His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, was recently conferred the Honorary President’s Medal by the University of Exeter, United Kingdom—an unprecedented distinction, awarded for the first time in the institution’s history. This prestigious accolade recognises the outstanding intellectual and cultural contributions of an eminent Arab scholar who has long maintained a profound connection with the university, where he pursued his studies four decades ago. Over the years, His Highness has made significant and lasting contributions to his nation, the broader Arab world, and the international community. He is widely acknowledged for his unwavering support of the humanities and cultural advancement. His scholarly output includes more than 76 published works in the fields of history, literature, heritage, and politics, many of which have been translated into approximately 20 foreign languages, thereby extending their global reach and impact.

During his recent visit to the University of Exeter, His Highness was honoured by the institution with the conferment of the Honorary President’s Medal—an accolade presented by Sir Michael Barber, Honorary President of the University. This distinguished recognition was awarded in acknowledgment of His Highness’s exceptional contributions to education and scientific research, as well as his pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and dialogue among nations and civilisations across local, regional, and international spheres. As part of the visit, His Highness unveiled the plans for the forthcoming “Al Qasimi Building” at the University of Exeter—a project initiated and funded through his personal patronage. He also inaugurated a dedicated section within the Library of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, showcasing a curated collection of his scholarly publications. Furthermore, the visit marked the signing of a formal cooperation agreement between the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research and the University of Exeter, signalling a deepened institutional partnership in the fields of education and research.

Since completing his studies, His Highness has sustained a longstanding and meaningful relationship with the University of Exeter’s leadership and academic community. The institution remains deeply embedded in his intellectual trajectory and personal memory. In his address delivered during the official ceremony at Reed Hall, His Highness reflected on this enduring connection, stating: “I stand before you with deep gratitude for the fruitful path we have walked together — a path united by shared knowledge and common goals. I feel a special pride in the enduring cooperation between the University of Exeter and the Emirate of Sharjah over the past four decades, a collaboration that not only withstood the test of time but has also evolved into a model of academic excellence.”

Observers of the scientific, cultural, and humanitarian trajectory of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah readily discern a comprehensive and integrated scholarly vision—one that seamlessly aligns financial and infrastructural investment in education and research with the prolific authorship of encyclopaedic works that significantly enrich Arab and Islamic intellectual heritage. His Highness’s enduring commitment to the preservation of language and cultural legacy is evident through a range of distinguished publishing initiatives and academic outputs, alongside the establishment of specialised research centres in collaboration with leading international universities. Collectively, these efforts have positioned his contributions as foundational pillars for the advancement of knowledge and scientific inquiry on both regional and global scales.

Source: Al Khaleej Newspaper