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Business Wire
24-04-2025
- General
- Business Wire
Sharjah Ruler visits Muscat International Book Fair and signs his latest work: The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Annals of History 1497 CE
MUSCAT, Oman--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.

Times of Oman
14-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Investment in Oman's Economic Zones surges by 10% to OMR 21 Billion
Muscat : The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones revealed during its annual media briefing that cumulative investment in economic, free, and industrial zones rose to approximately OMR 21 billion by the end of 2024, marking a 10 percent increase over its level at the end of 2023. His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones:" The volume of committed investments in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm rose by the end of 2024 to OMR 6.3 billion , recording a growth of 5 percent. In the free zones, it rose to OMR 6.6 billion . The industrial cities recorded a committed investment volume of approximately OMR 7.6 billion , while investments in Khazaen Economic City grew by 18.8 percent, exceeding more than OMR half a billion . "The contribution of economic, free, and industrial zones to the GDP in 2022 amounted to 7.5 percent, and the value of exports from these zones exceeded OMR 4.5 billion , representing 17.9 percent of the total value of exports in the Sultanate of Oman." His Excellency pointed out that the number of projects under negotiation increased over the past year to 180 projects across various economic sectors, including medical and pharmaceutical industries, food and fisheries industries, renewable energy-related industries, petrochemical industries, and others. "The Authority continues to develop new economic and free zones and industrial cities, including the Muscat International Airport Free Zone, the Integrated Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate, and Raysut Industrial City." "Over the past year, 3,597 Omani citizens were appointed to projects operating in these regions, bringing the total number of national workers in these regions to more than 29,000, with an Omanization rate of 37 percent." "Over the past year, the Authority completed the consultancy study for the project to develop a renewable energy zone in Special Economic Zone at Duqm , and Sur Industrial City adopted the Green Belt Project with the aim of creating green spaces that contribute to reducing carbon emissions and implementing the environmental sustainability plan in the region." His Excellency added that the Authority has taken the initiative to unify the services provided to investors through electronic linkage with relevant government agencies to facilitate procedures and achieve greater transparency, and to grant additional incentives to investors, including reducing the rental price of heavy and medium industrial lands, especially in cities.


Sharjah 24
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Children's Reading Festival opens its doors on April 23
This year's festival will feature interactive workshops led by a distinguished group of experts and specialists, designed to develop and nurture children's and young adults' skills and talents and broaden their intellect and knowledge. The event will also host authors, illustrators, and publishers specialising in children's literature, who will participate in discussion panels, readings, and book signings as part of a comprehensive cultural and artistic programme designed to foster engagement between readers and creators. The winners of the current editions of the prestigious accolades that SBA has designed to support the children's literature industry, the Sharjah Children's Book Award, the Sharjah Children's Book Illustration Award, the Books for Visually Impaired Children Award, and the Sharjah Audio Book Award, will be announced. A continuation of Sharjah's cultural vision Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the emirate remains committed to fostering a culture of knowledge and creativity among children. Sharjah firmly believes that books are fundamental in shaping a child's development and imagination. At the same time, knowledge is the foundation for building a generation capable of envisioning and shaping the future. This commitment is reflected in Sharjah's ongoing initiatives and cultural projects that promote reading and intellectual growth.' He added: 'Each year, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, oversees the festival's agenda to ensure it evolves in line with contemporary needs, providing children and young adults with a diverse and enriching cultural experience. This continuous development reinforces the festival's role as an extension of Sharjah's broader cultural vision and a key component of the UAE's developmental progress, prioritising investment in knowledge and the empowerment of future generations.' Inspiring young minds through interactive experiences For her part, Khoula Al Mujaini, the General Coordinator of SCRF, said: 'The festival embraces a thoughtfully curated programme of activities and workshops that cater to the interests and developmental needs of children and young adults. The festival creates an interactive environment that fosters discovery, creativity, and skill development by integrating learning with entertainment. Its diverse offerings include creative workshops that enhance writing and drawing skills, theatrical performances and scientific activities that introduce children to new concepts and perspectives.' She added: 'SCRF also serves as a platform for publishers, authors, and creatives to connect with their audience, encouraging a deeper engagement with books and knowledge. Ultimately, we aim to create an enriching experience that stimulates children's imagination, nurtures their passions, and broadens their knowledge and understanding of the world.'