Sharjah Dept. of Culture issues 345th edition of Al Rafid magazine

Digital and scientific initiatives

The magazine features extensive coverage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, launching the “Al Qawasim” digital platform to document the history of Al Qasimi family using a modern scientific approach within an integrated digital environment.

It also highlights His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, witnessing the launch of the cube satellite “Sharjah Sat 2” aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Theatre and book fairs

The issue documents the closing of the 35th edition of “Sharjah Theatre Days”, held at the Palace of Culture in the presence of the Ruler of Sharjah, where Kuwaiti actor Mohammed Jaber received the Sharjah Award for Theatrical Creativity and Emirati artist Juma Al Sumaiti was honoured as the local personality of the edition.

In the publishing sector, it highlights the announcement by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi that the Sultanate of Oman will be Guest of Honour at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair 2026, celebrating Oman’s contribution to Arabic literature and thought.

Academic achievements in Sharjah universities

The magazine also covers academic developments, including the Architecture Department at the University of Sharjah showcasing over 50 student projects using artificial intelligence, and the renewal of international accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) for pharmacy programmes until 2030. It also notes Al Qasimia University opening admissions for postgraduate programmes for 2026–2027.

Heritage preservation and cultural output

The issue highlights efforts to preserve heritage and support literary production, including the honouring of authors behind 131 new publications issued in 2025 across fields such as criticism, novels, poetry, theatre, and children’s literature.

It also features initiatives such as documenting rare Islamic coins in Milan, the release of the 20th issue of the Arabic Language Academy journal in Sharjah, and the global expansion of Arabic children’s literature through the Kalimat Group, which now includes over 1,000 translated titles.

The magazine further covers poetry and intellectual activities organised by “Poetry Houses” across Sharjah, Nouakchott, Luxor, Marrakech, Mafraq, Kairouan, and Tetouan.