His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saqr bin Khalid has been the Ruler of Sharjah since February 1972 and is now serving his fifth consecutive five-year term, having been re-elected in October 2006 as one of the longest-serving rulers in the United Arab Emirates
His Highness grew up with a deep-rooted love for his country and was able to expand his knowledge through broad education. During his early childhood he became enamored of the history of his country and was taught the Holy Quran by Sheikh Faris bin Abdul Rahman. In September 1948, at the age of 9 years, he enrolled in Al Eslah Al Qasimia School. In 1954, His Highness enrolled in an English private school to learn the English language. He completed his elementary and secondary education between Sharjah and Kuwait. In 1965, he travelled to Cairo to complete his higher education, enrolling in the College of Agriculture at Cairo University.
His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, is a member of the Supreme Council and a Federal National Council deputy. He is an avid supporter and founder of humanitarian efforts in the Arab region and the world. As Ruler of Sharjah since 1972, His Highness has continued to develop his country with numerous development projects in various fields including education, housing, infrastructure and economy. His Highness continues to be an active advocate for interfaith dialogue and mental health.
On 25th January 1972, 9th Dhi Al-Hijja 1391 (Arafa Day) His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi became the Ruler of Sharjah after its former ruler, Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, was assassinated in an attempted coup by loyalists of Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi. His Highness Sheikh Sultan became a member of the 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 1600 AD.
He has been at the forefront of the emirate’s cultural, economic and social development and also played a significant role in promoting cultural interaction and dialogue among nations at local, regional and international levels.
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,The Ruler of Sharjah, was a member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and a Minister of Education in 1971-1972. He became President of the American University of Sharjah in 1997, President of UAE University in 1999 and Professor of Modern History at UAE University in 1999 and He holds an academic degree in history, was granted membership of the Academy of Sciences Lisbon on October 3, 2013, where he has been Secretary General since 2010. He is also a chairman of the Arabic language Academy, Sharjah and President of the Arab Federation for Historical Studies, Lisbon. He has published several books and hundreds of articles.
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, supports cultural and civilization projects in Sharjah through His Highness Cultural Foundation. UNESCO selects Sharjah as a “crafts and folk art” city for the Creative Cities Network. UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative Inspire Award is granted to Sharjah in 2019. Sharjah is chosen to be a member of the World Book Capital Association in 2019. Many other international honors are added to this one, including: 2005 – Arab Capital of Culture 2012 – Top Green City in the Middle East 2015 – Capital of Arab Tourism 2017 – International Islamic Tourism Capital 2018 – Union of Arab Museums, Capital of Islamic Culture, City of Peace, Cultural City.