Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi

Overview

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi was born on July 2, 1939, and became the Ruler of Sharjah on January 25, 1972. He is best known for his historical publications, support for education, and preservation of cultural landmarks. As an academic, he has authored multiple historical documents as well as memoirs, studies, novels, poetry and plays regarding the Middle East and North Africa.

He completed a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering at Cairo University in 1971, followed by a PhD in history at the University of Exeter in 1985, and another in the political geography of the Gulf at Durham University in 1999. He restored the Al Hisn Fort in Sharjah in 1970 and has shaped Sharjah into a major cultural hub in the UAE.

Al Qasimi has authored at least 82 books by 2023 which include historical, literary, and theatrical books. In 2020, a historical film titled Khorfakkan based on a book written by Al Qasimi was released. In May 2018, Al Qasimi established the "Irada" drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centre in Sharjah.

Career History

• Teacher of English and Mathematics at Sharjah Industrial School, February 1961 to September 1963
• Chairman of the Municipality in 1965
• Director of the Ruler's Office in Sharjah, 1971
• Minister of Education, United Arab Emirates, 1971-1972
• Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council of UAE, 1972 to present
• President of both the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah, 1997 onwards
• Visiting professor at the University of Exeter, 1998
• Professor of modern history of the Gulf at the University of Sharjah, 1999
• President, Al Qasimia University, Sharjah, 2015-2021
• President, University of Khorfakkan, 2022

What Sheikh Dr. Sultan could bring to his current role as Ruler of Sharjah: His multi-decade leadership demonstrates exceptional capacity to blend heritage preservation with economic modernization. His scholarly credentials in Gulf history and political geography provide unique expertise for navigating regional complexities. His proven track record establishing educational institutions (multiple universities) and cultural centers positions him to continue advancing Sharjah as a knowledge-based economy. His philanthropic commitments to international universities and demonstrated commitment to social welfare initiatives position him to lead sustainable development across the emirate.