Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Centre for Arabic Studies at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. The event was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, His Highness also introduced the Joanina Digital Library during the ceremony. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the rare Barbosa manuscript, dated 1565, to the library. Additionally, His Highness signed copies of his book ‘A Momentous Journey’, which is available in Arabic, English, and Portuguese.

To commemorate the opening, His Highness unveiled a plaque and took the opportunity to review the centre’s offerings, which include services, resources, and programmes designed to promote the teaching and study of Arabic.