DoC releases Issue 334 of Al Rafid Magazine

June 01, 2025 / 6:30 PM

Sharjah 24: The Sharjah Department of Culture (DoC) has issued the June 2025 edition (Issue 334) of Al Rafid Magazine. This issue prominently features a cultural and intellectual profile of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, showcasing his historical, scholarly, and cultural contributions.

A landmark historical publication

One of the highlights is the encyclopedic work titled The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in the Annals from 1497 to 1757, authored by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Spanning 21 volumes and including 1,138 rare documents, the work documents over two and a half centuries of regional history.

Advancing education and research

The magazine also sheds light on the launch of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, aimed at improving educational quality and aligning it with labor market needs. It further highlights the University of Sharjah’s partnerships with global institutions such as the Royal European Academy and its introduction of programs in AI and sustainability.

Celebrating international recognition

The issue honours Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi for winning the Bologna Ragazzi International Children’s Literature Award for her book House of Wisdom, making her the first woman from the Gulf to earn this accolade. It also features Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi’s recognition with the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Republic for her role in fostering UAE–France cultural dialogue.

Youth, arts, and innovation

Coverage includes the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, held under the theme “Education through Books,” with 1,024 interactive activities and the launch of the “Reader of the Century” platform. It also details the success of the third Sharjah International Animation Conference, where 72 global experts discussed the future of animation with a focus on AI technologies.

Preserving heritage and supporting Arab poetry

The Sharjah Art Museum’s 28th anniversary celebration and the launch of the “Generations Meeting” heritage initiative are featured. The issue concludes with coverage of the sixth Moroccan Poets Festival in Tetouan, which gathered over 40 Arab poets, along with reports on the activities of poetry houses across the Arab world—underscoring Sharjah’s continued leadership in supporting Arab cultural dialogue.