The writings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, translated into various languages, have successfully reached all corners of the world, becoming a valuable asset to the global literary heritage. Through these creative works, His Highness has consistently carried the concerns of Arab culture, both past and present. His historical writings, which passionately defend this heritage, have served as essential references, offering fresh perspectives that grant them a universal dimension. These works present new frameworks for East-West relations, advocate for tolerance, and seek new horizons for all of humanity. As a result, his writings across diverse fields have transcended local boundaries—both Emirati and Arab—to embrace a truly global perspective.
Expansion
Sharjah and the UAE have been privileged to receive the generous support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi across various cultural fields. These continuous and unrestricted contributions have extended beyond the Arab world to reach different parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This global outreach reflects His Highness’s profound love for knowledge and learning, which he envisions as the foundation of relationships between nations and people.
His vision represents an intellectual and cultural thesis that aspires to build a world founded on love, goodwill, tolerance, understanding, dialogue, and intercultural exchange, values that stand in stark contrast to the conflicts, divisions, and wars seen worldwide. His Highness has always believed that culture is one of the most powerful tools for societal advancement and global presence, fostering a deep sense of belonging and pride in heritage and authenticity. He has consistently advocated for the importance of cultural exchange within the Arab world, as it plays a crucial role in developing knowledge tools and making them accessible to all segments of society.
Openness
A profound openness toward the Arab world has been a cornerstone of the cultural project of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. His contributions have played a significant role in revitalizing intellectual and cultural activities in numerous cities and capitals across the Arab world. These efforts carry a deeply humanistic dimension, evident in the recognition and honours bestowed upon many Arab figures, including visionaries, writers, playwrights, and thinkers.
Some of these individuals are well-known, while others had nearly faded into obscurity due to circumstances and financial hardship. His Highness’s support has, in many cases, restored visibility to artists and writers, allowing them to reclaim their place in the cultural landscape of their respective countries.
Regarding theatre in various Arab cities, the infrastructure has been revitalized, and new theatres have been constructed. Some of these countries had faced a decline in theatrical activity due to economic challenges, which in turn impacted the artists themselves. These humanitarian efforts were especially prominent in nations renowned for their rich theatre and drama traditions.
In 2022, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah inaugurated the Elderly Residents' Home for members of the Actors' Syndicate in Egypt, located on the 6th of October City. This was a remarkable humanitarian gesture that underscores the fact that the core of His Highness’s cultural project is the human being—the creative artist who has contributed his efforts and innovations to the Arab world, shaping the hearts and minds of many. This commitment is evident across all other creative fields, as His Highness has been a great support to Arab innovators.
A Special Status
Cairo has held a special place in the cultural support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, due to Egypt's central role in the Arab cultural landscape, particularly in the fields of theatre and drama. This special connection is also rooted in the personal memories His Highness has of Egypt, where he lived for a period of time. The creative and artistic community warmly welcomed His Highness’s support and the honours he bestowed in various cultural endeavours.
The Egyptian government included His Highness’s former residence during his time studying in Cairo as part of its prominent "Lived Here" initiative, which celebrates significant historical and cultural figures who lived in Egypt. For the Egyptian government, this decision was a recognition of His Highness's outstanding role in supporting various scientific, cultural, and humanitarian initiatives, both materially and morally. In appreciation of these significant efforts, the Egyptian Actors' Syndicate honoured His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in 2024 during the 7th edition of the "Egyptian Theatre Professionals Festival." This tribute acknowledged His Highness's contributions to the support and care of theatre and art in the Arab world. Ashraf Zaki, the head of the Syndicate, emphasized that His Highness played a crucial role in the revival of Arab theatre through his ongoing cultural initiatives, both financially and morally.
Cultural projects in Egypt have encompassed many fields of knowledge, literature, thought, and creativity, beyond just theatre. In 2012, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah donated a rare and significant collection of original manuscripts, volumes, books, encyclopaedias, and maps, totalling over 4,000 titles, from his personal collection to the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research. This gift was intended to help restore the Academy's library, which was severely damaged by fire in 2011.
This demonstrates His Highness’s deep commitment to the prestigious cultural institutions throughout the Arab world, which serve as treasures of Arab culture and civilization. These institutions do not limit their activities to their respective countries, but instead, they have an impact that extends across the region. This reflects His Highness’s broader vision for Arab culture everywhere.
He oversees and supports various initiatives that honour and preserve Arab heritage and identity. Among these efforts was his participation in the 2019 reopening of the Egyptian National Library in Bab El-Khalq, Cairo, following its restoration after being damaged. There have been numerous other initiatives, including a generous donation of 21 million Egyptian pounds in 2008 to support the pension fund of the Egyptian Writers Union. His Highness also established the Egyptian Historical Studies Society in 2001, contributed to the development of new research laboratories at the Faculty of Agriculture, and supported the new central library at Cairo University. Additionally, he supported the creation of a training and technology institute at the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate (EJS).
A Timeless Legacy
The Arabic language holds a special place of great importance for His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. In addition to his monumental work on the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a timeless contribution to Arab culture and civilization, His Highness has continuously supported Arabic language academies across the Arab world. He has consistently welcomed delegations from the heads of these academies. One of the most notable and ongoing efforts was his support in establishing the Arabic Language Council (ALC) in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, in 2017. This institution was created to be an educational and scientific hub for a select group of Mauritanian Arabic language scholars. This support is part of His Highness’s continuous efforts to advance the work of language academies and various institutions and associations striving to elevate the status of the Arabic language.
Glow
These cultural institutions in Sharjah, operating under the patronage of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, are committed to ensuring that the cultural glow and the creative and intellectual movement in the Arab world continue to thrive, especially in countries facing challenges such as conflicts and economic difficulties. Among these institutions, the Arab Theatre Authority (ATA) plays a prominent role. Under the directives of His Highness, the Authority supported theatres in many Arab countries. In 2018, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture in Yemen, the Authority organized the Yemen National Theatre Festival, in line with His Highness’s initiative to establish national theatre festivals in countries that lack their own cultural festivals.
This proposal was part of a plan to restore cultural life in Yemen, with the initiative taking place along three key tracks. The first track involved organizing a national theatre festival. The second focused on the establishment of a performing arts centre in Aden, aimed at training and qualifying theatrical and artistic talents in Yemen to help sustain their theatrical movement. The third track was dedicated to school theatre. This experience was extended to many countries, with every session of the Arab Theatre Festival, sponsored by the Authority, serving as an opportunity to honour Arab theatre and playwrights, while also supporting the "father of arts" across the entire Arab world.
Distinctive Role
The Sharjah Book Authority stands out as a central and fundamental institution that embodies the vision and mission of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, particularly in raising the status of Arab culture. Its activities have made a significant impact on the book industry and the intellectual and cultural movement across the Arab world. The Authority plays a key role in presenting an image of Arab culture that is worthy of global recognition. It also upholds the task of strengthening Sharjah’s position as a global cultural capital by exploring ways to enhance cultural cooperation between Sharjah and countries worldwide, as well as fostering the exchange of experiences in the publishing and distribution industries.
Numerous humanitarian gestures have been made in this regard. Since its inception, the Sharjah International Book Fair has continuously supported publishers participating in each of its sessions. In 2024, under the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and the follow-up of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority, the Authority announced the exemption of publishing houses from Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan from participation fees in the 43rd edition of the fair. This initiative reflects His Highness's vision of advancing the Arab cultural project, safeguarding Arab culture under various circumstances, supporting Arab creators and intellectuals, and fostering the ideal environment for them to play their historical role in promoting Arab cultural identity. It also enhances the Arab world’s participation in the broader development of human civilization.
The Publishers Conference, held alongside the fair, continues to serve as a vital platform where Arab publishers meet to discuss pressing issues in the publishing and cultural sectors, both within the Arab region and globally. Additionally, the Authority maintains its active presence at international events, particularly book fairs, acting as a cultural and intellectual ambassador that reflects the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Throughout 2024, the Authority continued to strengthen Sharjah's position as a global cultural capital. This was evident in its participation in the 38th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico, where discussions focused on enhancing cultural cooperation between Sharjah and Mexico. The two sides explored opportunities to exchange experiences in the publishing and distribution sectors, as well as discussed strategies for developing relationships with the Sharjah International Book Fair. This collaboration contributes to the wider dissemination of Arab culture in new markets and fosters more joint achievements in the promotion of culture and knowledge.
Global Mobility
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah's cultural and intellectual efforts have extended far beyond the UAE and the Arab world, reaching international dimensions. Guided by His Highness’s vision for a world founded on mutual understanding and dialogue, Sharjah's activities have been showcased in various Western capitals. One of the most significant milestones in 2024 was the opening of the Arab Cultural Institute in Milan, Italy, a momentous event on cultural, intellectual, and academic levels. His Highness expressed his joy at the success of the partnership between Sharjah and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, which culminated in the opening of the Institute hosted by the university. Reflecting on the relationship with the university, His Highness noted that it began seven years ago, with numerous male and female students visiting Sharjah to attend conferences and engage in various cultural, educational, and other events. Additionally, delegations from Sharjah visited the university to participate in its activities and strengthen the collaboration between the two institutions.
