In its “Scientific Degree” project for December 2024, the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Center highlighted a cognitive and research achievement in the history of the region by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who obtained a PhD in the political geography of the Gulf from the prestigious Durham University in the United Kingdom for a thesis entitled “The Struggle of Powers and Trade in the Gulf (1620-1820 AD)”.<\/p>\n
In the framework of its monthly project, the Foundation recalled one of the most important fingerprints of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in historical research, through which he presented logical readings of events in the region, where he sought to establish facts and expose the falsehood and fallacies of some Western writings on the history of the Gulf region.<\/p>\n
July 2, 1999 was not only a witness to His Highness obtaining a PhD from Durham University, but it was also a witness to the scientific brilliance of a reference that has become a valuable source for researchers of political, economic, commercial, diplomatic, social and cultural events on both sides of the Gulf during the past two centuries.<\/p>\n
On that day, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, demonstrated a distinguished research nature based on wisdom and insight formed from events, experiences and extensive readings. He was a historian, archivist and examiner of information and documents with transparency, objectivity and high accuracy. He adopted a research approach that made his book \u201cThe Struggle for Power and Trade in the Gulf\u201d an important reference for researchers. Through this book, His Highness presented a scientific vision based on many references and documents, as the references and footnotes in it occupied 33 pages, reflecting His Highness\u2019s efforts in collecting information and verifying its accuracy. He also relied on a research approach to correct false narratives that appear in historical works or documents. This book left a research imprint at Durham University, and His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi’s imprint in supporting scientific research and postgraduate students has continued since then. He sponsored the establishment of the Al Qasimi Building affiliated with Durham University to support its Arabic and Islamic studies programs. It was opened in 2003 to include the Institute of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and centers for Arab, Iranian, Chinese and Japanese studies. The center is one of the most vital centers in Middle Eastern studies in Britain and a leading center in the study of Islamic political economy globally. It also hosts a large number of experts in political fields and specialists in Islamic banking studies. As His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi is an inspiring leader who believes that investing in scientific research not only contributes to improving the present but also builds the foundations for a future full of opportunities and discoveries, he has strengthened the means of cooperation between the University of Sharjah and Durham University in a way that serves the advancement of human thought away from historical fallacies.<\/p>\n