His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah announced his intention to publish a book on the geological changes of the region. In which he will discuss the history of the region from 400 BC until the arrival of the Portuguese.

His Highness said in a telephone interview, through the "Direct Line" programme, broadcasted on Sharjah Radio: "for 50 years we have been searching in the region… we have not found Persian antiquities nor money therein. “It is an Arab land."

“A study is being conducted within the Sultan's Encyclopedia of History on the transformations that occurred in the region, and that the first book that was issued within the encyclopedia included the history of the state from 400 B.C until the arrival of the Portuguese in 1507” His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah added. “It is to inform people about the origins, migration and rulers of these civilisations”. In addition to the geological structures, the developments that took place, and the origins of this country, so that people would be informed of the origins of the land.

"History and heritage develop the love of the homeland, and we must familiarise ourselves with them. People love their country and heritage." His Highness said, adding in his answer about the meaning of the word “Al-Hafiya”: “Al-Hafiya comes from the word Al Hifa, which means the land in which water remains for a while, then it dries. Then plants without leaves grow in it. These plants are collected by sending the livestock to take off plants with their hooves. This process is called Al-Hafia. As for “Al-Hayar” it comes from stones”.