![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NF4DVY6ZMNHWII5QXNCCPW7DCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=16be1de31dc420703b20356d584af3ff01f41ee6bcdfc47769728fe775410c15&width=400&height=225)
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, presents his latest novel at a dinner reception hosted by the Sharjah Book Authority at the Literaturhaus in Frankfurt in 2018. Photo: Sharjah Media Corporation
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RRNDUA2IPNFG7MXY5235FF6OJQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=a500bece2417529bdc3e2ab82fda69458957accb779d2bd38984d4952a09f34b&width=400&height=225)
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, holds a news conference in San Francisco in 1973 to discuss plans for developing oil operations in the emirate. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/C3LS3BNBBNAWDK2ZJ3B6VD224U.jpg?smart=true&auth=2b4adcf756f88459fcadf106811ce0880a6a9ab394298135900f9384052ccdca&width=400&height=225)
High rise buildings and hotels sprout on the sandy shore of Sharjah during its transformation from fishing town to major city in 1977. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HNMMFSWFEJGODKEBBDP4D6O62I.jpg?smart=true&auth=ba254c7cc063b4a710414237ec077d676771de0ec82e9732398658c138c50dd1&width=400&height=225)
A British official mingles with local dignitaries at a feast in November 1971. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WEAQISXOBVCXFPM7IFTE5HATZM.jpg?smart=true&auth=c4d830ba20857a870ba07cb5602b7d9aa15233f939e67531372ab785231177dd&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah's Central Souq in January 1980. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3LOEHVMTFFGEVOEVLB5RIWE24Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=4b97d5332f799b3e6e729af4d4291b47f55c6b4bfd006f9c3a43f30b2f03c418&width=400&height=225)
An electronics shop in the city in the 1970s. Getty
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4MJV5ENOA5EDVLKJCBMSXE53QE.jpg?smart=true&auth=c3d2e8412bd3bad35d84646f2b5ccdcdc85d47bb4c71c4d9a89be6be7ac46e3d&width=400&height=225)
The park established by the Sharjah Municipality in front of Al Hisn, the city's fort, pictured in 1967. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IBY53CYAQJDTXG5E6XHTT56KBY.jpg?smart=true&auth=83669c31091f1b315b1a52e0e0178b1224a225a6d1c95a4977c026703b23337c&width=400&height=225)
The Rolla tree in Sharjah in the 1950s during Eid celebrations. The enormous tree fell in 1978, to be commemorated by a statue in Rolla Square. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BI5ZJ5H3V5FPLPNG6PTX7ODKTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=8344ea23d250030c6acdc9ce1ece363f36ad7c12620982fb6eee77cf0f9e1806&width=400&height=225)
Old Sharjah Airport Mosque, which was located near the airport in Al Qasimia. It was demolished and Al Khayal Mosque was built at the same site. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4LFJX6YS2NHUDHW4VHOU3RKWEM.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae149739ec071d3190c39a51d0fc373b0dd997be2c1dd14761fa9ba5422955cf&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah city seen from the east in the late 1960s including the Clock Tower Square. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/23GP4X4SUFHW7DOJHDVUYOISMI.jpg?smart=true&auth=693a7bdaf4c8dc50e790eac0feb6e160475144a6863e44dc8fc66ebc74c1d030&width=400&height=225)
Al Hisn. The old fort was built around 1820 by then Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, as Sharjah’s government headquarters. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GHD66MD23VBCTN476ZF3ECJ32M.jpg?smart=true&auth=6b006a6431a1b7fb3a2b3c1c12350ed2681e5f3e7c2319bf3af428620f5177de&width=400&height=225)
A mosque in Sharjah city in 1972. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/44GIM223GBBX3NDBWOIHRGZG7A.jpg?smart=true&auth=12fe3558223553afc336ba811b69f123ec20bca4f808d6aae7999fe0b91b5f7f&width=400&height=225)
The entrance of the Sharjah Radio building, which was constructed in 1972. The station broadcast in Arabic for 16 hours a day. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
