Centre For Arabic Studies Inaugurated By Sharjah Ruler At University Of Coimbra In Portugal
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Centre for Arabic Studies at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. This event was attended by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. The centre is a pioneering initiative in Portugal, focusing on Arabic language and culture education.
The centre aims to act as an academic and cultural bridge between Arab and European societies. It is located at one of Europe's oldest universities, enhancing its significance. Sheikh Sultan also launched the Joanina Digital Library during his visit and gifted the historic Barbosa Manuscript from 1565. Additionally, he signed his book "A Momentous Journey," available in Arabic, English, and Portuguese.
Sheikh Sultan emphasised that the centre embodies Sharjah's vision to enhance Arab culture's global presence and foster dialogue between East and West. The facility will offer specialised Arabic language programmes, advanced grammar and calligraphy curricula, and host seminars uniting Arab and European creatives.
During the inauguration, Sheikh Sultan delivered a speech about his extensive research journey tracing the Barbosa Manuscript. Written by Portuguese officer Duarte Barbosa in the 16th century, this manuscript had been missing for nearly a century before being acquired by Sheikh Sultan in 2012.
Sheikh Sultan highlighted Barbosa’s honesty in documenting the Arabian Gulf's realities, providing rare insights that corrected historical distortions. Publishing "A Momentous Journey" in three languages aims to restore historical justice and offer future generations a reliable resource for intercultural dialogue.
He stated: "Culture may not change geography, but it changes the way we view it. It may not erase borders, but it can turn them into living bridges. Culture does not change history, but it changes the way we read it."
University Collaboration
Amílcar Valcão, Rector of the University of Coimbra, praised Sharjah’s cultural initiatives and recalled awarding Sheikh Sultan an honorary doctorate in 2018. He noted the university's collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority in digitising manuscripts and launching the Middle East Digital Collection named after Sheikh Sultan.
The Ruler of Sharjah toured the UNESCO-recognised Joanina Library during his visit. This library houses 30,000 rare items and has revealed previously unknown manuscripts through digitisation efforts.
Sheikh Sultan was accompanied by Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, UAE Ambassador to Portugal; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority; Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Sultan Al Ameemi, Chairman of Emirates Writers Union; Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; along with senior Emirati and Portuguese officials.
With inputs from WAM
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