His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saqr bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi, was born on Sunday, Second of July 1939 AD, 14th Jumada-I 1358 Hijri, in Sharjah.

His Highness grew up with deep-rooted love of his nation, education and seeking knowledge. In his early childhood, he has been completely enamored of the history of his country. His early education was between Sharjah, Kuwait and Egypt. He joined Al Eslah Al Qasimia School in September 1948 at age of 9 years. Earlier, he was taught Holy Quran by Sheikh Faris bin Abdul Rahman. In 1954, his highness enrolled English Private School to learn English Language. He completed his elementary and secondary education between Sharjah and Kuwait . In 1965, he travelled to Cairo to complete his high education, he joined College of Agriculture at Cairo University.

For two years, he has been a teacher of English Language and Mathematics at Sharjah Industrial School particularly from February 1961 to September 1963.

In 1965, His Highness chaired the Municipality, and after his graduation in 1971, he managed Ruler’s office in Sharjah.

After few days of birth of the United Arab Emirates on 2nd December 1971. Accurately on 9th of December, the ministers’ council was formed and His Highness became the UAE Minister of Education

On 25th January 1972, 9th Dhi Al-Hijja 1391 (Arafa Day) His highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has ruled Sharjah after its former ruler Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi was assassinated as a coup attempt by leaders of Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi. His Highness Sheikh Sultan became a member of UAE Supreme Council at the age of 32 years.

His Highness is the 18th Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah in a chain of Al Qasimi Rulers since year 1600 AD. He has been at the forefront of cultural, economic and social development in the emirate. He also played a significant role in promoting cultural interaction and dialogue among nations at local, regional and international levels.

 

Nurturing civic awareness, participation, and social responsibilities:

• His Highness Ruler of Sharjah continuously encourages:

• The establishment of Civil Society Organizations (Volunteer non-governmental organizations) to promote national and social interactions betweenthe community and governmental organization.

• Duties of Sharjah Consultative Council to involve locals indevelopment process and to review projects at all levels in the Emirate.

• Duties of Municipal Councils in urban and rural areas of Sharjah to promote involvement of civil communityingovernmental organizations in terms of vision, projects and planning.

 

Establishment of Sharjah Award for Arabic Culture:

• The idea of this award was born out after Sharjah was appointed as the Cultural Capital of Arab World by the UNESCO in 1998.

• The award was officially adopted based on His Highness Ruler of Sharjah’s generous initiative to allocate the sum of $ 250,000 to the UNESCO in order to reward creative people (Arab and non-Arab)and promote creativity targeting culture and development.

 

Touring Sharjah Cultural Festival in different cities of the world:

His Highness is a firm believer of the importance and significance ofculture'srole in bridging the gap between nations. The touring Sharjah Cultural Festivals bring out aspects of culture and arts of Arab to different cities all over the World.

Fostering Culture, Arts and Sciences:

• Based on a deep belief of the role of culture, arts and sciences in human and society development, His highness Ruler of Sharjah initiates establishment of:

• Sharjah Creative Thinking Foundation that deals with Arabic publishing. One of its publications is Islamic Encyclopedia in 33 volumes, Cairo, Egypt, beginning of 1990th.

• Sharjah TV& Radio in 1989.

• Creation of Arts Zone in Shwaihain area in OldSharjah – 1993

• Culture and Information Department,1981

• Sharjah International Book Fair, 1981.

• Network of Public Libraries in Sharjah, 1987.

• Sharjah Police Award for the Arab World.

• Sharjah Biennial Exhibition,1993.

• Islamic Art Festival in Sharjah, 1998.

• Culture without Borders to provide a home library for each family in Sharjah, 2008.

• Al Qasimi publications, 2008

• Sharjah Arts Foundation, 2010.

Conservation of National Heritage and Arab Identity:

• His Highness initiatesestablishment of:

• Sharjah Creative Thinking Foundation that deals with Arabic publishing. One of its publications is Islamic Encyclopedia in 33 volumes, Cairo, Egypt, beginning of 1990th.

• Restoration and maintenance of traditional buildings and re-opening of old places in Sharjah such as Al Arsah Historical Souq, Al Merijah area, Al Shwaihain area ..etc), 1994.

• Rebuilding of Old SharjahFort where documentations ofSharjah arebeing archived–and which became a museum for the emirate, 1997.

Social Care:

• His highness Ruler of Sharjah seeks to provide best specific services by establishing:

• Centers for social care and rehabilitation of disabled people, 1999.

• Elderly Care Centers, 1986.

• Establishment of cultural, social, scientific and sports centers, for women, children and youth, 1981.

• Sponsoring the Annual Arab Children’s Gathering in Sharjah. Since 1998.

• Establishment of Centers for ladies and children in Sharjah.

• Establishment of Youth Centers in Sharjah.

• Establishment of Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah.