H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi visited the Portuguese National Archives in Lisbon, highlighting shared history, presenting rare works, and reinforcing cultural ties between Sharjah and Portugal.
Lisbon: H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, visited the Portuguese National Archives on January 29, 2026, accompanied by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. The visit underlined deep cultural and historical links, with senior UAE and Portuguese officials in attendance.
Upon arrival, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan was received by Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, UAE Ambassador to Portugal, and other dignitaries. In his speech, His Highness recalled his earlier visit in 1982 and reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to collecting and preserving significant Portuguese documents. He noted his extensive personal collection, which has formed the basis of major historical works, including The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman – Annals of History (1497 CE–1757 CE), a 21‑volume series, and The Compendium of the Histories of the Arabian Peninsula and Persia (1622 CE–1810 CE), comprising 33 volumes. His Highness also shared plans to publish The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean, a 25‑volume work exploring Portuguese influence across India, East Africa, and Asia.
His Highness emphasised the importance of Portuguese archival materials in documenting regional history accurately and impartially, particularly describing Portugal’s withdrawal from the Gulf and historical interactions involving the British and Persian authorities. He highlighted how original documents and manuscripts support scholarly research and global understanding of shared heritage.
Luís Filipe, Director General of the Portuguese National Archives, welcomed the Sharjah delegation and praised His Highness’s cultural efforts. He said the archives hold the Republic of Portugal’s historic records and materials that illustrate cross‑cultural intersections over centuries. As a gesture of cultural friendship, His Highness presented the archives with his 21‑volume publication The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman. In return, he received rare manuscript copies and an atlas featuring historical maps and interpretations.
During his tour, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan visited the archives’ research facilities, manuscript halls, digital archives and restoration laboratories. He reviewed rare collections including papal letters, colonial records, correspondence between Portuguese leaders and rulers in Hormuz, and important works by the revered Portuguese poet Luís de Camões. His Highness expressed admiration for Camões’ poetry and interest in future cooperation to translate the poet’s works.
The Portuguese National Archives, established in 1378 and now located on the University of Lisbon campus, is one of the oldest archival institutions in the world. The visit reflected a renewed commitment to cultural exchange and scholarly collaboration between Sharjah and Portugal, strengthening ties through shared heritage and historic scholarship.
