As part of its ongoing Academic Degree project, the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre is commemorating the honorary doctorate awarded to His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, by the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom in 2008.
This recognition from the prestigious British university, which was founded in 1828, was granted in honour of the significant contributions by HH the Ruler of Sharjah to the promotion of Arab and Islamic culture and heritage, as well as his efforts to foster cooperation, dialogue and understanding between different cultures and civilisations.
The UK recognition also acknowledged the Sharjah Ruler’s active role in advancing development and progress in various spheres in Sharjah and elevating the status of education, culture, and the arts in the United Arab Emirates.
HH the Ruler of Sharjah was formally received by Sir Peter Middleton, Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, Vice Chancellor Professor Keith Burnett, Deputy Vice Chancellor for External Relations Prof Dominic Shellard, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. David Fletcher along with various faculty deans, department heads, professors, and senior officials.
Stage performance of ‘Nimrod’
Following a meeting to discuss cooperation between the University of Sheffield and the University of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan was ceremoniously robed in the doctoral gown. He then proceeded to the university’s main hall, where the award ceremony commenced with a formal procession led by HH the Ruler of Sharjah.
The ceremony also included a theatrical performance in English of Nimrod, a play authored by the Sharjah Ruler. The play was performed by University of Sheffield students as an example of cultural and creative exchange contributing to the development of the theatrical movement.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. David Fletcher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the Sharjah Ruler’s lifelong passion and mission to transform Sharjah into a society that keeps pace with modern development in all cultural, educational, social, and economic aspects.
Sir Peter Middleton, the Chancellor, also lauded the Sharjah Ruler’s relentless efforts to preserve Arab and Islamic cultural heritage, which contributed to Sharjah being recognised as the Arab Cultural Capital by UNESCO in 1998.
Full-on dedication
He emphasised His Highness’s dedication to academic curricula, scientific research, and linking the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah with top international academic and research institutions. He also expressed the University of Sheffield’s pride in being chosen as a partner for the University of Sharjah in offering a bachelor’s degree programme in biotechnology.
Sir Peter on this occasion also talked at length about His Highness’s biography, academic journey, and achievements over the years.
The Chancellor then invited His Highness to accept the honorary doctorate in literature from the University of Sheffield, stressing that it was a great honour for the university to bestow this degree upon His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The ‘Academic Degree’ project of the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre seeks to shine light on the distinguished academic degrees and honours awarded to the Sharjah Ruler by prestigious educational institutions worldwide. The project, which began in November 2024, will continue for a full year, during which a selection of the academic degrees received by His Highness will be showcased. The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts of the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre to highlight various scientific, intellectual, and cultural achievements of HH the Ruler of Sharjah.
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