In 1803, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi ascended to the leadership of Ras Al Khaimah. Unlike his grandfather, Sheikh Rashid bin Matar Al Qasimi, a man of Sufi inclination, or his cousin, Rahma bin Muhammad bin Rahma bin Matar Al Qasimi, adherents of Salafi thought, Sheikh Sultan charted his own path. His cousins, unified under the banner of Salafi ideology, rallied the people of the Qawasim cities, engaging in actions independent of his authority, including raids on ships traversing the Gulf.

Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi found himself compelled to sign an agreement with David Seton, the representative of the British East India Company, in February 1806. This decision incited the ire of the Salafi faction and Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Dir'iya. In retaliation, Sheikh Sultan’s cousins, including Rahma bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, conspired against him by accusing him of the murder of his uncle, Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

This accusation was presented to Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who summoned Sheikh Sultan to Dir'iya under the pretence of discussing certain matters. In response, Sheikh Sultan embarked on the journey overland to Dir'iya in March 1809.

Upon his arrival, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi was detained. Subsequently, Hassan bin Rahma bin Muhammad Al Qasimi was installed as the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and the surrounding Qawasim territories.

The town of Sharjah, one of the settlements under Qawasim rule, was situated along the Sharjah Creek, which spanned no more than three hundred meters in width. The surrounding landscape was predominantly flat desert, save for a sandy hill that overlooked the land routes leading into Sharjah.

In 1810, the Saudi commander Mutlaq Al-Mutairi arrived in Sharjah, setting up his army's encampment on the flat terrain opposite the town. Al-Mutairi's command tent was strategically pitched atop the elevated sandy hill, which provided a vantage point over the roads leading to Sharjah. This hill would later come to be known as "Nad Al-Mutairi."

Thousands of people gathered in the area opposite Sharjah, some traveling to pay their zakat from Sharjah and neighbouring towns, while others came to pledge their allegiance and loyalty. The air resounded with takbeers and tahleels as the crowd swelled.

Among the forces, the people of Najd performed the traditional Najdi Ardah, raising green flags emblazoned with the words: “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” These celebrations, marked by fervour and unity, extended for days and nights.

In early 1813, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi made his escape from imprisonment in Diriyah, the capital of Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. His arduous journey began through Wadi Al-Dawasir, continuing to Dhamar in Yemen. From there, he reached the port of Mocha and finally sailed to Sur in Oman, arriving in Muscat as a fugitive seeking refuge.

The Rola Tree

In a pivotal move, Imam Said bin Sultan dispatched a ship to Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, carrying a force of 300 loyal followers. The ship made its way to Lengeh and then safely reached the port of Sharjah. Upon arrival, this battalion successfully seized the city, paving the way for Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi to consolidate his position. To fortify his hold, Sheikh Sultan constructed a fortress that would serve as both his headquarters and a strategic base for his forces.

What followed was a fierce and devastating confrontation. A military contingent from Ras Al Khaimah descended upon Sharjah, leading to a brutal clash that claimed the lives of at least 700 men from both sides. Despite the heavy toll, the Ras Al Khaimah forces managed to capture Imam Said bin Sultan’s ship and return it to their stronghold.

Yet, amid the chaos, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi emerged victorious in a broader sense. He firmly established Sharjah’s independence from Ras Al Khaimah and effectively freed it from the ideological and political grip of the Salafi faction, marking a significant chapter in the region’s history.

In the very spot where Mutlaq Al-Mutairi, the Saudi leader, had once established his camp, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi transformed the area into a thriving palm plantation. Among the palms, there was a distinctive stallion palm named “Ghalib,” a reflection of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi himself.

To sustain the plantation, Sheikh Sultan dug a water pool fed by groundwater, skilfully lined with rocks to maintain its structure. Adjacent to this pool, he planted a Rola tree brought from the town of Lengeh on the Persian coast, symbolizing a blend of resilience and growth in the heart of the desert.

As for Nad Al-Mutairi, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi transformed it into a summer residence constructed from palm fronds.

Time flowed in Sharjah, and Nad Al-Mutairi remained an enduring part of the city's cherished history. When I was six years old, I studied the Holy Quran under Sheikh Faris bin Abdul Rahman. During the summer, Sheikh Faris and his family would retreat to Nad Al-Mutairi, near the towering palm stallion "Ghalib." Here, he built a traditional shed (Arish), which served as a study space for his lessons.

By midday, we would return to the town of Sharjah, pausing by the water pool to quench our thirst. The pool, carefully lined with rocks, had steps leading down to the water level. A tin can was left nearby for scooping water, making it a communal oasis.

The Rolla tree, with its lush shade, became a gathering place for the people of Sharjah and its neighbouring towns. On Eid evenings, the area would come alive as men, women, boys, and girls flocked to the Rolla tree. Large ropes were hung from its sprawling branches, creating swings. Girls sat in pairs on the ropes, locking their feet together with those of the girl opposite, forming swings of up to eight. Boys, would push the swings upward with care. Beneath the tree’s vast canopy, vendors sold sweets and nuts, adding to the festive atmosphere.

In the 1960s, Al-Orouba School was built in Baqa’a Al-Rolla, housing missions from Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain, which managed the school and contributed to its legacy.

By 1978, the majestic Rolla tree, having stood for 165 years, dried up and reached the end of its life. Recognizing its historical significance, I inaugurated Rolla Square on January 25, 1979. At its centre, I placed a monument, designed and painted by my own hand, bearing my signature. At the heart of the monument stands the Rolla tree, an eternal witness to the vibrant history and enduring spirit of Sharjah.