Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi

Early Life and Education of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi comes from a ruling family known for loving knowledge and country. Sheikh Muhammad bin Saqr Al Qasimi, his father, ruled Sharjah for a short time. From childhood, his mother, Sheikha Maryam bint Sheikh Ghanem Al Shamsi, raised him on the values of belonging and authenticity.

After memorizing the Holy Quran, he started primary school at Al Islah Al Qasimia School in Sharjah in 1948. In 1954, he joined the Private English School. Afterward, his middle and high school studies took him between Sharjah, Kuwait, and Dubai. In 1965, he traveled to Egypt to enroll at Cairo University. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering in 1971.

Sheikh Sultan's academic ambition did not stop there. He went on to graduate studies in the United Kingdom. In 1985, the University of Exeter awarded him a PhD in history. Durham University later granted him a second PhD, in political geography, in 1999.

This dual training in the natural sciences and the humanities helped shape the personality of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan. From it, he gained a broad intellectual outlook marked by depth and balance.

Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi's Official Posts Before He Became Ruler of Sharjah

Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi gained leadership experience early, before he became Ruler of Sharjah. After graduating and returning home in 1971, he took up the post of Director of the Sharjah Ruler's Office. He had already chaired the Sharjah Municipality in 1965. The United Arab Emirates' federal Cabinet formed on December 9, 1971, and he became its first Minister of Education. Years later, once stability had settled in, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi threw himself into developing higher education. He founded and headed the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah from their creation in 1997. In 1998, the University of Exeter also appointed him a visiting professor. Cairo University also made him a part-time visiting professor in 2008.

Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi's Accession to Power in Sharjah

Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi took the reins of power in the Emirate of Sharjah on January 25, 1972. He succeeded his brother, Sheikh Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who was killed in a sudden coup. So he took over at an extremely sensitive time. The emirate was reeling from the shock of losing its former ruler and from internal political unrest.

Despite that hard period, Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi secured a smooth transfer of power at age 32. He became the 18th ruler from the Al Qasimi family (the Qawasim), which has ruled Sharjah since the 17th century.

From day one, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi worked to restore stability and strengthen good governance. He also laid the foundations of modern development in the emirate. After years of calm, however, His Highness faced a new political crisis in June 1987. His brother, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, attempted a coup while Sheikh Sultan was abroad.

The wisdom and solidarity of the emirates' rulers helped them reach a peaceful solution within the Federal Supreme Council. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi returned to his post as Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Under an internal settlement that ended the crisis, Sheikh Abdulaziz held the posts of Sharjah's Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler.

Achievements and Initiatives of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi

Under Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi's leadership, the Emirate of Sharjah has seen a major boom in development and culture. In this period, His Highness launched dozens of projects and initiatives across many sectors, at home and abroad. His approach balances building people and infrastructure and focuses on Arab culture and Islamic identity alongside economic and social progress.

His Educational and Academic Initiatives

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has paid close attention to education and culture as a core pillar for building society. In 1997, he founded two leading universities: the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. He wanted both to become beacons of knowledge and scientific research in the region. Later, in 2013, he established Al Qasimia University to promote Islamic and Arabic studies worldwide. He also heads the newer universities of Khorfakkan (since 2022), Kalba (since 2023), and Al Dhaid (since 2024). Within this framework, Sheikh Sultan directed the launch of study-abroad scholarship programs and educational grants.

In December 2025, he also created the University of the Art Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan did not neglect social needs either. In 2018, he ordered the creation of the Erada Center, which treats and rehabilitates people with drug addiction. He also ordered stepped-up community efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of addiction.

His Preservation of Heritage and Culture

Care for cultural and historical heritage has always marked the rule of Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. Since taking power, he has worked to preserve the historical legacy of Sharjah and the UAE as a whole. His Highness led the restoration of Sharjah Fort, known as "Al Hisn," after its demolition in the 1960s. He then reopened it as a national museum that keeps the history of the emirate alive. His Highness also set up many specialized museums. In 2020, he opened the Buhais Geology Park project. On the cultural front, he founded the Sharjah Book Authority and sponsored international book fairs.

The Literary and Scholarly Career of Sultan Al Qasimi

Beyond ruling, Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi stands out in Arab and global circles as a thinker and writer. He has written more than 90 books on history, literature, theater, and autobiography. Many have appeared in translation in more than 20 world languages. In September 2024, he announced the completion of the 127-volume Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. His most notable historical works include "My Early Life" and "Under the Flag of Occupation."

