Sheikh Sultan Honored With Exeter’s First President’s Medal

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau 

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, was honored with the University of Exeter’s first-ever Honorary President’s Medal on Thursday. This special medal was given to him as a sign of deep respect and appreciation for his lasting contributions to education, science, and culture. The ceremony was historic—it was the first time the University of Exeter had ever awarded this medal to anyone.

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Who Attended the Ceremony

The event was held in the UK at the University of Exeter and was attended by many respected leaders. Among them were:

• His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah

• Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah

• Dr Lisa Roberts, Chancellor of the University of Exeter

• Several university officials, British dignitaries, and Sharjah government members

The Ceremony at Reed Hall

The medal was presented to His Highness by Sir Michael Barber, the Honorary President of the University of Exeter. The event took place at Reed Hall, a historic part of the university. This recognition celebrated not just Sheikh Sultan’s own achievements, but also his lifelong dedication to advancing education and academic partnerships.

In his speech, Sheikh Dr Sultan expressed joy and gratitude, saying he was happy to return to the university that had been a major part of his own academic journey. He first studied there more than 40 years ago and completed his PhD in History in 1985. His thesis was titled The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Arabian Gulf (1797–1820).

Launch of the Al Qasimi Building Project

As part of the visit, His Highness unveiled the new Al Qasimi Building, a project funded by him. This building will become the new home for the university’s Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies. The design reflects Arab and Islamic culture and is filled with features to help students and researchers thrive—like open gardens, lecture halls, reading rooms, and offices.

This generous initiative is meant to support learning and promote research in Arab and Islamic history, languages, and cultures.

A Dedicated Space for His Publications

His Highness also inaugurated a special corner in the university’s library dedicated to his many books and writings. These include his 118 authored works, which have been translated into more than 20 languages such as English, Hindi, Urdu, French, and Turkish. These works focus on history, especially the modern history of the Gulf region, and include academic research, plays, and even autobiographies.

Signing a New Academic Agreement

Another highlight of the visit was the signing of a new academic cooperation agreement between the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research and the University of Exeter. This agreement will launch a leadership training programme called "Leadership Compass: Shaping the Future of Responsible Governance in Universities."

This programme is designed to:

• Train leaders in higher education

• Improve university governance

• Promote inclusive academic culture

• Increase collaboration with local and global partners

• Encourage innovation and leadership among universities

This step marks another strong pillar in the growing academic relationship between Sharjah and the University of Exeter.

His Highness’s Speech: A Journey of Knowledge

During his address, Sheikh Dr Sultan reflected on how the University of Exeter helped shape his life. He said that the partnership between Sharjah and Exeter has grown over four decades, creating numerous academic projects. He mentioned:

• The joint Marine Sciences programme between the University of Khorfakkan and Exeter

• Partnerships in geology and environmental science with the University of Al Dhaid

• The Sharjah Education Academy’s programmes that benefit from Exeter’s expertise in special education

These partnerships all serve one common goal: investing in people and knowledge. The new Al Qasimi Building stands as a symbol of this vision.

Recognition from University Leaders

Dr Lisa Roberts, Chancellor of the University of Exeter, praised Sheikh Sultan for his leadership in promoting education. She called him a visionary who has helped build world-class academic institutions in Sharjah. She also highlighted the power of education to improve society and said that Sheikh Sultan's work is a shining example of what can be achieved through international cooperation.

Student Testimony: A Personal Thank You

A special moment in the ceremony came when Martha Holden, a graduate of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, gave a heartfelt speech. Speaking on behalf of students and alumni, she thanked Sheikh Sultan for his support. She explained how the university experience, made possible by this support, changed her life and deepened her love for Arabic language and culture.

An Artistic Performance and Video Tribute

The event also featured:

• A performance by students

• A video presentation that looked back at the long relationship between Sheikh Sultan and the university

• Highlights from his graduation in 1985

• His role in creating new opportunities for academic excellence in both Sharjah and the UK

A Special Gift from the City of Exeter

To honor his visit, Councillor Anne Jobson, the Lord Mayor of Exeter, presented Sheikh Sultan with a commemorative gift. This was a symbol of the city’s appreciation for his support of the university and its students.

A Scholar, Historian, and Creative Mind

Sheikh Dr Sultan’s journey as a scholar is not limited to history books. Over the years, he has also written more than 20 stage plays, combining art with messages about Arab culture and identity. His efforts show that he is not only a ruler and scholar but also a cultural leader who wants to share the region’s rich history with the world.

Focus on Correcting Historical Misconceptions

His Highness began writing in the 1980s to correct false narratives written by colonial powers about the Arabian Gulf. His first book, The Legend of Piracy in the Gulf, published in 1985, was the beginning of his mission to share authentic stories using real documents from British, French, and Ottoman archives.

A Look at Scientific Research and International Cooperation

During his visit, presentations showcased scientific discoveries and achievements made through the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies. These were the result of research collaborations with scholars from different countries. Topics ranged from archaeology to the deep study of human history, making the institute a respected place for learning.

Building a Lasting Legacy

Everything about this visit—from the medal to the building project, and the leadership programme—shows Sheikh Dr Sultan’s deep dedication to education, cultural heritage, and international collaboration. The University of Exeter’s decision to award him the first-ever Honorary President’s Medal is a strong recognition of his many efforts to create a better world through knowledge, leadership, and cooperation.