Sharjah Ruler visits Cultural Institutions in Lisbon

Lisbon: H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah has visited a number of scientific, cultural and research institutions in Lisbon on the sidelines of "Sharjah Cultural Days". Jorge Barreto Xavier, Secretary of State for Culture of Portugal was accompanying Sheikh Sultan. Sharjah Ruler's tour included a visit to the National Archives, which is the oldest cultural intuitions in Portugal, including a large collection of manuscripts and original documents from the 19th century until today. During the visit, Sheikh Sultan was briefed by the Portuguese minister on the role and the importance of the institutions. He also got acquainted with a collection of documents and old manuscripts, dating back to 1515, that states the history of the Arab Region especially the Julfar Area. At the end of the tour, the Centre presented Sheikh Sultan and his accompanying delegation a rare collection of original and colourful maps of the continents of the world, including the Arab Gulf region which dated back to 1571 AD. Later, Sheikh Sultan visited the National Library of Portugal, 'Antique Automobile Club of Portugal' and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Museum. Sheikh Sultan was accompanied by UAE Ambassador to Portugal, Saqr Nasser Ahmed Al Raisi, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information, Dr. Amr Abdul Hamid, Special Advisor to the Ruler of Sharjah for Higher Education and a number of senior officials. – Emirates New Agency, WAM