Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, celebrated his 85th birthday on Tuesday. Sheikh Dr. Sultan has been at the helm for over 50 years, becoming the longest-serving ruler among the seven emirates since assuming leadership on January 25, 1972.
Throughout his reign, Sheikh Dr. Sultan has championed Sharjah’s development, transforming it into a hub of cultural and economic prosperity. His efforts have earned Sharjah recognition as a cultural center both regionally and internationally. Under his leadership, Sharjah was named the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World” by UNESCO in 1998 and the “World Book Capital” in 2019.
Popular Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi paid tribute to Sheikh Dr. Sultan on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his admiration and respect. “May you always remain our pride, our support, and an unfailing source of strength,” he wrote, sharing a photo of a warm greeting between the two.
Emirati poet Hassan Al Obaidly also honored the Ruler, sharing a poem that highlighted Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s dedication to justice and his significant contributions to Sharjah. “Sultan, symbol of justice, your record is always honorable,” he wrote. “Your history embodies a nation, and your name is a pride for Sharjah.”
Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s commitment to education has been evident throughout his tenure. He pursued his own education in Sharjah, Kuwait, and Cairo, eventually becoming chairman of Sharjah Municipality in 1965 and managing the Ruler’s office after his graduation in 1971. His dedication to learning has helped Sharjah establish some of the Middle East’s top artistic centers and museums, including the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.
His efforts have also led to significant developments in Sharjah’s eastern regions, such as Khor Fakkan and Kalba. These areas have seen the construction of new infrastructure, restoration of heritage buildings, and rejuvenation of natural reserves.
A staunch advocate for the preservation of the Arabic language, Sheikh Dr. Sultan has emphasized its importance in maintaining cultural and religious unity. “The Arabic language is our belonging to the Quran,” he stated in a 2022 address. “It is a stockpile of our history, our knowledge, and our culture.”
Sheikh Dr. Sultan is also a prolific author, with 82 books to his name, covering various fields including history, geography, and archaeology. His most recent publication, “History of the Nabhani Kings 1154-1622,” delves into the history of the Sultanate of Oman and its surrounding region.
