H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi Becomes the First Arab to Receive the Grand Collar of the Order of Camões

H.E. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, awarded H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Grand Collar of the Camões Order—the highest sovereign cultural honor in Portugal—in recognition of his exceptional contributions to thought, culture, and the promotion of intercultural dialogue on a global level.

The honor was bestowed during an official ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Lisbon, attended by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, alongside a number of senior officials and intellectuals. The Portuguese side celebrated His Highness’s global standing as one of the most prominent contemporary cultural figures.

In his speech, the Portuguese President stated that the awarding of the honor coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Portugal. He praised His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his role in strengthening cultural understanding, fostering trust between nations, and supporting intellectual initiatives that serve humanity.

He also highlighted the strong cultural and academic ties between His Highness and Portuguese institutions, particularly the University of Coimbra, which previously awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his scholarly and intellectual contributions. This includes his support for research projects and initiatives to preserve human heritage, such as the digitization of manuscripts and rare collections, and expanding the presence of Arabic studies in European universities.

For his part, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah expressed pride in receiving this honor, emphasizing that culture serves as a vital bridge between nations and a powerful tool for promoting peace and mutual understanding. He stressed on the importance of investing in knowledge as a foundation for sustainable development and future-building.

His Highness is the first Arab figure to receive the Camões Order since its inception, reflecting a strong Arab presence in the global cultural landscape and a pioneering role in supporting intellectual projects, advancing scientific research, promoting translation, preserving heritage, and honoring creatives and knowledge institutions worldwide.

Emirates Scholar extends its congratulations to His Highness on this global achievement, noting that this recognition crowns a cultural journey spanning more than five decades—one in which knowledge has been a tool for enlightenment, history a field for understanding, and culture a universal language that transcends borders and conflicts.