Sharjah Ruler awarded honorary PhD degree

Paris - March 18, 2012 (WAM) - H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah on Friday received an honorary degree of PhD from Paris Diderot University, also known as Universite Paris Diderot - Paris 7. The PhD degree was awarded by the French university to Sheikh Sultan in recognition of his support to scientific research, promotion of culture and arts, promotion of education both locally and internationally as well as to his interest in building cooperation and rapprochement between the Arab culture and other cultures for a better future for humanity. At the awarding ceremony in Paris, Patrick Gerard, Dean of the Paris Academy and Chancellor of the University of Paris (Recteur de l'Academie de Paris, Chancelier des Universities de Paris), in a speech, said "H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah is one of the few personalities who seek to serve science and scientists in order to advance humanity and arm humans with knowledge." Arab and Muslim scientists played an undeniable significant role in the advancement of humanity and Europeans in particular during the Dark Ages. Several technical Arabic words from Arabic chemistry, Algebra and physics works found their way into various European languages and became part of the scientific vocabulary, according to Gerard. "Geography, history and literary works authored by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and which were translated into different languages, are continuation to the works of his Arab and Muslim ancestors." "We are glad to have you among us today and are honoured to confer an honorary PhD degree by Paris Diderot University in appreciation of your contribution and continuous support to scientific research, scholars and thinkers," Gerard said to His Highness Sheikh Sultan. For his part, President of Paris Diderot University Vincent Berger said:" Sheikh Sultan deserves this honouring for his sincere efforts to promote the Arab culture and its interaction with other cultures through the activities and events held under his patronage." - Emirates News Agency, WAM