arab levels. The program’s themes cover a wide range of issues including culture, education, literature, freedoms, media, women, youth, environment, economy, and public policy, reflecting the pulse of society and its ongoing transformations.

The activities of the Monday Lectures are diverse and include poetry evenings, book launches, scientific sessions, and open discussions with the public. What makes it truly distinctive is its participatory spirit—audiences are encouraged not only to attend but also to engage in dialogue, ask questions, and express their opinions in an open atmosphere that embraces diversity, celebrates intellectual exchange, and fosters a culture of constructive debate.

Today, every Monday at 6:30 p.m. marks a new encounter — a tradition that has continued since 1986!.

Next Monday Lecture

The Roundtable

The Roundtable is a series of closed dialogue sessions held by special invitation, bringing together experts and specialists to discuss specific and timely topics—often of research, cultural, or social relevance. These sessions aim to deepen expert discussions and produce well-considered recommendations that open new pathways for understanding and decision-making. The Roundtable stands as one of the Forum’s key tools in promoting knowledge-based policy development.

Local and Regional Symposia

From the Local to the Arab World… Intersecting and Interacting Issues

The Local Symposium is held to discuss national social, economic, cultural, or legislative issues, with the participation of Jordanian researchers and subject-matter experts. Conducted over one or more days, the symposium produces documented scientific outputs and recommendations.

The Joint Arab Symposium is organized in collaboration with Arab cultural institutions and brings together speakers from across the Arab world to discuss intellectual or strategic issues of shared relevance to Arab societies.

Guest of the Year

A Recognition Based on Ideas and Achievement

Since 1997, the Forum has adopted the “Guest of the Year” program to honor influential Jordanian figures who are still living and who have made a genuine national contribution in the fields of science, culture, knowledge, or public service.

Through the Guest of the Year program, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Cultural Forum has honored: Ihsan Abbas, Abdul Aziz Al-Douri, Nasir Al-Din Al-Asad, Mahmoud Al-Samra, Abdul Karim Gharaybeh, Hashem Yaghi, Mohammad Adnan Al-Bakhit, Ali Mahafzah, Kamel Al-Ajlouni, Haidar Mahmoud, Khaled Al-Karaki, Abdul Salam Al-Majali, Mohammad Hamdan, Haifa Al-Bashir, Hind Abu Al-Shaar, Walid Saif, Mousa Al-Nazir, and Victor Balla.

Guest of Honour

Global Experiences Illuminating Local Paths

The “Guest of Honor” program serves as the Forum’s window to leading international experiences in development, education, technology, and policymaking. The guest is selected after thorough research, and a comprehensive program is designed that includes a public lecture, meetings with Jordanian decision-makers, and discussions with experts and stakeholders.

Among the most notable guests of this program are Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, and Dr. Philip Yeo from Singapore.