A Leader of Enlightenment - Arab writers, poets, and academics have recognized His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as a visionary leader who has spearheaded cultural enlightenment and creativity in the Arab world. His Highness has successfully launched numerous projects and initiatives that have yielded outstanding results in promoting literature, thought, and purposeful arts.

Jordanian Ministers Praise Sultan as a Promoter of Literature, Thought, and Arts

According to Haifa Al-Najjar, the current Jordanian Minister of Culture, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah has been instrumental in initiating a cultural movement that has reverberated throughout the entire Arab world. She has noted that under his leadership, a diverse range of creative works have thrived and achieved significant advancements, which have had a positive impact on creators and intellectuals across the region.

Promotion of talents

Haifa Al-Najjar, the Jordanian Minister of Culture, has commended His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his unwavering support of literature and the arts in the Arab world. She specifically highlighted the establishment of poetry houses across Arab countries, which have provided opportunities for young talents to develop their skills and have given rise to renowned cultural figures. These centers have also played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and literary landscape of the Arab world.

Al-Najjar expressed her appreciation for His Highness's visionary leadership and his efforts to promote creativity through incentive awards and continuous backing of cultural initiatives. She further noted that the Emirate of Sharjah has become a hub for cultural strategies that permeate the Arab world and contribute to innovation. This is exemplified through the International Book Fair, theatre festivals, poetry clubs, intellectual competitions, and the sponsorship of creativity, as well as the adoption of Arab cultural projects with insightful visions.

Spiritual nourishment

Dr. Salah Jarrar, Former Jordanian Minister of Culture, Applauds His Highness Sultan's Cultural Contributions

Dr. Salah Jarrar, a Professor of Andalusian Literature and former Jordanian Minister of Culture, has lauded His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his exceptional leadership in the field of Arab culture. According to Jarrar, His Highness is a visionary leader who places great importance on thought, literature, science, and purposeful arts, recognizing the value of spiritual nourishment and providing unwavering support.

Jarrar emphasized that His Highness's efforts have transformed Sharjah into a celebrated Arab cultural hub and have yielded successive fruits across the region. He further described His Highness as an educated and wise leader, whose cultural initiatives have left a profound impact on the Arab world.

Dr.Salah Jarrar, has praised His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his leadership in promoting Arab cultural, intellectual, and artistic projects and initiatives. Jarrar specifically noted His Highness's support for literature, poetry, reading, theatre, fine arts, heritage protection, and the transmission of Arab culture to international stages. His Highness has also encouraged publishing, fostered interest in the Arabic language and its dictionaries, and facilitated the production of these works while promoting creators.

Jarrar emphasized that Sharjah's culture has been the beneficiary of His Highness's broad care, stemming from his comprehensive thought and deep awareness. Sharjah has become a destination and model for active and fruitful cultural interest under his leadership. His Highness has encouraged the growth of thought, literature, and knowledge, and serves as a solid reference for writers and thinkers. He continually looks forward to the blossoming of Arab culture.

Literary movement

Haider Mahmoud Commends His Highness Sultan's Contributions to Arab Culture

Haider Mahmoud, a poet and former Jordanian Minister of Culture, lauded the role and accomplishments of His Highness Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, in promoting creativity and advancing Arab culture. Mahmoud noted that His Highness has led Sharjah through a literary and cultural movement that radiates throughout the Arab world and serves as a model for creativity. 

Mahmoud emphasized that His Highness has initiated unwavering initiatives and ideas as part of his Arab cultural renaissance strategy. These have included support for literature and arts, from book fairs to poetry evenings, novel seminars, heritage festivals, and theatrical performances. As a result, Sharjah has become a hub of diverse knowledge. Mahmoud regards His Highness as having facilitated the flourishing of thought and cultural renaissance in the Arab world.

Mahmoud further notes that under His Highness's leadership, Sharjah and other Arab capitals have attained international and global titles, thanks to his support. His Highness retains a preeminence in launching intellectual projects with a comprehensive outlook that contribute to the enrichment of Arab culture.

Luminous initiatives

Dr. Lana Mamkeg, the former Jordanian Minister of Culture, a journalist and writer, praised the visionary and balanced approach of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi in promoting Arab culture and supporting significant projects that broaden the horizons of creativity and produce a conscious generation interested in human development, the Arabic language, and national identity. She expressed pride in the Emirate of Sharjah for becoming a center for learning and innovation, and for building bridges for deep-rooted Arab cultural relations. Mamkeg considered His Highness's initiatives in support of Arab culture as a ground for originality, civilization, creativity, and expanding minds over generations. She described these initiatives as a true formula to embody the dream of Arab convergence on creativity, culture, and intellectual progress. She also highlighted the role of these initiatives in shedding light on Arab intellectual experiences, enhancing their status and value in international circles, and confronting intellectual extremism.

