I have long been fascinated by Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi. He is the Ruler of Sharjah and a Supreme Council Member of the UAE. He descends from the ancient House of Al-Qawasim. Al Qasimi studied in Egypt in the 1960s. There, he experienced the Egyptian character in all its dimensions. He formed lifelong friendships, including with Adel Imam and Salah Al-Saadani.

Ever since, he has remained faithful to Egypt. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi has always had a constant appetite for knowledge and a continuous desire for learning. He completed his studies and obtained a doctorate from a prestigious British university.

H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan lived in Egypt during the years of the national dream and the Arabism tide. Eventually, he returned to his homeland as the heir to the emirate. Sharjah is rightly considered an oasis of knowledge and a citadel of culture.

I have documented my relationship with His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi from his visits to Cairo during my work in the institution of the Presidency of the Republic. He later invited me, along with a group of intellectuals, to visit the emerging emirate and learn about his intellectual and development projects.

Year after year, I noticed the world changing and the emirate developing in a way that inspires fascination and admiration. His efforts extended beyond Sharjah, reaching many projects in Arab countries, especially Egypt. He is credited with establishing numerous educational and cultural facilities and enlightenment associations specializing in Islam, Arab, and Egyptian heritage.

He has generously supported these institutions, which he personally sponsors and continuously attends to, regardless of circumstances or difficulties. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi is a specialized scholar, deriving insights from intellectual history and political development to guide each stage.

He has remained faithful to his nation and to his principles of apparent tolerance and pure love. During the significant events in Egypt from 2011 to 2013, Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi provided direct support to the country where he had studied and graduated, doing so quietly and without fanfare.

Notably, he replaced the library of the Egyptian Scientific Academy with complete alternatives to the books that were burned amidst the turmoil on the Egyptian streets during that period. He also supported the reconstruction of the buildings of the Egyptian Historical Society, the Union of Historians, the Linguistic Academy, and many other institutions, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to education and culture.

The Egyptian Academy of Arts has nominated Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi for the Supreme Nile Prize for 2024, an award granted to creators in literature and arts. The vote in the Supreme Council of Culture was a source of pride. The Sheikh's name won the most votes, reflecting the deep affection for a man who has always sought to bring happiness to others. He has remained loyal at all times.

Egypt granted Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi an honorary doctorate several years ago from Cairo University, his alma mater. Additionally, the oldest Arab Academy of Arts nominated him for the Arab Creators Award, which he received almost unanimously from Egypt's senior intellectuals. This recognition honours his contributions to culture, language, and various branches of science and knowledge.

For those who do not know him, Sheikh Dr. Al Qasimi is a brilliant writer and historian with broad perspectives. He has devoted his life to gaining more knowledge and opening the doors of learning. He has also helped others without bias towards any particular nationality or religion. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi chose to be the custodian of all religions under the umbrella of all nations.

May God prolong his life, increase his bounty, and benefit his country and nation. May he continue to contribute positively to the progress of modern humanity at all times and places.

Source: Mostafa El-Feki, Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper.