Dr Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Harrasi, Oman’s Minister of Information, remarked: «We take great pride in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, at the inauguration of the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, and in the ceremonial signing of the first editions of his latest monumental work entitled The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman – The Latest Annals from 1497–1757, published in 21 volumes».
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he added: «His Highness is regarded as one of the foremost historians on Omani affairs and history. Every scholarly contribution he makes—whether through meticulous historical inquiry or the revelation of previously unknown documents—serves to enrich Omani historiography, the broader corpus of human heritage, and, in particular, the Arab and Omani intellectual archives».
He noted that the Ruler of Sharjah approaches history not merely as an academic discipline, but as a profound message essential to the preservation of identity and belonging. Through his extensive body of books and publications, His Highness seeks to fortify and deepen cultural identity by anchoring it in knowledge and scholarly investigation. «He adopts the most rigorous academic methodologies in his historical research, and here in the Sultanate of Oman, we hold his intellectual contributions in the highest esteem. We take pride in his ongoing scholarly endeavors, which offer vital perspectives on Omani and regional history, while powerfully reinforcing our collective national identity».
For his part, Mahmoud bin Yahya bin Suleiman Al-Dhahli, Governor of North Al Sharqiyah in the Sultanate of Oman, told WAM: «The book launched by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah today at the inauguration of the Muscat International Book Fair encapsulates the rich history and enduring legacy of the Sultanate of Oman, particularly its decisive role in resisting the Portuguese. We are truly pleased with its publication, as it illuminates a formative chapter of our past, one that will be passed down to both present and future generations. We regard the work as a comprehensive and invaluable encyclopaedia chronicling a critical period in Oman’s historical narrative. It is a source of immense pride, and we look forward to drawing knowledge and insight from its pages». He further affirmed that His Highness stands as “a reservoir of knowledge, literature, culture, and historical insight—an intellectual beacon who strengthens our shared identity across the region».