Description

Sharjah was named the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 in recognition of its significant contributions to preserving, promoting, and disseminating culture at local, Arab, and Islamic levels under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. This title enhances Sharjah's cultural development and honors the Emirate's Islamic cultural panorama through various cultural and Islamic events. It solidifies Sharjah's leading cultural role locally, regionally, and internationally.

One notable achievement in Sharjah is the "Culture Without Borders" project, which aims to establish a library in every home. As directed by the Ruler, 50 books will be distributed to every local family in the Emirate.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1948–2022), the UAE's second president and ruler of Abu Dhabi from November 2004 to May 2022, was the eldest son of the UAE's first president, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He took on a significant role in the late 1990s due to his father's health issues and officially became Abu Dhabi's leader in 2004. His tenure saw cultural and academic growth, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways. Under his leadership, the UAE became a major economic power. Known for his pro-Western stance, he strengthened ties with the US and Israel.