The Sharjah TV and Radio building in 1989. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AQYI6D6B7VAZDNAQPGF7F5GSYI.jpg?smart=true&auth=39bf6aa7214e802c700efc5c08550e8ccfa54485384184b37d41df2a138c5037&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah's Central Post Office in the 1970s. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3XPZFY5RHZHDHFBIJCOXE5FKIE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4764a0e508c8d53d3894e507aa28d17a58e0077d6885b56b6eb570b0346956b0&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Public Library. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6IIYD77HS5GFNO45KXB6777PZA.jpg?smart=true&auth=0cbc479c2f22c3bb1bf5864f2a678379efd4404231ffcbdfa5a6036f2fcc3422&width=400&height=225)
The entrance to the Sharjah Radio building, constructed in 1972. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5C4RF43ZBNDB5MQ7TZJWPYWQMU.jpg?smart=true&auth=8f5bb70b4d058dd9246f103d6f1bf8995ef3edddd672b1a84ef549d315e040c3&width=400&height=225)
Eid celebrations in front of Al Hisn in the early 1970s. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ODYOKJQ2MRE4LBESMI7AMFOLUE.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae6808f7b252d645300c1a7c1f9a5beffe406ac8e1708a005f655660a5618fe5&width=400&height=225)
Mleiha Archaeological Centre. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KNLCZP5EOND2FC5UNLXNOA242M.jpg?smart=true&auth=050683c11633b6dbb934c5ab17b4d0780d37d87eb22d8ad2738654276d6049c2&width=400&height=225)
Khor Fakkan Beach. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LI4C2HARVVFXLC4QISF3B4Y2K4.jpg?smart=true&auth=0b34e31bdc1654e565d5016ba3e51a4024cbe79fd91781e18d757b8472b5d40d&width=400&height=225)
Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XGMPQWT5OVC6NPL24CG37A3IBQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=3353a57ecc6ed0953099cb4b8e70d21d454c419f85bcedd072f07c6b7132e6d4&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah International Book Fair is an 11-day event that was first held in Sharjah in 1982. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7RCBWF4CRNHDNKWDAWIAC2N2XA.jpg?smart=true&auth=213f18028f9447f26751f68071a41057a9746c2701472bf0768a5b4595cf90ab&width=400&height=225)
The College of Sharia and Islamic Studies is one of the foremost colleges that rose to prominence with the establishment of the University of Sharjah in the year 1977. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HMNOX6NFLVEUDPSFKEU72NLLKA.jpg?smart=true&auth=e8a2efaaf4aa6bc7220c669efc8968d5a09488bb3c179223bda938c7b72df160&width=400&height=225)
Al Noor Mosque and Al Noor Island, which sits in Khalid Lake in the city of Sharjah. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BC32ZACK5BFKROUWVLDAPWCK7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=0bf29110b5d016dff35cc7ea9e94a3236c9286a5675076319e19f965512714dc&width=400&height=225)
The House of Wisdom, Sharjah's state-of-the-art public library that opened in 2020. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NUBQ5LFXJNGI7AOWLW4WMZF2IY.jpg?smart=true&auth=d54a03b3787f5d1ce0f2736ea9ae1320cf0b71956287dc4f380ce7b4570aff7d&width=400&height=225)
The Sharjah Mosque, the largest mosque in the emirate, opened in 2019. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3SSJW5L565CPJIRTPU4KB3VRXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=a458e5fe37c1576c55875d75b326c8fe794ddaaa482ef7e818371a3aa0fd4cbc&width=400&height=225)
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, is shown a new housing and business development by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed, right, in 2020. The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NF4DVY6ZMNHWII5QXNCCPW7DCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=16be1de31dc420703b20356d584af3ff01f41ee6bcdfc47769728fe775410c15&width=400&height=225)
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, presents his latest novel at a dinner reception hosted by the Sharjah Book Authority at the Literaturhaus in Frankfurt in 2018. Photo: Sharjah Media Corporation
