Sharjah Ruler visits Muscat International Book Fair and signs his latest work

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and
Ruler of Sharjah, visited the 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair, held under the
theme “Cultural Diversity: A Treasure of Civilisations”, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition
Centre.
 
During his visit, on Thursday, His Highness signed his most recent historical publication, The
Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Annals of History 1497 CE – 1757 CE, published by Al Qasimi
Publications.
 
Accompanying Delegation and Dignitaries
The Ruler of Sharjah was accompanied by a distinguished delegation including: Sheikha Bodour
bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, His Excellency Khalid bin
Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, His Excellency Mohammed bin
Nekhaira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al
Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the
Sharjah Book Authority, Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Department of Protocol and
Hospitality, Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, along with
several senior officials.
 
Visit to Al Sharqiyah North Pavilion
During his tour, His Highness stopped by the pavilion of Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, the
Guest of Honour at this year’s fair. Governor Mahmoud bin Yahya Al Dhahli provided an
overview of the region’s participation and the cultural traditions and heritage showcased. His
Highness also viewed a video presentation highlighting the natural landscapes and diverse
topography of the governorate.
 
In appreciation, Sharjah Ruler received a commemorative sculpture titled “The Doorstep”,
inspired by Omani architecture, along with various gifts, publications, and mementos from
participating institutions in recognition of his visit.
 
Touring the Fair and Engaging with Cultural Institutions
His Highness toured the halls of the fair, which features 674 publishing houses from 35
countries. He was introduced to exhibits by the Oman News Agency, the Omani Ministry of
Information, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the National Records and Archives
Authority. During his visit, he also engaged in conversations with prominent intellectuals,
writers, and scholars participating in the fair.
 
About the Book: The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Annals of History 1497 CE – 1757 CE

The newly launched work is a monumental 21-volume historical series published in both Arabic
and English. Each volume ranges from 400 to 600 pages, with the complete set totaling over
10,500 pages. Together, the volumes include 1,138 original documents—letters, reports, and
complete manuscripts—sourced from archival centres around the world.
 
The content is organised chronologically, with each volume presenting events that occurred year
by year in the form of annual chronicles. At the end of each volume, readers will find a
comprehensive index for research, as well as detailed footnotes and references accompanying the
documents. Beyond letters and reports, the series includes full texts of rare books and previously
unpublished manuscripts by Portuguese authors.
 
A Priceless Historical Record
The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman is an invaluable historical treasure, documenting critical
events that unfolded in the Sea of Oman over a 260-year period. The series captures the era when
Portuguese fleets navigated their way to India, detailing every significant event and battle that
took place during this formative time.
 
This comprehensive chronicle sheds light on historical truths revealed for the first time, backed
by meticulous scholarly research and well-documented evidence. Through persistent efforts and
unwavering dedication, His Highness successfully completed this exceptional academic and
historical undertaking.
 
A Unique Research Methodology
In this rare historical compilation, His Highness adopted a unique and rigorous research
approach. He amassed an extensive collection of Portuguese, Dutch, and British manuscripts.
The archival material underwent several stages: it was first sorted by year, and then translated
from Old Portuguese to Modern Portuguese, and subsequently to English and Arabic.
 
A Journey Through Time
The series “The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Annals of History 1497 CE – 1757 CE” takes
the reader on a historical journey, revealing events as recorded in Portuguese letters, reports, and
literary works. It provides invaluable insight into the political, economic, and social conditions
that shaped the Sea of Oman and its surrounding regions during this pivotal era in world history.
Source: AETOSWire

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