Leading role

The academic researcher, Nabih Shuqam, who is also a former Jordanian Minister of Culture, has highlighted the "leading role" played by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in expanding the horizons of thought through his pioneering interest in book fairs and the promotion of cultural initiatives and projects in Sharjah. He noted the success of the Sharjah Book Fair, which has become a prominent event in both Arab and international circles, attracting the most prominent names in its field and continually renewing itself. Shuqam also highlighted the significant contributions of His Highness to the development of Emirati culture and to human development and education throughout the Arab world. He said, "Through his genuine investment in human development and education, His Highness has contributed profoundly to the rise of the status of Emirati culture and has helped shift the compass of global cultural interest towards intellectual initiatives and projects led by Sharjah."

Lebanese poets and intellectuals drew parallels between the accomplishments of Sultan and Al-Ma'mun

A group of Lebanese poets and intellectuals drew parallels between the accomplishments of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the golden age of Arab-Islamic civilization under the reign of Caliph Al-Ma'mun. They praised His Highness's diverse cultural initiatives, including the establishment of poetry houses in several Arab capitals and an organization that supports Arab theatre. They also recognized his creative achievements in the fields of history, literature, and theater.

The reality says it all.

The poet Shawqi Bazie asserts that one doesn't need to be an expert in rhetoric or composition to recognize the achievements of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah. The remarkable progress made in the emirate in fields such as culture, education, and development are evidence of his leadership. Bazie notes that His Highness possesses a unique combination of traits, including being a national intellectual, historian, and a lover of knowledge, which have allowed him to blend culture and power in a distinct approach that empowers culture. His Highness's contributions to the creation of social facilities and cultural events make him a role model in diverse fields. Bazie compares His Highness to the era of Al-Ma'mun and is impressed by how he combines his achievements with his devotion to writing in various domains such as history, literature, thought, and social and developmental affairs. The breadth of His Highness's accomplishments begs the question of how one person can achieve so much in a lifetime.

Energy

The writer and critic, Paul Shawl, expresses his admiration for His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, stating that it is rare to find a ruler who governs with such attention to detail and daily concerns over a prolonged period. His Highness possesses a dynamic energy that allows him to produce an abundance of intellectual, literary, and historical works, each with their own unique expressions, contents, and creative elements. It is as if he holds the philosopher's stone, turning various metals into pure gold. His Highness has become a towering Arab cultural and creative figure, transcending local and regional boundaries to reach a global audience.

The artist, Nidal Al-Ashqar, expresses her gratitude towards His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, acknowledging that many cultural and artistic institutions, particularly theatrical ones, would not have survived in the Arab world without his support. She recalls the time when His Highness responded to her plea on Lebanese television and extended his support to ensure that the city theatre would not close down. Al-Ashqar credits His Highness for understanding the importance of arts and theatre in adding vibrancy to life, and for recognizing that culture is not a mere commodity but an essential aspect of a decent life. She concludes by stating that His Highness's efforts in reinforcing culture contribute to a better life.

Unique example

The art critic Rafiq Ali Ahmed says that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah represents a unique example among Arab rulers, especially in terms of his cultural consideration. He has a deep awareness of the importance of culture to the renaissance and progress of societies, which is reflected in the cultural and educational infrastructure of the Emirate of Sharjah. His published works also show his interest in the cultural heritage of his country, the Arab and Muslim world, and his openness to the world. His Highness belongs to a generation that believed in Arab nationalism and the interdependence of Arab peoples. He was interested not only in Sharjah and the UAE but also in his larger Arab homeland, endorsing and stimulating the cultural movement, particularly in the field of theatre. As a man of theatre, the critic appreciates the particular care that His Highness gave to the Arab theatrical movement through the Arab Theater Authority. This helped keep many Arab theaters illuminated by performances and prevented the curtain of darkness from falling on them. It also contributed to building bridges of cooperation and familiarity between Arab theatre creators.

Institutionalization of the theatre

The writer and critic, Obeido Pasha, says: it is difficult to find the words to express the contributions of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.  Years ago, His Highness inaugurated the Arab Theater Authority. The Authority is the first of its kind in the Arab world, and its aim is to ensure the continuity of theatre, not only in Sharjah or the UAE, but throughout the Arab world. Thanks to the Theatre Authority, theatre is no longer neglected in Arab countries. It has resolved to organize a theatre festival in an Arab country every year, which has contributed significantly to the institutionalization of theatre in the Arab world. His Highness's vision of supporting and promoting theatre as an integral part of Arab culture has been realized through the Theatre Authority.

Honor and pride

Ghassan Shabaro, director of the “Arab Scientific Publishers”, praises His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his dedication to preserving Arab culture and literature, elevating its status both within the Arab world and globally. Shabaro calls His Highness' achievement a distinction not only for the Arab world but also globally. He emphasizes the importance of His Highness' efforts in advancing Arab culture, preserving its heritage, and transmitting it globally.

Shabaro notes that His Highness is a patron of cultural development and a supporter of creativity. He has encouraged the translation of Arabic literature, launched literary awards, and created museums, theaters, houses of poetry, and literature. His initiatives have been successful due to his investment in citizens as key assets for expansion, with education and skills being vital for future achievement. His Highness has also facilitated access to modern technologies and means of science and growth. 

Egyptian intellectuals praise His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi as a ruler and philosopher.

