His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, along with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Regional Office of ICESCO in the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday, 13 November 2025. The Office is located in the University City of Sharjah.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, together with the ICESCO Director-General, unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the official inauguration of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, which will provide the Organization with the necessary resources to carry out its tasks in its areas of action through educational, scientific, and cultural activities, and by providing the best technical, scientific, and practical services and institutional support to Member States. Sharjah was chosen for its distinguished cultural status and its hosting of prominent institutions such as museums and research centers, in addition to its geographical location, which facilitates access to the Gulf countries, the Middle East, and North Africa.

On this occasion, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah wrote in the visitors’ book: “This morning, we are delighted to meet our partners in science and knowledge. Hands have been extended and minds have been set on sincere and honest work, extending first to humanity and then to minds that Allah has blessed with sincere faith and work for the advancement of Islam. Let us always be together and sincere in our giving.”

Dr. AlMalik also delivered a speech, commending the efforts of the Emirate of Sharjah and its Ruler in supporting cultural and scientific organizations, stressing that the opening of the ICESCO Regional Office in the Emirate was made possible thanks to the insightful vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi in making culture a living project vibrant with knowledge and creativity, describing Sharjah, under its wise leadership, as having always believed that the real investment is in people, and that building minds is the best way to shape the future.

Dr. AlMalik announced that ICESCO is proud to award the title of “Guardian of Knowledge” to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in recognition of his decades-long efforts, during which he has been a symbol of knowledge, an icon of creativity, and a supporter of creators and intellectuals. This title is in recognition of his steadfast efforts in serving culture, supporting science, nurturing literature and arts, and consolidating the values of identity, openness, and wisdom.

In his address, the Director-General of the Organization discussed the functions of the new headquarters, which will serve as a platform for promoting cultural communication and a center for implementing programs and initiatives that serve humanity, celebrate the word, the idea, the painting, and the image, and affirm Sharjah’s status as a beacon of knowledge and cultural influence.

For his part, Salem Omar Salem, Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah, emphasized that the Office will be a beacon that guides, evaluates, and provides solutions to decision-makers and cultural leaders, bringing together minds in an environment that ignites thought and inspires creativity. He emphasized the Regional Office’s commitment to harnessing knowledge to serve humanity, supporting education and scientific research, embracing digital culture, and promoting sustainable development.

The ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah was built on the ground floor and includes a comprehensive set of administrative, technical, and service departments. It covers an area of more than 3,000 square meters within a total land area of more than 42,000 square meters. The building can accommodate 95 employees and is equipped to receive 245 visitors in its various facilities, such as the theater, training hall, and reception hall, bringing the total capacity for employees and visitors to 340.