LIFE OF SERVICE
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has been instrumental in the growth and development of Sharjah, with his passion for academia a driving force in the growth of the knowledge economy.
It was the perfect post for a man whose childhood was defined by a passion for learning. His official biography speaks of a deep-rooted love for his country and a desire to learn about its history. He was also taught the Holy Quran by Sheikh Faris bin Abdul Rahman.
In 1948, at nine years of age, he enrolled in Al Eslah As Qasimia School and, six years later, took the initiative to learn the English language at a private English school. He completed his elementary and secondary education between Sharjah and Kuwait and, in 1965, enrolled in the College of Agriculture at Cairo University.
He later continued his education, obtaining a doctorate in history from Exeter University in the UK, with a thesis on the accusations of piracy and trials of the East India Company to control the Gulf (1797-1820). In his constant quest for knowledge, he obtained a second doctorate, this time on the political geography of the Gulf, from Durham University, UK, in 1999 with a thesis on power struggles and trade in the Gulf (1620-1820).
Destined for a life of public service, he also began chairing the Municipality in 1965, and following graduation in 1971, managed the Ruler's office in Sharjah before, as a young man, witnessing the historic foundation of the UAE and becoming its Minister of Education.
He is the 18th Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah and the latest Al Qasimi to rule in a chain stretching back to 1600. He has helped to oversee the transformation of Sharjah into a well diversified economy with a nominal GDP per capita of USD19,000.
He maintains close links to the world of academia, and has acted, since 1997, as the President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the University of Sharjah, with previous positions including: Visiting Professor, Exeter University (1998); Professor of modern history of the Gulf, University of Sharjah (1999); Faculty Member and Visiting Professor, Cairo University (2008); and President, Al Qasimia University, Sharjah (2015).
He is a much-loved leader, and often champions causes that he holds close to his heart. Among others, he is keen to promote the nurturing of civic awareness and social responsibility and the fostering of culture, arts, and sciences. He is also keen to conserve national heritage and Arab identity, as well as promote a culture of social care.
During his reign, Sharjah has received many plaudits in these areas, including being chosen as the Cultural and Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998. This led to the establishment of the Sharjah Award for Arabic Culture. Later, in 2014, Sharjah became the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab Region for 2014.
Last year was the “Year of Reading" in the UAE, and the Emirate stepped up efforts to boost literacy and instill the desire to read in young people across Sharjah. In line with this goal, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi authorized the distribution of AED2.5 million worth of books to the public, schools, and university libraries.
In a nod to how far the Emirate has come, when the UAE was first established, not a single secondary institution was open; today, Sharjah boasts nine universities, with AUS and the University of Sharjah ranked among the top five. Further demonstrating how much emphasis is placed on knowledge and learning in the Emirate, the Sharjah International Book Fair, with Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi as its patron and first run in 1982, has become one of the largest book fairs in the world.
LIFE OF SERVICE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Inside Perspective
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister, UAE
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the Smart Dubai Happiness Agenda, the standout projects over the last year, and the Year of Giving.
read articleProfile
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler , Sharjah
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has been instrumental in the growth and development of Sharjah, with his passion for academia a driving force in the growth of the knowledge economy.
read articleInside Perspective
Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, , Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler , Ras Al Khaimah
Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, on what makes the Emirate such a great place to visit, do business, and invest.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Ras Al Khaimah
TBY talks to Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, on the fundamentals behind the Emirate's strong growth and the work that goes into improving the economic outlook for the next generation.
read articleInterview
Christer Viktorsson, Directing General, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
TBY talks to Christer Viktorsson, Director General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), on the role of the institution in advancing the nuclear energy regulatory environment, the Barakah Power Plant, and the importance of an integrated network.
read articleInterview
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Directing General, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
TBY talks to Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), on opportunities in the sector and GCAA's contributions to the development of aviation in Abu Dhabi.
read articleInterview
Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General, UAE Space Agency
TBY talks to Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, on the mandate of the agency, cooperating with international space agencies, and developing a solid private ecosystem.
read articleInterview
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Alshehhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy , UAE
TBY talks to Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Alshehhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy of the UAE, on the value of creativity, the development of the industrial sector, and supporting SME development.
read articleInterview
Mansour Al Mansoori, Directing General, National Media Council (NMC)
TBY talks to Mansour Al Mansoori, Director General of the National Media Council (NMC), on the changing nature of media consumption in the UAE, developing local content, and improving literacy in the Emirates.
