By Staff Reporter
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has made history by becoming the first Arab figure to receive Portugal’s highest sovereign cultural honour, the Grand Collar of the Order of Camões (Grande Colar da Ordem de Camões).
The prestigious award was conferred during an official ceremony hosted by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the Presidential Palace in Lisbon on Thursday, January 21, 2026. Sheikh Dr Sultan was honoured in recognition of his global stature as a leading thinker, writer, historian, and advocate of cross-cultural dialogue.
Addressing Sheikh Dr Sultan, President de Sousa said the award was a fitting way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Portugal.
“I can think of no better way to mark this occasion than by honouring your enlightened, distinguished and open personality, and by recognising your valuable contribution to dialogue between cultures, founded on deep intellectual dedication, mutual respect and shared empathy,” President de Sousa said.
The Portuguese President highlighted the strong cultural ties between Sharjah and Portugal, particularly Sheikh Sultan’s longstanding relationship with the University of Coimbra, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2018. The honour recognised his scholarly, literary, cultural and humanitarian contributions, as well as his extensive research on Portuguese presence in Asia and the Middle East.
President de Sousa noted that Portugal will be the Guest of Honour at the Sharjah Heritage Days in February, describing the cultural exchange between the two nations as an enduring legacy that future generations will continue to benefit from.
Sheikh Dr Sultan is the first Arab and the sixth individual worldwide to receive the Grand Collar of the Order of Camões.
‘Culture Builds Bridges’
In his acceptance speech, Sheikh Dr Sultan expressed deep appreciation for the honour and underscored the vital role of culture in bringing nations and peoples together.
“I am pleased to receive this honour from Your Excellency and value it deeply, for it carries sincere meaning from a nation distinguished by its rich scientific and cultural history, and from a people known for their openness and respect for knowledge,” he said.
Reflecting on his visits to Portugal, Sheikh Sultan noted the deep historical connections between Portugal and the Arab Gulf region, adding that culture has the power to reshape history toward cooperation and constructive partnerships.
“I see a past that culture has honoured, a present of cooperation that culture has built, and a future to which culture gives hope — a future worthy of our children,” he said.
He further emphasised that the honour reflects pride not only in Arab culture but also in the cultural vision of the UAE and Sharjah’s longstanding belief that culture is a necessity rather than a luxury.
Dialogue Between Civilisations
Sheikh Dr Sultan thanked the Portuguese Republic for its commitment to cultural openness and dialogue between civilisations.
“Dialogue between civilisations is not a luxury, but a human necessity. Culture is not a legacy we merely preserve, but a bridge we build with others,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening cultural and intellectual cooperation for the benefit of future generations.
The Order of Camões, named after renowned Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, is awarded by sovereign decree of the President of Portugal. It honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to culture and advanced dialogue between peoples through language, literature, and thought.
A prolific intellectual, Sheikh Dr Sultan has published nearly 200 works spanning history, literature, theatre, and culture. Many of his publications have been translated into more than 20 languages and are recognised for correcting historical inaccuracies and enriching global scholarship.
The ceremony in Lisbon was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, alongside senior officials, cultural leaders, and members of the media.
