MY SHARJAH

BODOUR AL QASIMI, ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN THE ARAB CULTURE, TELLS US ABOUT HER COUNTRY, HER HOMETOWN AND HER BRAVE CULTURAL AND SOCIAL INITIATIVES text Teresa Favi

The House of Wisdom is key in a reimagining of the role of libraries in community life of the future

The daughter of the Ruler of Sharjah, following her studies at the University of Cambridge in London, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi started a career in the publishing world. Over the years, she successfully carried out several initiatives, which made a

Arab Emirates’ cultural scene. The outgoing president of the International Publishers Associ - and the second woman ever to hold one of the most important publishing industry across the Emirates Publishers Association which, three years later, joined the IPA. As the CEO and founder of Kalimat Publishing Group – the leading publishing group of Arabic books - she has been an avid advocate of the role of books in building bridges and promoting cultural dialogue. More recently, Bodour has been named President of the American University of Sharjah. How did this cultural and entrepreneurial ven-

I grew up in a household in which books and cul- ture were greatly appreciated. My father is a great storyteller and an avid reader, so he imparted his love of books and reading through the stories he shared with us. During my formative years in Sharjah, I witnessed and absorbed everything he did to create a cultural hub for the UAE and the whole region. Since then, the Emirate’s reputation has grown, and now it houses one of the world’s largest book fairs and was recently nominated UNESCO’s World Book Capital. It’s natural therefore for me to champion my father’s vision, build on his legacy, and continue the journey he started decades ago.

Any curious but essential information for those visiting Shar-

Sharjah has something for everyone. Whether it’s shopping in an old Arab market, eating authentic local food, or immersing yourselftivity. I recommend starting your day at one of the coffee shops in the heart of Sharjah, watching the all new visitors to Sharjah enjoy.

Sharjah, the Emirate’s cultural capital, is very art and music-oriented. What are the must-see

It’s essential to visit the Sharjah Art Museum, a of the largest in the UAE. It focuses on Arabic art from throughout the Arab world. Close by on Arts Square is the Emirates Fine Art Society which is designed to support and stimulate the arts scene in the UAE. Its Annual Exhibition is the longest-running art exhibition in the Emirate. It has a beautiful courtyard open to visitors, who can attend workshops, seminars, and lectures on painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphics, photography and calligraphy. If you enjoy calligraphy, the Calligraphy Museum is in the Sharjah Heritage Area. It explores this ancient Arab art form, with galleries exhibiting

Arab world.

In the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, - teresting sculptures dotted around Sharjah during your visit.

If you are a nature lover, you will enjoy Al Noor Island, which blends art and nature into its design and features gardens with modern art sculptures and installations created by some of the world’s most renowned artists. What do you recommend to visit and see to learn more about the past and history of Sharjah, one

There’s a wealth of history in Sharjah, which can give you a real insight into not just Sharjah, but by UNESCO in our efforts to preserve the area’s history and was given the title of Cultural Capital of the Arab World. With an extensive archaeological program, we are constantly discovering new and fascinating details of Sharjah’s past. That’s why the Sharjah Archaeological Museum is a must-see, giving visitors an insight into the region from the Stone Age period to the Islamic era. There are an incredible number of things on display, many of which are in wonderful condition.

Just outside of the city is the Mleiha Archaeological Site, which offers desert activities along with

What are the must-see places in modern

One of Sharjah’s most spectacular leisure devel-

Noor Island Park, is a 21st century landscaped garden where technology meets nature, light meets shade and the modern meets the traditional in a complex spatial experience. Here, the Butterfly Pavillon stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Gulf. It’s been carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape and includes a marina, great restaurants, watersports and lots of activities for children, including a skatepark. Further inland there are many sports, adventure trails and shopping centers to enjoy. You can even go sand skiing! One of our newest additions to our cultural landscape is the House of Wisdom. It’s a beautiful library inspired by the original House of Wisdom in Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age. Its iconic architectural design makes it a wonderful space for the community to learn, share and inspire one another. I highly recommend visiting it to see how Sharjah is st century.

What attracts you to Italy and

tory and invite everyone to explore and learn from. What are the destinations you love most in the

Dubai and Sharjah are different despite the proximity. Dubai offers a different experience for visitors which makes the journey between both Emirates an interesting and memorable one. I appreciate Dubai’s resilience and story from humble beginnings to a global tourist destination. It says a lot about the spirit of its people and in general that of Emiratis. Before being a great publisher, you are a great reader. What book would you say changed

BY THE ORIGINAL HOUSE OF WISDOM IN BAGHDAD DURING THE ISLAMIC GOLDEN AGE’

When you’re born in a city like Sharjah, full of culture and history, it’s natural to enjoy and appreciate others’ cultures and history. Italy has a lot to offer for art and culture lovers like myself. Italy’s family values and appreciation of life are contagious and are similar to our culture in many ways.

I love the attention to detail in Italy’s old buildings and monuments, which reveal the country’s rich his-

The Alchemy of Happiness by Al Ghazali. And the best book to plunge

My Early Life by His Highness

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose.

To see all children given access to books and reading. Literacy is the key to knowledge and opportunity.

HOUSE OF WISDOM

It’s a beautiful library, which opened in it a wonderful space for the community to learn, share and inspire one another

SHARJAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

It is a must-see, giving visitors an insight into the region from the Stone Age period to the Islamic era

CALLIGRAPHY MUSEUM

It explores this ancient Arab art form, with galleries exhibiting works from Arab world

5 things not to be missed 1 2 3 4 5 of golden sand along the Arabian Gulf. It is one of Sharjah’s most spectacular leisure developments