His Majesty the Sultan received him with his customary smile—warm, gracious, and embracing—the kind of welcome reserved for a sovereign of culture and literature, a master of the sincere word and the wise opinion. It was a reception befitting the stature and eminence of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, held in the majestic Palace of Al Alam, where history is inscribed, and at the grand celebration of books, where history is narrated.
In an age where the measure of a man lies in the honesty of his heart, the clarity of his purpose, and his love for others, Sheikh Sultan stands as a towering figure. His achievements—both tangible and intellectual—are countless. From enduring developmental projects across the Emirate of Sharjah to his vast contributions to the world of culture and letters, his legacy is etched in permanence. Among his most celebrated works are those chronicling the rich history of the Sultanate of Oman, crafted with depth, precision, and profound understanding.
This year’s book fair is marked by the presence of two towering milestones: the distinguished presence of His Highness himself, and the unveiling of his latest monumental work “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman”. This publication represents the most extensive documentary endeavour on the historical voyage of this significant region. It is the culmination of many years of meticulous research and dedication to unveiling the ancient and enduring narrative of a land celebrated for its authenticity, culture, and continuous historical presence.
This masterwork presents a sober and scholarly investigation of events spanning the years 1497 to 1757, encapsulated in 21 meticulously bound volumes. It stands as a repository of invaluable historical episodes, generously gifted by Sheikh Sultan to the present and generations to come. It is more than a chronicle—it is a cultural legacy and a testament to the profound and enduring ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.
Among the many books I have read over the years, today I find myself standing before the remarkable works of the Sheikh of the Book, the Sultan of the Word, the chronicler of cultural, historical, and intellectual renaissance—whose pen has breathed life into the stories of Oman, its sea, its leaders, and its kings. Today, we do not merely honour an author; we honour a teacher, a historian, a guardian of memory, and a bearer of the Order of Love. Today, we celebrate not a name, but a nation; one that, through his efforts, has bestowed upon Oman an immortal legacy, meticulously documented for generations to come.
The Muscat International Book Fair is not merely a celebration of ink and paper, verses and love stories. It is a tribute to those who have built glory, preserved heritage, and laboured to gather, translate, and share the history of our lands with the world in its purest, most luminous form. How fitting that this honour be given to a man who has carried the weight of an emirate and its people upon his shoulders, dedicating years—decades even—to compiling the moments that shaped history into volumes beyond imagination, so that the world may read the story of Oman and the Sea of Oman with awe and admiration.
They speak of him as one nurtured by patriotism and Arab identity, raised with a deep reverence for knowledge, and ever passionate about history. His books have become the lifeblood for lovers of the past—essential, enduring, and enlightening. Thank you, wise statesman, for your humility, your integrity, and your unwavering devotion to your country, your faith, and the cultural, economic, and social advancement of your ever-smiling emirate.
Thank you, Sultan of Goodness and Culture. The bonds between our nations are not newly formed—they are deeply rooted, long before documentation, and grounded in mutual respect and enduring friendship between our peoples and leaderships. It is from this profound foundation that His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq welcomed you at the historic Al Alam Palace—a gesture of respect and reverence, and a testament to the boundless love and appreciation Oman holds for you, from its highest ranks to its youngest hearts, in gratitude for your unwavering dedication to its history, its sultans, its glories, and its kings.
Thank you, Abu Khaled. Your Highness’s initiatives stand as a beacon for the preservation of cultural heritage and Arab identity. Through your historical writings; particularly The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman; you have bestowed upon us not only an exceptional scholarly achievement but also a distinguished contribution that enriches both the Arab and international libraries. This monumental work, a series of valuable books, brings to light a trove of human heritage and a detailed political and social record. It captures, with precise observation, vital historical moments witnessed in the Sea of Oman, a maritime crossroads for Portuguese and other fleets over a span of 260 years. Each new study you publish is an irreplaceable addition to Omani and Arab historiography.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi is not merely a writer or historian—he is a cultural institution unto himself. His approach to life is rooted in a deep cultural consciousness, where historical documentation is not a task, but a calling; not a pursuit, but a way of being. It is no wonder that culture in the Emirate of Sharjah has become as essential as water and air—vital, sustaining, and ever-present.
In all of his publications, His Highness does not merely recount events or chronicle personalities—he delves into critique, interpretation, and analysis. He is, without exaggeration, a national treasure: a historian of depth, an intellectual of clarity, a visionary thinker, and a persuasive speaker. His work reflects precision, insight, and enduring wisdom. Who among us can forget the words of his inaugural speech upon assuming leadership of Sharjah: «Help me to be a righteous son to your elder, a loyal brother to your middle, and a caring father to your youngest». Such words are not uttered lightly—they are lived, every day, in service, humility, and wisdom.
Over decades of leadership, he has guided the ship of his Emirate with justice and vision, grounded in knowledge and compassion. Today, we owe it to ourselves and to history to honor such greatness. He deserves not only a medal and a sash but the enduring appreciation of a people who see in him the embodiment of authentic Arab nobility and cultural excellence.
Thank you, Your Highness. You deserve far more than words can express. What you once wrote about truth still resonates in our hearts: «Truth is that which a man must protect. The truth of Oman’s history is a duty I have fulfilled with all honesty».
May God protect you and grant you a long life. For men like you, we lay down the red carpet, and offer the welcome reserved for the truly great.
* Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Batmira، Published in Al-Nahar Kuwaiti Newspaper