Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi conferred University of Leicester’s first-ever honorary professorship

Sharjah: Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of American University of Sharjah (AUS), has been conferred the title of Honorary Professor by the University of Leicester.

It is the university’s first-ever honorary professorship and one of the highest honours it bestows in recognition of Sheikha Bodour’s impactful contributions to women’s empowerment, child literacy and cultural development regionally and globally.

On July 25, Sheikha Bodour visited the University of Leicester School of Business, where she was formally conferred the title during an official ceremony at the Brookfield Campus. The title was presented by Professor Henrietta O’Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Head of College and Executive Dean of the School of Business. During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged with students and faculty and participated in a dedicated discussion on museum studies and cultural sector research, further underscoring her commitment to advancing cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration.

A global leader in publishing and education, Sheikha Bodour has led transformative efforts to expand access to books, knowledge and inclusive learning. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kalimat Group, which has published more than 500 titles in over 15 countries, with a focus on socially conscious Arabic children’s literature and inclusive storytelling. As Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, she has delivered literacy and accessibility initiatives in 31 countries and played a key role in the UAE’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled. She is also the Founder of the Emirates Publishers Association and the UAE Board on Books for Young People and previously served as President of the International Publishers Association, becoming the first Arab woman and only the second woman in its history to hold the post since 1896.

Cultural bridges

Sheikha Bodour said: “This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful to me. In Sharjah, we believe that education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges and foster mutual understanding. It is through knowledge, inclusion and service to others that we create lasting impact. I hope this honour encourages others, especially young women, to believe in their ideas, claim their space and lead with purpose.”

Inspiring and impactful

Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Head of College and Executive Dean of the School of Business, said: “The University of Leicester is delighted to welcome Sheikha Bodour to its family. She embodies the values of the University---inclusive, inspiring and impactful in her commitment to empower others through education, entrepreneurship and publishing, her unequivocal focus on equality and inclusion and her passion for making this world a better place. The first Arab woman to become president of the International Publishers Association and a champion of gender equity in higher education and women in leadership roles, Sheikha Bodour is leading the way for women on a global scale.”

Publishing City

Sheikha Bodour has advocated for diversity, freedom to publish, literacy and youth development through platforms including UNESCO’s World Book Capital Cities Network and the World Economic Forum, where she became the first Emirati woman to co-chair the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, and chaired the Regional Business Council for the Middle East and North Africa.

Her recognition by the University of Leicester also reflects her broader efforts in promoting equity and academic excellence. Since being appointed President of AUS in 2023, Sheikha Bodour has championed gender equity in higher education, ensuring increased representation of women in leadership roles. She spearheaded the establishment of the “Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women’s Leadership” at AUS, in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment---the UAE’s first endowed chair dedicated to women’s leadership and development.

Sheikha Bodour holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Science in Medical Anthropology from University College London. Her career continues to blend public service, entrepreneurship and cultural advocacy, reinforcing AUS as a Centre of research and inclusion while shaping global conversations on education, publishing and leadership.