In literature and theater, Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi has enriched the Arabic library with historical novels and creative plays. He also wrote historical plays such as "Nimrod" and "Daesh and Al Ghabra." In them, he tackles current issues through a historical lens. Some of his literary output became acclaimed works of art. The 2020 movie "Khorfakkan" draws on his book about how the city of Khor Fakkan resisted the Portuguese invasion. It went on to win international awards. Sheikh Sultan has also written poems in Arabic that blend patriotic feeling with a humane vision.

This literary and academic excellence earned Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi membership and leadership roles in many cultural bodies. He is honorary president of both the Emirates Writers Union and the Arab Theatre Institute.

Awards and Honors

Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi holds many local and international honors for major contributions to Arab culture, thought, and development. At the Arab level, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave him the Order of Zayed in 2012. It was part of the President's Appreciation Award for Culture and Arts. In 2002, he also won the King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam. In March 2008, he received a "Distinction Trophy" in Cairo. Internationally, France made him Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2003 for promoting East-West cultural dialogue. In April 2023, France also awarded him the Legion of Honor. UNESCO gave him the Avicenna Gold Medal in 1998 for his deep commitment to its values. It also honored his support for deprived children's education. In July 2025, the University of Exeter gave him its first Honorary President's Medal. Another notable honor is Armenia's Order of Saint Mesrop Mashtots (2005). In January 2026, Portugal awarded him the Grand Collar of the Order of Camões, its highest cultural honor.

Alongside orders and medals, Sheikh Sultan holds a large number of honorary doctorates: his official website lists 22. Prestigious universities around the world granted them in recognition of his cultural and academic role. He has also received honorary memberships in international scientific institutions, such as the Lisbon Academy of Sciences (Portugal). These memberships recognize his intellectual contribution. In April 2025, ALECSO also gave him its first-ever Order of Arab Cultural Merit.

His Political Role in the UAE Federation

Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has been a Member of the Supreme Council of the seven emirates since 1972. In this role, he takes an active part in shaping state policy at the federal level. He is among the fathers who helped cement the foundations of the United Arab Emirates federation. His Highness regularly takes part in Federal Supreme Council meetings on strategic decisions. These decisions affect the country's interests, especially in education and culture. He also made an influential contribution to federal education standards. His experience as a former education minister and his forward-looking vision guided this work.

As a Member of the Supreme Council, the Sheikh has close ties with the leaders of the other emirates. In May 2022, he joined the other Council members in electing Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as UAE President. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi work with their brothers, the rulers of the emirates. Their cooperation covers everything that boosts the prosperity and progress of the UAE federation. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi also keeps his local duties in Sharjah in step with his federal role.

The Political Crises He Faced

During his long rule, His Highness Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi has faced extraordinary political challenges. He handled them with wisdom and firmness to protect the stability of the Emirate of Sharjah. Besides the 1972 coup at the start of his rule, the 1987 coup crisis stood out as a difficult moment. It also tested his leadership abilities.

On June 17, 1987, Sheikh Sultan was away on a foreign visit. That day, his brother, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, declared himself Ruler of Sharjah. The coup alarmed federal leaders, who feared for the country's stability. Soon, however, the Federal Supreme Council stepped in under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan at the time. The Council rejected the unilateral move and condemned the coup attempt.

Thanks to this federal support, the parties reached an agreement on June 23, 1987. Under its terms, Sultan Al Qasimi returned as the emirate's legitimate ruler. His brother, Sheikh Abdulaziz, held the posts of Crown Prince of Sharjah and Deputy Ruler. Abdulaziz agreed to end his move and hand over power. Sheikh Sultan then resumed his duties as usual.

To preserve lasting stability, however, Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi removed Abdulaziz from any leadership post in February 1990. Sharjah came out of that crisis more united. Sheikh Sultan moved quickly to strengthen the security and advisory institutions. The aim was to include members of the ruling family and influential figures in decision-making and prevent political tension.

His Private Life

On a personal level, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi stands out for his humility and deep care for his family. His Highness married twice. Sheikha Moza bint Salem Al Falasi, his first wife, comes from a respected Emirati family. With her, he had one son, Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and one daughter, Sheikha Azza Al Qasimi. Sheikh Sultan devoted himself to giving his children a sound upbringing and higher education. Sadly, he lost his son Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi in 1999, at the age of 24. The painful incident left a deep mark on him. His daughter, Sheikha Azza, is an educated woman who graduated from prestigious universities and takes part in community work.

Sheikh Sultan later married Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. She is his relative from the Sharjah royal family and a pioneer of humanitarian work in the UAE. They had four children: the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sheikha Bodour, Sheikha Noor, and Sheikha Hoor. Until his sudden death on July 1, 2019, Sheikh Khalid led his own fashion label, Qasimi. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi guards his family's privacy, yet he takes pride in his children's achievements. His daughters play influential roles in culture, the arts, and social work. Sheikha Bodour, for example, holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and University College London. She is currently President of the American University of Sharjah.

