Sharjah Ruler Unveils Cultural Initiatives at Holy Quran Monument and International Book Fair
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi announces major developments including an underground pedestrian tunnel and the presentation of 130 completed volumes of his Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopaedia
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has unveiled a series of transformative cultural initiatives during a telephone address on the Direct Line programme broadcast by Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. These ambitious undertakings underscore Sharjah’s unwavering commitment to knowledge preservation, intellectual advancement and the celebration of Islamic and Arab heritage.
The Holy Quran monument at Cultural Square stands as a profound emblem of the Holy Quran’s enduring role as the guiding reference for Muslims. His Highness noted that the square could equally be termed Quran Square or Book Square, reflecting its multifaceted cultural significance. A forthcoming underground pedestrian tunnel will connect Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal Mosque to Cultural Square, providing a secure and dignified passage for visitors whilst preserving the meticulously maintained landscaping and affording uninterrupted opportunities for contemplation and photography.
The centrepiece of this year’s 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, opening at Expo Centre Sharjah on 4 November under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, will be the second part of His Highness’ Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopaedia. This milestone brings the total number of completed volumes to 130 of the planned 500, representing an unprecedented intellectual endeavour spanning four years. The encyclopaedia encompasses science, literature, the arts and notable figures, presented in a clear and accessible manner that facilitates scholarly research and public engagement alike.
The project has enlisted the dedicated expertise of 1,300 researchers, including specialists in religious sciences, Arabic, literature and the visual arts. Remarkably, His Highness personally undertakes the verification of manuscripts, beginning each day at 3am to review texts before official working hours commence. This meticulous attention to precision reflects an uncompromising commitment to scholarly integrity.
The forthcoming book fair will also showcase a collection of 60 volumes documenting Portuguese history in the Indian Ocean region from Mozambique to Indonesia. Each document underwent rigorous verification, with a 61st volume providing explanatory guidance and indices to facilitate research. These publications, rendered in both Arabic and English, serve to illuminate historical narratives that have shaped the region.
His Highness emphasised the educational columns within the Islamic Garden and Arab Garden, positioned along pathways extending towards the House of Wisdom. Designated the ‘Teaches and Learns’ columns, these structures bear the names of Islamic and Arab thinkers alongside concise biographical narratives, enabling parents and educators to cultivate cultural understanding and intellectual confidence in younger generations. His Highness stressed that cultural knowledge demands personal commitment and intellectual effort rather than financial expenditure.
The Ruler expressed profound confidence in Sharjah’s intellectual trajectory and the scholarly aspirations of its young people, whilst encouraging society to prioritise rigorous research, postgraduate advancement and the cultivation of refined discourse. These initiatives collectively affirm Sharjah’s enduring position as a beacon of cultural excellence and knowledge preservation within the United Arab Emirates.
Source: WAM