Writing the honest word holds key, Dr Sheikh Sultan tells journalists

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, underlined the significance of self-education for media professionals, and showing great interest in thoughts, books, reading, research, science and knowledge, which contribute to media professionals’ mastery of their vital work in the advancement of society, and writing the honest word.

This came during His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah’s meeting with the chief editors of media institutions and a number of media professionals and journalists with whom he exchanged Ramadan greetings in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Media Council.

The Ruler of Sharjah, at the beginning of the meeting, welcomed the attendees, thanking the efforts of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi in leading the media in the Emirate of Sharjah and working to improve it, and his keenness to hold the annual meeting with media professionals.

Sheikh Sultan praised the efforts of media professionals in various media agencies, writers, and daily newspapers in the country, pointing to his personal follow-up to what is written, published and broadcast, which confirms the importance of media work in serving the community and echoing all challenges, thus contributing to the advancement and education of society.

Sheikh Sultan called on everyone who works in the field of media to pay attention to the word and direct it in the right direction for the benefit of society, and to stay away from what does not reflect the compassion, cooperation and authenticity of society, adding that writing is a great responsibility and that a journalist should always weigh his words and be on the right side, free and transparent, to benefit the people.

Sheikh Sultan explained the insightful vision of the goals of media, reading and science, urging people to read to gain knowledge and education, adding that he has been calling for increased reading for fifty years, as reading takes one up to the peaks he endeavours to reach.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah highlighted the importance of the book and reading, recalling his memories of his journey with books since childhood and early school days, and encouragement of His Highness’s uncle, the late Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who owned a library, where His Highness used to spend much time.

Sheikh Sultan reviewed the beginning of the existence of books and their connection to people’s lives since ancient times and the documentation of historical events, from the days of Prophet Noah, peace be upon him, to our Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, and the rest of the prophets, through our Jesus, peace be upon him, highlighting the importance of deep research to learn facts in all sciences.

Sheikh Sultan recalled his journey with the book through the countries to which he travelled, as his connection with libraries was not severed in all his foreign trips, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain during a trip to Hajj; then to the Arab Republic of Egypt when he went to study at Cairo University, a trip he described as a rich experience and constituted an important turning point for him in the formation of knowledge and the acquisition of the mothers of books, by going to various libraries and following literary salons, despite the many study responsibilities he had.

Sheikh Sultan reviewed the Emirate of Sharjah’s march with culture, the necessity of the media’s participation in its dissemination, and the widespread interest in all members of society, in order to ensure new educated generations that know their history and identity.

Sheikh Sultan explained the importance of participating in various international forums, such as book fairs, which give the opportunity to expand knowledge, to hold dialogue, to clarify facts and civilised communication with different nations in the world.

Then, Sheikh Sultan read lines from the poem “The Sources of Glory”, which he proudly wrote for Sharjah. The poem chronicles and narrates the bosom relation between Sharjah and the book, and reflects his keenness to disseminate culture and to adopt it as a timeless message for the emirate.

WAM