Sharjah: The House of Wisdom in Sharjah recently hosted a visit from Alberto Fernando Santos, Secretary of State for Culture of the Republic of Portugal. The visit, attended by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR), aimed to strengthen cultural and knowledge-based cooperation between Sharjah and Portuguese cultural institutions, particularly in publishing, research, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural communication.
According to Emirates News Agency, Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, welcomed the Portuguese delegate and conducted a tour of the venue's state-of-the-art facilities. The discussions revolved around enhancing institutional collaboration and exchanging expertise, underscoring Sharjah's role as a hub for civilizational dialogue and a bridge connecting global cultures.
Sheikh Fahim emphasized Sharjah's strategic vision for effective international partnerships that leverage culture and knowledge as tools for sustainable development. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration with various global cities, cultures, and institutions, noting that the visit aligns with Sharjah's cultural project and expands the scope of joint efforts to serve mutual interests and strengthen intercultural dialogue.
Santos lauded the House of Wisdom as a cultural and intellectual landmark that enriches Sharjah's efforts and reinforces its cultural leadership. He described it as an inspiring space that balances beauty, technology, and knowledge, representing the future of learning and cultural exchange.
Marwa Al Aqroubi highlighted the long-standing cultural relations between Sharjah and Portugal, which have evolved into long-term research and knowledge-based partnerships. She noted Portugal's growing academic and cultural interest in the Gulf region, particularly in Sharjah, aligning with Sharjah's cultural vision.
During the visit, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi presented Santos with a copy of 'The Portuguese in the Gulf,' a trilingual publication documenting an exhibition titled 'The Portuguese in the Gulf (1507-1650): An Interlinked History.' Hosted by the Sharjah International Book Fair and later by the House of Wisdom in collaboration with the University of Coimbra in Portugal, the exhibition showcased rare books, manuscripts, and artworks, offering insights into the Portuguese presence in the Arabian Gulf during the 16th and 17th centuries.
