Lisbon: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has launched the Portuguese edition of his historical work, "The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Annals of History 1497CE - 1757CE," during a ceremony held at the Lisbon Academy of Sciences. The event saw the attendance of notable figures, including H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, alongside senior officials, academics, cultural figures, and media representatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Sultan took the opportunity to announce the restoration of Arabic manuscripts at the Academy, aiming to support Arab cultural heritage and preserve rare documents. In his keynote address, Sheikh Sultan reflected on his nomination and subsequent membership in the Lisbon Academy of Sciences since 2013. He shared his efforts in collecting and studying documents related to Portuguese history, which culminated in the publication of the 21-volume work detailing the Portuguese presence in the Indian Ocean and their interactions with the region.
Looking forward, Sheikh Sultan announced plans to publish a forthcoming 25-volume work, "The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean: Annals of History 1507 CE - 1748CE," set for release at the Sharjah International Book Fair in November 2026. He emphasized his commitment to continue researching Portugal's historical influence, with a promise that the book's signing will occur at the same Academy.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan signed the first Portuguese copies of his new work, presenting them as gifts to the Lisbon Academy of Sciences. He received commemorative gifts from the Academy in return. Professor Jos© Francisco Rodrigues, President of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences, praised Sheikh Sultan's contributions to highlighting Portuguese historical landmarks in the Arabian Peninsula and Persia, which led to the initiative to award him the Grand Collar of the Order of Camµes, Portugal's highest cultural honor.
Vice President Jos© Lus Cardoso also lauded Sheikh Sultan's scholarly efforts and interest in history, emphasizing the academic importance of his publications. Attendees viewed a film presentation on the book, which underscored its scholarly significance and the opportunities it presents for further historical study.
The Portuguese edition's launch is part of a broader initiative led by Sheikh Sultan to re-examine Arab region history and promote intercultural dialogue through translation and documentation. The publication is seen as a valuable historical resource, chronicling events in the Sea of Oman and providing a documented account of the region's history based on original Portuguese sources.
Following the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan reviewed rare Arabic manuscripts at the Academy, directing their restoration and display. These manuscripts, covering various fields, are regarded as cultural treasures and evidence of Arab contributions to global knowledge. Sheikh Sultan's initiatives have supported Arab studies and the preservation of written heritage, including the digitization of manuscripts for worldwide access.
The ceremony was attended by UAE officials, including Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, Ambassador to Portugal, and Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, among others.