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RRNDUA2IPNFG7MXY5235FF6OJQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=a500bece2417529bdc3e2ab82fda69458957accb779d2bd38984d4952a09f34b&width=400&height=225)
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, holds a news conference in San Francisco in 1973 to discuss plans for developing oil operations in the emirate. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/C3LS3BNBBNAWDK2ZJ3B6VD224U.jpg?smart=true&auth=2b4adcf756f88459fcadf106811ce0880a6a9ab394298135900f9384052ccdca&width=400&height=225)
High rise buildings and hotels sprout on the sandy shore of Sharjah during its transformation from fishing town to major city in 1977. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HNMMFSWFEJGODKEBBDP4D6O62I.jpg?smart=true&auth=ba254c7cc063b4a710414237ec077d676771de0ec82e9732398658c138c50dd1&width=400&height=225)
A British official mingles with local dignitaries at a feast in November 1971. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WEAQISXOBVCXFPM7IFTE5HATZM.jpg?smart=true&auth=c4d830ba20857a870ba07cb5602b7d9aa15233f939e67531372ab785231177dd&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah's Central Souq in January 1980. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3LOEHVMTFFGEVOEVLB5RIWE24Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=4b97d5332f799b3e6e729af4d4291b47f55c6b4bfd006f9c3a43f30b2f03c418&width=400&height=225)
An electronics shop in the city in the 1970s. Getty
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4MJV5ENOA5EDVLKJCBMSXE53QE.jpg?smart=true&auth=c3d2e8412bd3bad35d84646f2b5ccdcdc85d47bb4c71c4d9a89be6be7ac46e3d&width=400&height=225)
The park established by the Sharjah Municipality in front of Al Hisn, the city's fort, pictured in 1967. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IBY53CYAQJDTXG5E6XHTT56KBY.jpg?smart=true&auth=83669c31091f1b315b1a52e0e0178b1224a225a6d1c95a4977c026703b23337c&width=400&height=225)
The Rolla tree in Sharjah in the 1950s during Eid celebrations. The enormous tree fell in 1978, to be commemorated by a statue in Rolla Square. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BI5ZJ5H3V5FPLPNG6PTX7ODKTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=8344ea23d250030c6acdc9ce1ece363f36ad7c12620982fb6eee77cf0f9e1806&width=400&height=225)
Old Sharjah Airport Mosque, which was located near the airport in Al Qasimia. It was demolished and Al Khayal Mosque was built at the same site. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4LFJX6YS2NHUDHW4VHOU3RKWEM.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae149739ec071d3190c39a51d0fc373b0dd997be2c1dd14761fa9ba5422955cf&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah city seen from the east in the late 1960s including the Clock Tower Square. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/23GP4X4SUFHW7DOJHDVUYOISMI.jpg?smart=true&auth=693a7bdaf4c8dc50e790eac0feb6e160475144a6863e44dc8fc66ebc74c1d030&width=400&height=225)
Al Hisn. The old fort was built around 1820 by then Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, as Sharjah’s government headquarters. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GHD66MD23VBCTN476ZF3ECJ32M.jpg?smart=true&auth=6b006a6431a1b7fb3a2b3c1c12350ed2681e5f3e7c2319bf3af428620f5177de&width=400&height=225)
A mosque in Sharjah city in 1972. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/44GIM223GBBX3NDBWOIHRGZG7A.jpg?smart=true&auth=12fe3558223553afc336ba811b69f123ec20bca4f808d6aae7999fe0b91b5f7f&width=400&height=225)
The entrance of the Sharjah Radio building, which was constructed in 1972. The station broadcast in Arabic for 16 hours a day. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
