Sharjah Ruler Launches Portuguese Edition of “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in Chronicles from 1497 to 1757”

Yesterday, the Lisbon Academy of Sciences witnessed a significant event as His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, launched the Portuguese edition of his work “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in Chronicles from 1497 to 1757.” This publication aims to highlight the historical role of the Portuguese in the Sea of Oman and reflects His Highness’s commitment to enhancing cultural and historical understanding among peoples.

Launch Event Details

The launch event was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. In his speech, His Highness emphasized the importance of academic work, referencing his personal experience with the Lisbon Academy of Sciences since joining in 2013. He stated, “I was nominated for membership in the Lisbon Academy of Sciences, and since obtaining this membership, it has been essential for me to be an active member.”

Regarding his work in this field, His Highness mentioned that he collected historical documents from the Portuguese archives to study the Portuguese influence in the Indian Ocean, resulting in his extensive book that compiles the history of the Portuguese in the Sea of Oman.

Book Content and Significance

“The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in Chronicles from 1497 to 1757” consists of 21 volumes, highlighting the main events that took place during that period and examining how the presence of the Portuguese affected the course of history in the region. His Highness remarked, “This book encompasses an important phase of Portuguese history from their entry into the Indian Ocean until the fall of the Kingdom of Hormuz.”

The book is organized chronologically, with each volume containing annual events arranged in a manner that encourages researchers to review the information easily, making it a reliable source for scholars and history specialists. This process may assist in reinterpreting historical events in a critical and scientific manner.

Cultural Cooperation Between the UAE and Portugal

His Highness also announced plans to publish another book about the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean during the Sharjah International Book Fair in November 2026. Through these initiatives, he aims to enhance mutual understanding between different cultures and continue cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Portugal, particularly in the fields of academic research and historical documentation.

Furthermore, a call was made to restore rare Arabic manuscripts located in the Lisbon Academy, which would strengthen cultural and academic relations between the two parties. These manuscripts, which include copies of the Holy Quran and significant historical books, will enhance Arabic studies in European higher education institutions.

Conclusion of the Event and Future Initiatives

After the launch ceremony, His Highness reviewed a collection of rare Arabic manuscripts present at the academy, emphasizing the importance of preserving these documents. These initiatives reflect the ongoing efforts of the Ruler of Sharjah to promote cultural and academic communication and to provide culture and knowledge for all.

The release of the Portuguese edition of “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in Chronicles from 1497 to 1757” symbolizes an additional step in the quest to preserve Arab cultural heritage and empower scholars to engage with historical scientific documents in a way that contributes to a deeper understanding of the past.

This work embodies the joint cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Portugal, reflecting the Ruler of Sharjah’s vision to enhance academic research and present history in a language grounded in science and credibility.

In this way, the Arab cultural legacy remains alive and accessible for research and exploration, underscoring the importance of history as a source of inspiration and understanding in a changing world.