Sultan opens Centre for Arabic Studies in Portugal

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Friday inaugurated the Centre for Arabic Studies at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority.

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The centre is the first of its kind in Portugal dedicated to teaching the Arabic language and culture.

Located at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities, it will serve as an academic and cultural bridge between Arab and European worlds.

Sheikh Sultan also launched the Joanina Digital Library, gifted the historic Barbosa Manuscript dating back to 1565, and signed his book A Momentous Journey, published in Arabic, English and Portuguese.

Following the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, Sheikh Sultan toured the centre's facilities and met students, commending their commitment to Arabic language, culture and arts.

He stressed that the centre reflects Sharjah's vision to expand the global presence of Arab culture and promote dialogue between East and West.

The centre will provide specialised Arabic language programmes, advanced curricula in grammar and calligraphy, and host seminars and forums uniting Arab and European writers, poets and creatives.