University of Leicester Honors Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi with Honorary Professorship

London – July 25, 2025
In a distinguished recognition of her outstanding contributions to culture, publishing, and women’s empowerment, the University of Leicester has conferred the title of “Honorary Professor” upon H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chair of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Sharjah. This is the first honorary professorship of its kind to be awarded by the university and stands as one of its highest academic honors.

The title was awarded during Her Excellency’s official visit to the university’s School of Business, where a special ceremony was held at the Brookfield campus in the presence of university leaders and faculty members. The honorary title was presented by Professor Henrietta O’Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor Dan Ladley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the School of Business.

The University of Leicester expressed its pride in honoring Sheikha Bodour, citing her pioneering regional and international efforts in promoting a culture of reading, advancing the publishing sector, and empowering women in the fields of knowledge and intellectual leadership.

Her visit included an extended tour of the university campus, a dialogue session with students and faculty, and participation in a roundtable discussion on museum studies and cultural research. During the session, Sheikha Bodour reiterated her commitment to fostering international cultural dialogue and cross-border academic collaboration.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is widely recognized as a global leader in culture and education. She founded the Kalimat Group, which has published over 500 titles across 15 countries, with a strong focus on addressing social issues through children’s literature and impactful translations. She also established the Kalimat Foundation, which provides accessible-format books to children in over 30 countries and played a key role in the UAE’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, facilitating access to published works for the visually impaired.

Her Excellency’s institutional legacy includes founding the Emirates Publishers Association and the UAE Board on Books for Young People and serving as President of the International Publishers Association—becoming the first Arab woman and only the second woman ever to hold this post since the association’s founding in 1896.

In her remarks during the ceremony, Sheikha Bodour expressed her deep gratitude for the honor, stating, “In Sharjah, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for building cultural bridges and fostering mutual understanding. Through knowledge, solidarity and service, we create a lasting and meaningful impact. I hope this recognition inspires young women everywhere to believe in their ideas, lead with purpose, and shape a better future.”

Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies extends its heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi on this well-deserved recognition. We take immense pride in her role as a distinguished representative of Emirati women on the global stage and her pioneering contributions to elevating the UAE’s international stature.