Home›Culture›Royal Families›Al Qasimi family of Sharjah
Royal Families · Sharjah, UAE
The Al Qasimi family of Sharjah has made its emirate the cultural capital of the UAE, and Sharjah's ruling family, scholars and patrons alike, give travelers a reason to explore its museums, heritage and art.
At a glance
Qawasim, a seafaring house
The Al Qasimi, historically known as the Qawasim, were among the great maritime powers of the lower Gulf in the 18th and 19th centuries, with fleets that traded along the coasts of Arabia, Persia and India. Their two branches lead Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah today. The United Arab Emirates was formed on 2 December 1971 by six emirates, and Ras Al Khaimah joined on 10 February 1972. Each emirate keeps its own ruling family, and the seven Rulers together form the Federal Supreme Council, the country's highest authority. Learn more in the UAE's history and culture.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has led the emirate since 25 January 1972, among the longest tenures of any ruler in the world. He is a historian with doctorates from the University of Exeter and Durham University and the author of many books on Gulf history, as well as plays and memoirs.
Under his leadership Sharjah has founded the American University of Sharjah, the University of Sharjah, more than a dozen museums, the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Sharjah Biennial. In 2019 UNESCO named Sharjah World Book Capital. The emirate's plans are outlined in the Sharjah 2030 vision.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi has been Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler since 1999.
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler, leads programs for children, families and women's development. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi founded the Kalimat publishing group and served as President of the International Publishers Association. Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi leads the Sharjah Art Foundation and, since July 2026, is also President of the Sharjah Museums Authority.
The result is a city where heritage and contemporary art sit side by side; see Sharjah's museums and heritage and our list of Middle East museums.
The Ruler is His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The heir is His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The academic title Dr. is part of the Ruler's style. Sharjah observes stricter public decency rules than its neighbors, and modest dress is appreciated.
Al Qasimi heritage
More than 5,000 objects from across the Islamic world, in a converted souk.
The family's historic fort, restored at the Ruler's direction.
Galleries and the Sharjah Biennial, led by Sheikha Hoor.
Official site ↗A futuristic library built to mark the World Book Capital year.
Sharjah is a short drive from Dubai. Start with our UAE luxury vacation guide, and compare the region's royal houses on royal families of the Middle East.
Ultra-Luxury Real Estate · Own Here
Across the Middle East, the finest resorts and the finest homes now sit side by side, and many international buyers own before they ever visit.
Ultra-Luxury Tourism & Ultra-Luxury Real Estate
Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.