read articleInterview
Khalifa Bin Salem Al Mansouri, , Undersecretary of the Department , Economic Development – Abu Dhabi (ADDED)
TBY talks to Khalifa Bin Salem Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi (ADDED), on its plans to make the Emirate a better place to do business, the new industrial plan, and how it is fostering innovation.
read articleInterview
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mubadala Investment Company
TBY talks to Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group CEO & Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company, on how the merging of two key investment entities will drive Abu Dhabi's diversification strategy.
read articleInterview
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC Group)
TBY talks to Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC Group), on the significance of ADNOC Distribution's listing on ADX, investing in downstream, and the importance of strategic partnerships.
read articleInterview
Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO, Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi & twofour54
TBY talks to Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of the Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi & twofour54, on the growth and development of the Emirate as a media and film production hub, and the Emirati values she hopes to spread during the “Year of Zayed."
read articleColumn
Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President Operations and Development for the Middle East, India, and Africa, Swiss-Belhotel International
TBY talks to Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President Operations and Development for the Middle East, India, and Africa, Swiss-Belhotel International, on the sector.
read articleInterview
Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
TBY talks to Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, on boosting trade with Latin America, digitizing government services, and capitalizing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
read articleInterview
Sami Al Qamzi, Directing General, Department of Economic Development (DED)
TBY talks to Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development (DED), on transforming Dubai into a smart economy, creating the happiest city in the world, and securing a knowledge-based economy for the future.
read articleFocus: Global reach of DP World
A Whole New World
The familiar strategy of strong centralized leadership coupled with copious capital reserves and an aggressive acquisition strategy has lead DP World to global recognition within two decades. Today, the company's global positioning can be used as a tool for developing infrastructure in high-growth markets for the larger benefit of UAE investment and trade.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
TBY talks to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), on the establishment of the economic zone, the benefits of operating in the zone, and attracting international clients.
read articleInterview
Ramy Jallad, Group CEO , Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
TBY talks to Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), on the Emirate's comfortable position within the GCC, increasing investment, and upcoming projects.
read articleInterview
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson , Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
TBY talks to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), on the principles guiding Sharjah's economic development strategy, opportunities for private sector contribution, and the role of entrepreneurship in the Emirate.
read articleInterview
Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman, Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
TBY talks to Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), on attracting FDI and optimizing customer satisfaction to support Sharjah's economic growth.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Mua’lla, Chairman, UAQ FTZ
TBY talks to Sheikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Mua'lla, Chairman of UAQ FTZ, on enacting the most investor-friendly set up processes, providing the right world-class amenities for long-term growth, and serving as a great impetus for industrial diversification.
read articleInterview
Saeed Nasser Al Talay, Chairman, Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TBY talks to Saeed Nasser Al Talay, Chairman of Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on the biggest land investment opportunities, boosting investment in IT and construction, and on best PPP collaboration practices.
read articleInterview
Ali Eissa Alnuami, Directing General, Department of Economic Development-Ajman (DED-Ajman)
TBY talks to Ali Eissa Alnuami, Director General of the Department of Economic Development-Ajman (DED-Ajman), on increasing investor happiness, enhancing consumer rights, and treating foreigners like locals.
read articleFocus: Maritime Infrastructure
Big Impacts
The Ajman government is planning on building a new port in Al Zowra that will allow the Emirate to receive larger ships and handle a larger number of containers. The expected investment is AED2 billion (USD544 million) and is supposed to be complete by the third quarter of 2020.
read articleInterview
Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder & President, Thumbay
TBY talks to Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder & President of Thumbay, on helping build the Emirate's finest medical and educational facilities, expanding the medical tourism push from Africa, and making the right kind of generational impact.
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Mohammed O. Bin Majed Al Aleeli, Managing Director, Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy
TBY talks to Mohammed O. Bin Majed Al Aleeli, Managing Director of Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy, on supporting economic development, advancing oil transport services, and advising SMEs to draw attention to Fujairah.
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Khalid Mohammed Al Jassim, Directing General, Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TBY talks to Khalid Mohammed Al Jassim, Director General of Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on facilitation of domestic and foreign business relations, Fujairah's advantages as an emirate, and opportunities for diversification.
read articleInterview
Dr. Salem Abdu Khalil Mohamed Al Zyni,, Technical Advisor , Fujairah at Fujairah Oil Terminals
TBY talks to Dr. Salem Abdu Khalil Mohamed Al Zyni, Technical Advisor for the government of Fujairah at Fujairah Oil Terminals, on getting vessels to switch from offshore to onshore, the cyclical nature of the industry, and staying one step ahead of clients' needs.
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