Sheikh Sultan's Influential Children

Sheikh Sultan left a clear mark on the upbringing of his sons and daughters. They grew up following his path of serving society and taking responsibility. The clearest example is Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. She ranks among the region's leading women in culture and entrepreneurship.

Sheikha Bodour received higher education in the UAE and abroad and has held several leadership posts. In January 2023, she became President of the American University of Sharjah. In August 2023, she also became Chair of its Board of Trustees. She was also the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association. Sheikha Bodour also chairs the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park and the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). Since May 2023, she has also chaired the Sharjah Book Authority.

Beyond that, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has made a name for herself in publishing. She founded Kalimat Group, a publisher of children's and young adult books, and holds the post of CEO. The Kalimat Foundation, a charity she launched, provides books to underprivileged children around the world. In October 2025, UNESCO named her Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture.

Sheikh Sultan's Vision for the Future of Sharjah

The vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for Sharjah's future is broad in scope. It blends the protection of identity and heritage with carefully planned upgrades to infrastructure and the economy. In urban planning, His Highness believes in balanced city growth that respects the environment and residents' quality of life. He therefore ordered modern master plans for new university cities and full-service residential suburbs in the Central and Eastern regions. They also preserve the local architectural style. For the Kalba Clock Tower, he drew the tower design himself and opened the landmark in March 2022.

In culture, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan aims to secure Sharjah's place as a lasting capital of Arab culture. Annual events such as the book fair play a part in this, and so do sustainable institutional projects. UNESCO named Sharjah World Book Capital for 2019.

On the economic side, the Sharjah Ruler focuses on the knowledge economy and entrepreneurship. He set up free zones such as Sharjah Publishing City. His directives also back youth business incubators such as Sheraa, the Sharjah entrepreneurship center. The goal is an environment that attracts talent and startups.

Sheikh Sultan's Institutions and Environmental and Social Initiatives

In his development approach, Sheikh Sultan gives the human and environmental sides as much weight as the economy and construction. On the social front, he launched a package of initiatives to strengthen solidarity and care for people in need. In 1979, he founded the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services. He meant it as one of the region's first all-round care and rehabilitation centers for people with disabilities. The center works under the supervision of Sheikha Jameela Al Qasimi, now its Chairperson.

As Sharjah Ruler, he extended health insurance to all citizens out of concern for public health. In the 1990s, he also ordered the creation of the Sharjah Consultative Council. The council aimed to strengthen consultation and give local people a voice in decision-making.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has also supported the social and cultural empowerment of women. Starting in 1982, he set up a network of women's clubs across the emirate's cities. By 2003, their number had reached ten.

On the environment, Sheikh Sultan holds that development must protect natural resources and biodiversity. For this reason, he launched several projects and bodies to protect the environment. One of them is Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority, set up in 1998. Its task is to create nature reserves and care for endangered animals. Thanks to his guidance, the Emirate of Sharjah today is home to many notable reserves. These include Wasit Nature Reserve, Sir Bu Nair Island Marine Reserve, and the Kalba mangrove reserve.

Books and Creative Works of Sheikh Dr. Sultan

The literary and artistic works of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi attract wide interest in the Arab world. This interest comes from their richness and their historical and human depth. His books fall into three main categories: historical, literary, and theatrical works.

First, historical books: Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi has devoted much time and effort to historical research. He focuses especially on the history of the Arabian Gulf region. His best-known books in this field include "The Harvest of the Years." In it, he reviews historical milestones that he lived through or witnessed. Another key title is "History of Bo Saeed Imams in Oman (1749-1856)." In 2023, he released "History of the Nabhani Kings in Oman," his 82nd publication. His historical works stand out for their accuracy and sound method.

Second, literary works: Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi has made distinctive literary contributions in fiction and poetry. He wrote historical novels such as "The White Shaikh" and "Deep-Seated Malice." These books bring Emirati society of past eras to life in an engaging way. In poetry, he writes in both Nabati and classical Arabic. His moving patriotic and humane poems appear in several published collections. Sheikh Sultan has written travel books, too, that record his impressions and observations from visits around the world.

Third, theatrical works: Sultan ranks among the pioneers of playwriting in the Gulf. He has written stage scripts, and some became plays performed on local and Arab stages. His best-known plays include "Nimrod," staged at the Sharjah Theatre Days to great acclaim. Another is "Daesh and Al Ghabra," first staged in 2016. It tackles extremist thinking through historical parallels.

Social media

Frequently Asked Questions