From shaping history as the first Arab woman to be appointed President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) to her role as Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), HE Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi wears many hats with vigour and pride.
Born in Sharjah, UAE, to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, HE Sheikha Bodour isn’t new to moving mountains and making a difference. Transforming the emirate’s literacy commitment and facilitating economic prosperity in a myriad of sectors, she is clearly following in her father’s revolutionary footsteps.
UNYIELDING COMMITMENT TO LITERACY
Making a promise to Arab children that they’d see their stories and heritage in print, HE Sheikha Bodour founded the Kalimat Group in 2007. What started as a company that only released children’s books has now expanded into an award-winning global publishing house. With five imprints and a 127-title-long catalogue under its belt, HE Sheikha Bodour’s work is actively shaping and enhancing Sharjah’s cultural identity.
While building her literacy empire, HE Sheikha Bodour is one of two women to hold the role of presidency within the IPA. Founded in 1896, the association welcomed its first Arab woman to the leadership role in January 2021. Through forming key connections and widening access to resources, HE Sheikha Bodour brought the Arab literacy industry to the global stage and gave Middle Eastern stories the chance to be elaborated on and celebrated. Stories that have long been overlooked and simplified. HE Sheikha Bodour sets out to breathe complexity and depth into Arab stories.
TAKING STRIDES IN EDUCATION & CULTURE
A trailblazer in many ways, HE Sheikha Bodour’s commitment to learning is also present within her role in Sharjah’s Higher Education community. Instated as Chairperson and President of the American University of Sharjah, Her Excellence continues to transform the creation and consumption of knowledge within the emirate. From introducing critical programmes to developing international partnerships, she cultivates a learning environment that fosters empathetic and culturally sound graduates.
Similarly, her devotion to culture manifests in her role as the Chairperson of Shurooq. Equipped with deep love and respect for the emirate’s roots, she grows its cultural presence while safeguarding its heritage. A fine balance to maintain, HE Sheikah Bodour facilitates strategic investments and partnerships to grow Sharjah’s cultural reach and dominance, all while maintaining the cultural DNA that cements Sharjah’s foundation.
FEARLESSLY LEADS CHALLENGING DIALOGUES
With conviction, Sheikha Bodour demonstrates how to engage, encourage and even challenge global issues, from advocating for women to amplify their voices to climate change initiatives. HE Sheikha Bodour’s passions and commitment to world-altering change know no end.
While her endeavours span a multitude of industries, disciplines and worlds, one thing in all of HE Sheikha Bodour’s actions remains consistent – her unbending devotion to elevation and unity in all sectors. Fuelled by her values and devotion to culture and education, HE Sheikha Bodour shows us what limitless progress looks like.
