University of Exeter honours Sharjah Ruler, lays foundation for Arab and Islamic Studies building

The University of Exeter has awarded His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the institution’s first-ever Honorary President’s Medal, in recognition of his extensive contributions to higher education, research, and international academic collaboration.

This honorary distinction was presented in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah.

The honour was conferred during a visit that also saw Sheikh Sultan lay the foundation stone for the new Al Qasimi building, a facility dedicated to research and teaching in the field of Arab and Islamic Studies. This project marks a major expansion of the university’s Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and strengthens ongoing ties between the UAE and the United Kingdom.

Sharjah Ruler, who earned his PhD in History from Exeter in 1985, described the visit as a return to a place of personal and academic significance. “This distinguished institution welcomed me as a student over forty years ago, and it remains a part of my intellectual and personal journey,” he said.

The ceremony was attended, alongside His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, by several senior officials from the United Arab Emirates representing various cultural and educational sectors.

From the British side, attendees included Lord David Fursdon, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Devon; Councillor Anne Jobson, Lord Mayor of Exeter; Sir Michael Barber, Chancellor of the University of Exeter; and Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the university.

As part of the visit, a cooperation agreement was signed between the University of Exeter and the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research to launch the “Leadership Compass” programme. The initiative will train future university leaders from Sharjah in governance, inclusion, and institutional strategy through a structured learning experience based in the UK.

Sharjah and Exeter have partnered in several academic programmes, including a joint marine science degree with the University of Khorfakkan, environmental science studies in Al Dhaid, and special education programmes with Sharjah Education Academy.

At the Institute’s library, Sheikh Sultan inaugurated a dedicated section showcasing his published works, which span over 118 titles across multiple disciplines and languages. These include landmark historical texts such as “The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Arabian Gulf”, based on his doctoral research, and his extensive documentation of Gulf history using rare archival sources.

His Highness also met students enrolled in the joint marine sciences programme, encouraging them to apply their knowledge in service of their communities. “Store knowledge in your minds, not just your notebooks. Engage with your community and help elevate your country,” he emphasised.

Professor Roberts, President of the University, praised His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his visionary support of education and building strong ties with the university. She highlighted how their partnership has created valuable academic programmes and continues to support research and student opportunities worldwide.

Students and alumni credited Sheikh Sultan for his support, which made it possible for them to experience and learn from different cultures.

“His Highness’s generosity gave me access to regional dialects and cultural knowledge I could not have found elsewhere,” said Martha Holden, a recent graduate of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies programme.