University of Exeter Honours Ruler of Sharjah with Inaugural Chancellor’s Medal
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, has been presented with the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal from the University of Exeter
The University of Exeter has 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.
40 years ago this week, on the morning of the 18th 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, July 24th 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’s “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 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 will open in Autumn 2025. Together the Universities of Khorfakkan and Exeter will develop marine programmes that will position the emirate as the regional hub for the delivery of the UN’s ‘30×30’ commitment to conserve the world’s oceans and build capacity by developing the next generation of Emirati and GCC marine scientists.
Twenty-six University of Khorfakkan students have spent the last 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.
Speaking after the event, Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, 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’s 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.”