The Sharjah TV and Radio building in 1989. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AQYI6D6B7VAZDNAQPGF7F5GSYI.jpg?smart=true&auth=39bf6aa7214e802c700efc5c08550e8ccfa54485384184b37d41df2a138c5037&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah's Central Post Office in the 1970s. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3XPZFY5RHZHDHFBIJCOXE5FKIE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4764a0e508c8d53d3894e507aa28d17a58e0077d6885b56b6eb570b0346956b0&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah Public Library. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6IIYD77HS5GFNO45KXB6777PZA.jpg?smart=true&auth=0cbc479c2f22c3bb1bf5864f2a678379efd4404231ffcbdfa5a6036f2fcc3422&width=400&height=225)
The entrance to the Sharjah Radio building, constructed in 1972. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5C4RF43ZBNDB5MQ7TZJWPYWQMU.jpg?smart=true&auth=8f5bb70b4d058dd9246f103d6f1bf8995ef3edddd672b1a84ef549d315e040c3&width=400&height=225)
Eid celebrations in front of Al Hisn in the early 1970s. Photo: Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ODYOKJQ2MRE4LBESMI7AMFOLUE.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae6808f7b252d645300c1a7c1f9a5beffe406ac8e1708a005f655660a5618fe5&width=400&height=225)
Mleiha Archaeological Centre. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KNLCZP5EOND2FC5UNLXNOA242M.jpg?smart=true&auth=050683c11633b6dbb934c5ab17b4d0780d37d87eb22d8ad2738654276d6049c2&width=400&height=225)
Khor Fakkan Beach. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LI4C2HARVVFXLC4QISF3B4Y2K4.jpg?smart=true&auth=0b34e31bdc1654e565d5016ba3e51a4024cbe79fd91781e18d757b8472b5d40d&width=400&height=225)
Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XGMPQWT5OVC6NPL24CG37A3IBQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=3353a57ecc6ed0953099cb4b8e70d21d454c419f85bcedd072f07c6b7132e6d4&width=400&height=225)
Sharjah International Book Fair is an 11-day event that was first held in Sharjah in 1982. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7RCBWF4CRNHDNKWDAWIAC2N2XA.jpg?smart=true&auth=213f18028f9447f26751f68071a41057a9746c2701472bf0768a5b4595cf90ab&width=400&height=225)
The College of Sharia and Islamic Studies is one of the foremost colleges that rose to prominence with the establishment of the University of Sharjah in the year 1977. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HMNOX6NFLVEUDPSFKEU72NLLKA.jpg?smart=true&auth=e8a2efaaf4aa6bc7220c669efc8968d5a09488bb3c179223bda938c7b72df160&width=400&height=225)
Al Noor Mosque and Al Noor Island, which sits in Khalid Lake in the city of Sharjah. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BC32ZACK5BFKROUWVLDAPWCK7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=0bf29110b5d016dff35cc7ea9e94a3236c9286a5675076319e19f965512714dc&width=400&height=225)
The House of Wisdom, Sharjah's state-of-the-art public library that opened in 2020. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NUBQ5LFXJNGI7AOWLW4WMZF2IY.jpg?smart=true&auth=d54a03b3787f5d1ce0f2736ea9ae1320cf0b71956287dc4f380ce7b4570aff7d&width=400&height=225)
The Sharjah Mosque, the largest mosque in the emirate, opened in 2019. Photo: Sharjah Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3SSJW5L565CPJIRTPU4KB3VRXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=a458e5fe37c1576c55875d75b326c8fe794ddaaa482ef7e818371a3aa0fd4cbc&width=400&height=225)
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, is shown a new housing and business development by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed, right, in 2020. The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NF4DVY6ZMNHWII5QXNCCPW7DCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=16be1de31dc420703b20356d584af3ff01f41ee6bcdfc47769728fe775410c15&width=400&height=225)
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, presents his latest novel at a dinner reception hosted by the Sharjah Book Authority at the Literaturhaus in Frankfurt in 2018. Photo: Sharjah Media Corporation
Seven highlights from the life of Sheikh Dr Sultan, Ruler of Sharjah
Sheikh Dr Sultan is the longest serving of the current Rulers
![James Langton](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F59aec61e-41b3-468c-8a69-57168338145b.png?smart=true&auth=20537dd68c837a65707d347b248e74bad34b378390f02a7be13b68d756185b99&width=70&height=70)
James Langton
25 January, 2022
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic