Frankfurt: His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday signed the German version of his latest book, “Under the Flag of Occupation” at the opening day of the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Dr Shaikh Sultan, a world-renowned scholar and historian, also revealed that he is working on a giant project to document the history of the Gulf region throughout the ages; since the formation of urban societies.
His latest book, Under the Flag of Occupation, which is the result of a thorough study of thousands of historical documents, chronicles the political, economic, social and literary history of Sharjah between the years 1820 and 1866. The region was then under rule of the British Empire.
He published dozens of books documenting the history of the UAE and most of the Gulf region through historical and literary works.
The 67th Frankfurt Book Fair, which was officially opened on Tuesday, is considered the largest business-to-business exhibition of the book industry. This year, it boasts around 7,200 exhibitors from 104 countries. Indonesia is the guest of honour this year.
Earlier, Shaikh Sultan, during a meeting with the UAE media visiting the book fair, urged UAE publishers to pay special attention to the translation movement which he described as an essential element of the global exchange of knowledge. “We need such a revival of the translation movement as it not only brings to us wheat the others write in all fields but also projects to the world what we write; our traditions and values,” he explained.
He said he is working on a giant project, which would take the shape of at least seven volumes that will document the history of the Arabian Gulf region from the beginnings of urban societies in this vital region.
Shaikh Sultan praised the UAE media, which he said has “matured and played a leading roles in the national awareness building.” He called on editors to be aware of the latest trends in the media to provide the necessary information to their audiences. “I don’t think the role of the press is to be sensational. They should be informative and helpful in the development of our society,” he added.
Shaikh Sultan also toured the book fair, accompanied by Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Ahmad Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Director of Sharjah Book Authority and UAE media officials.