The Institute seeks to facilitate partnerships between Arab and Italian publishers to translate Arabic works into Italian and other European languages, in addition to launching a joint literary magazine in Arabic and Italian, which includes works by Arab and European writers and writers, in addition to developing a digital platform that allows individuals to discover aspects of Arab culture and treasures of Arabic literature.
The Institute also targets new generations of Italian youth, researchers, students of Arab culture, and writers of the diaspora, as it is the first institute specialized in managing Arab cultural programs and policies in Italy, and will organize Arabic language learning programs, launch grants for cultural exchange programs, as well as prepare activities for students, young people and promising writers, and the Institute will also expand the Arabic Language Festival, sponsored by the Sharjah Book Authority in Milan, to include more diverse activities such as poetry readings, language workshops and group discussions. Part of its activities is devoted to organizing annual book fairs, literary events, workshops and interactive seminars between Arab and European culture.
The Institute aims to foster partnerships between Arab and Italian publishers to translate Arabic works into Italian and other European languages. It will also launch a joint literary magazine in both Arabic and Italian, showcasing works by Arab and European writers. Additionally, the Institute plans to develop a digital platform that allows individuals to explore aspects of Arab culture and discover the treasures of Arabic literature.
The Institute also targets Italy’s new generation of youth, researchers, students of Arab culture, and members of the diaspora. As the first institution in Italy dedicated to managing Arab cultural programs and policies, it will offer Arabic language courses, establish grants for cultural exchange, and organize activities for students, young people, and emerging writers. Moreover, the Institute will expand the Arabic Language Festival, supported by the Sharjah Book Authority in Milan, to include a variety of events such as poetry readings, language workshops, and group discussions. A key part of its mission will also involve organizing annual book fairs, literary events, workshops, and interactive seminars that encourage dialogue between Arab and European cultures.
Pioneering Leadership in Arts and Culture
The Sharjah Cultural Project has proven to be a cross-border initiative, bridging cultures around the world through its openness and engagement. Its foundation is rooted in the vision and aspirations of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, who has provided steadfast support and patronage for nearly fifty years. Over these years, numerous achievements have been made that have elevated Arab culture, earning His Highness recognition both within the Arab world and internationally. This recognition reflects his significant and ongoing role in enhancing the status of Arab culture and advancing the scientific and cultural movement. The cultural renaissance led by His Highness has led to the establishment of numerous scientific and cultural institutions in Sharjah, while also supporting similar initiatives across the UAE, the Arab world, and globally. His Highness’s commitment to a thoughtful cultural policy has spanned various scientific and knowledge-based fields, further cementing Sharjah’s role as a beacon of cultural development.
His Highness has also pioneered innovative approaches in modern arts and cultural fields such as theatre, painting, cinema, and various exhibitions. He has closely followed Arab, international, and humanitarian achievements in history and the arts, striving to share these experiences with Arab youth, encouraging them to participate and excel in their respective fields. Furthermore, His Highness has authored several books in history, humanities, and social sciences, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of culture and intellectual thought. Through these efforts, His Highness has worked tirelessly to promote the dissemination of knowledge across all corners of the globe.
Translations
Among the significant and far-reaching efforts to bring Emirati creativity and literature to the world, several initiatives, competitions, and awards focused on translation have emerged. One of the most prominent is the Sharjah Award for Translation, "Torjoman," supervised by the Sharjah Book Authority. This award aims to translate Arabic literature into all international languages and embodies the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, who seeks to support the Arabic and global translation movement, fostering cultural and civilizational exchange.
It also aligns with the directives of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, emphasizing the importance of literature and knowledge in fostering communication and dialogue between the world’s cultures, rooted in values of understanding and human exchange. The award celebrates the translation movement, honours outstanding works, and opens its doors to both Arab and international publishing houses that have published translations of original Arabic works in its inaugural edition. The award recognizes all those involved in the translation process, with the translator receiving 100,000 dirhams, and the foreign publishing house that published the translation receiving 70% of the amount. This competition has garnered significant support from Arab cultural institutions, as it strengthens global translation efforts and highlights the creative and intellectual contributions of the Arab world to human culture.
Source: Al Khaleej Newspaper – Special Edition