Ruler of Sharjah receives inaugural Chancellor’s Medal
In July 2025, the University of Exeter proudly awarded His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, with the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal.
In July 2025, the University of Exeter proudly awarded His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, with the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal.
The historic award recognises His Highness’ outstanding contributions to education, research, and international collaboration, as well as his longstanding friendship with the University of Exeter.
Forty years ago to the week, on the morning of 18 July 1985, His Highness graduated with a PhD from Exeter.
The medal represents a celebration of the enduring and transformational impact made by His Highness on the life and work of the institution over four decades. It was presented by Sir Michael Barber, Chancellor of the University of Exeter, in front of distinguished guests at a special ceremony at the Streatham Campus on Thursday 24 July 2025.
Those gathered included His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, and His Excellency Mansoor Abdullah Khalfan Juma Abulhoul, the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, praised His Highness’ “vision, leadership and generosity” during her oration at the ceremony.
“Your legacy, Your Highness, is not only felt here in Exeter but extends across Devon, Cornwall, and far beyond,” added Professor Roberts. “It lives in the buildings you have helped to create, in the partnerships you have fostered, and in the students and scholars you continue to inspire.”
The University’s relationship with Sharjah has extended over four decades and includes teaching and research collaborations in the humanities, education and science. His Highness’ support has enabled wide-ranging collaborations between Exeter and institutions across Sharjah, including initiatives in marine science, sustainable development, higher education leadership, mining and geology, and global studies.
In 2022, the University announced a ground-breaking partnership with the University of Khorfakkan to help construct a new marine research facility in Sharjah, which opened in Autumn 2025. Together, the Universities of Khorfakkan and Exeter have developed marine programmes that position the emirate as the regional hub for the delivery of the United Nation’s (UN) ‘30×30’ commitment to conserve the world’s oceans and build capacity by developing the next generation of Emirati and Gulf Cooperation Council marine scientists.
Twenty-six University of Khorfakkan students also joined for the occasion and spent three weeks on a marine summer programme at Exeter’s campuses in Devon and Cornwall.
During his return to Exeter, His Highness unveiled the foundation stone for the Al Qasimi Building, funded by a transformational philanthropic donation to his alma mater.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan is the 18th Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah in a chain of Al Qasimi Rulers since 1600 AD. He has been at the forefront of the emirate’s cultural, economic and social development and also played a significant role in promoting cultural interaction and dialogue among nations at local, regional and international levels.
His Highness unveiling the foundation stone for the new Al Qasmi Building.
Speaking after the event, Professor Lisa Roberts said,
“I am truly delighted that the University of Exeter can bestow the Chancellor’s Medal to His Highness Shiekh Sultan. This award reflects the enduring friendship, impact and partnership between Exeter and Sharjah over the past 40 years.
It is an honour to be able to welcome His Highness back to Exeter once again, and share our pride in how this partnership has continued to grow from strength-to-strength. This award recognises His Highness’ vision, leadership and generosity towards Exeter, our research community and students.
We look forward to developing and nurturing this partnership for many more years to come.”