Several Egyptian intellectuals have recognized the exceptional nature of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, who leads the Emirate of Sharjah with wisdom and perpetually contributes to the achievements of the UAE since its establishment. They have emphasized that His Highness is not only a ruler but also an intellectual, poet, playwright, writer, and thinker. They have hailed him as a philosopher ruler who understands the value of investment, not only in terms of economics but also in terms of cultural and intellectual capital.

In their interview with Al-Khaleej newspaper, Egyptian intellectuals refer to the influence of the ruler being an intellectual and a practitioner of culture, who benefits his country and neighbouring countries. They commented on how His Highness turned his emirate into a radiant cultural centre. Employing wealth in the service of culture.

Exceptional person

The former Egyptian Minister of Culture, Dr. Saber Arab, described His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, as an exceptional individual who values culture and encourages scientific research. While most officials focus on political and economic matters, His Highness has a broad understanding of the importance of culture, history, and theater. He has transformed Sharjah into a cultural hub, complete with libraries, schools, universities, and renowned institutions. As a professor of modern Arab history at Al-Azhar University, Dr. Saber Arab noted that His Highness' views are reflected in the educational renaissance taking place in Sharjah. This reflects His Highness' belief that education is a primary asset for the progress of nations and the development of societies. 

It is undeniable that His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has led his emirate to great achievements, including being named the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, the Islamic Culture Capital, and the World Book Capital. He has also helped establish Sharjah as a center for theater, writing, research, documentation, history, and investigation.

Many believe that His Highness's approach is focused on the development of the individual, as evidenced by the establishment of the first Performing Arts Academy in the Gulf region and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transportation in the city of Khorfakkan. This also demonstrates that his goal is not just limited to culture, but encompasses development in its broadest sense.

Furthermore, his efforts have reached far beyond the borders of Sharjah and have extended to other countries in the Arab world, including Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Mauritania, and others. This has been achieved through the establishment of poetry houses and his support for the Arab theater, both in theory and in practice. His Highness's commitment to the advancement of Arab culture and education is truly remarkable and has made a significant impact on the region as a whole. 

Rights and duties

Ahmed Abdel-muti Hijazi, the renowned poet and pioneer of the famous poem, states that His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, embodies the concept of the "philosopher ruler" as proposed by the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato. According to Plato, if the ruler is a philosopher, he can perform his role optimally and ensure equality between people in their rights and duties.

Hijazi highlights the importance of educating the ruler and equipping them with scientific, cultural, and moral qualities, as emphasized by philosophers who wrote about virtuous cities. This is evident in His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, whose cultural works and books demonstrate a keen interest in the history of the Arabian Gulf region. He sheds light on British colonialism and resistance to occupation in his works such as "The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Gulf", "British Occupation of Aden", "John Malcolm and the British Commercial Base in the Gulf (1800)", "Memorandum of Kuwait: Biography of Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah", "Letters of Somali Leaders to Shaikh Sultan Bin Saqer Al Qasimi (1837)", "Power Struggles and Trade in the Gulf (1620-1820)", and "Al Qawasim and the British Aggression 1797-1820".

Hijazi concludes that His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, is an example of a philosopher ruler who uses his intellectual abilities and cultural expertise to advance his emirate and contribute to the development of the Arab world.

Similarity and difference

In comparison to other rulers in the Arab world, His Highness stands out for his dedication to education, culture, and history. This is reflected in his contributions to the establishment of cultural and educational institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah, as well as his personal interest in reading, writing, and research. While other rulers may prioritize political or economic matters, His Highness places a great emphasis on the development of the human being and the advancement of society through education and culture.

At the same time, it is worth noting that there have been other rulers in Arab history who have also been intellectuals or scholars, though they may be rare. What distinguishes His Highness is his exceptional combination of intellectual pursuits and leadership, and his ability to effectively implement his vision for cultural and educational development in Sharjah. His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, serves as a model for the importance of education and culture in achieving progress and development for nations and societies.

An unparalleled combination

Dr. Mustafa al-Feki, the former director of the Library of Alexandria, comments on the relationship between politics and culture. He refers to the “constant opposition” between politics and culture and how most decision-makers do not attend to culture, while many intellectuals disdain politics. However, His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, has successfully integrated the two, forming a unique and unparalleled mixture in the Arab world. Dr. al-Feki, who has a long-standing friendship with His Highness, describes him as a unique example.

Special relationship

His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, has a special affinity for Egypt, and the Egyptians love him in return. This sentiment is echoed by many famous Egyptian intellectuals who speak highly of His Highness. Dr. al-Feki believes that His Highness's love for Egypt is genuine, as he studied there and lived in Cairo during his youth.

Appreciation for Egypt

Youssef al-Qaeed, a novelist and former member of Parliament, views His Highness as a creative innovator with a unique style, rare in the third world, who has written theatrical and fictional texts, as well as works dealing with public affairs. He also believes that His Highness loves Egypt, its people, and leadership, and has a deep appreciation for the country's cultural enlightenment, having studied at its most prominent educational institute, Cairo University.