Sheikh Dr. Sultan

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi is an Emirati politician, author, and historian who has been the Ruler of Sharjah and member of the Federal Supreme Council of the UAE since 1972. He is one of the region's leading intellectuals and academics, recognized for his extensive scholarly contributions to the history of the Gulf region.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Cairo University, a doctorate in history from the University of Exeter, and a doctorate in political geography of the Gulf from Durham University. As an author and playwright, he has written close to a dozen works on historical themes that have garnered critical acclaim in the region and beyond. By 2023, he had authored at least 82 books including historical, literary, and theatrical works.

Career history

• 1965: Chairman of the Municipality of Sharjah
• 1971: First Minister of Education for the United Arab Emirates
• 1972: Became Ruler of Sharjah
• 1997–2023: President of American University of Sharjah
• 1997–2021: President of University of Sharjah
• 1998: Visiting Professor, University of Exeter
• 1999: Professor of Modern History of the Gulf, University of Sharjah
• 2008: Visiting Professor, Cairo University

Sheikh Dr. Sultan founded AUS in 1997 with a vision of nurturing local talent and promoting research, innovation, and analytical thinking to address societal needs. In January 2023, he stepped down from the presidency after more than 25 years of service to allow a new generation to lead the university, appointing his daughter Sheikha Bodour as his successor. He is known throughout the region as a firm believer in the significance of the role arts and culture play in bridging the minds and souls of the people of the world, and has devoted considerable effort to promoting intercultural interactions and dialogues among nations.