Sharjah Ruler Highlights Importance Of Academic Research During Meeting With First PhD Students At GSU
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, highlighted the importance of postgraduate academic research in revealing truths and broadening knowledge. He emphasised that researchers should possess a passion for learning, an inquisitive nature, and a desire for discovery to ensure their work provides valuable insights and benefits scholars globally.
During a meeting with the first cohort of doctoral students at Global Studies University (GSU), H.H. Sheikh Sultan congratulated them on joining GSU. The event took place at the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in University City, with Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of GSU, also present. He recalled how GSU started as a project focused on African studies before evolving into a global institution with various research institutes dedicated to different regions worldwide.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan noted Sharjah's longstanding efforts to foster an educational environment by hosting universities, higher institutes, and specialised academies across diverse fields. He encouraged students to utilise these resources fully to advance the university's founding vision. The Ruler stressed that rigorous academic research should be grounded in depth and thoughtful debate, with ideas carefully tested before being documented.
He shared his personal research experiences, highlighting his extensive study of the Portuguese role in navigation and the Gulf region. This involved years of patient investigation in libraries and research centres worldwide. His perseverance led to the publication of a 21-volume encyclopaedia titled "The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in the Annals from 1497 to 1757," which unveiled previously unknown historical documents.
Dr Salah Hassan, Chancellor of GSU, expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Sultan for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in establishing the Africa Institute, which laid the foundation for GSU's postgraduate programs. He introduced ten PhD students from various countries and outlined the university’s programmes and areas of study.
The meeting concluded with H.H. Sheikh Sultan leading attendees on a tour of the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in University City. They explored its rich collection of rare documents, maps, photographs, and books gathered by H.H. over many years, focusing on Arabian Gulf history and geography.
With inputs from WAM
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