Sheikh Sultan opens ICESCO’s regional headquarters in Sharjah's University City
- Last updated: November 13, 2025 | 20:33 ..
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, officially inaugurated the regional headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) in University City, Sharjah, on Thursday morning.
The Ruler of Sharjah was accompanied by Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
On the occasion of the opening, the Ruler of Sharjah said, "This morning we were delighted to meet our partners in science and knowledge, and hands were extended and minds resolved to do sincere and honest work, which extends first to humanity and then to the minds that God has blessed with true faith and work for the advancement of Islam. Let us always be together and be sincere in our giving."
The Ruler of Sharjah was briefed on the specifications of the ICESCO building, a single-storey structure housing a comprehensive range of administrative, technical, and service departments.
The building itself spans over 3,000 square metres within a total land area exceeding 42,000 square metres. The Ruler of Sharjah was shown the building, which can accommodate 95 employees and is equipped to receive 245 visitors in its various facilities, including the theater, training hall, and council chamber, bringing the total capacity for employees and visitors to 340.
The Ruler of Sharjah also reviewed the building's layout, which reveals its various departments, such as Communications, Services, Culture, and the Shared Sector, each comprising 16 offices. The Technical Support Department has 14 offices, while the Finance and Human Resources departments each have 6 offices. He also viewed the building's facilities, including meeting and event rooms, a 150-seat theatre, a 70-person training hall, and a translation room serving both the theatre and training hall.
The opening ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Following this, Salem Omar Salem, the Regional Director of the ICESCO organisation in Sharjah, delivered a welcoming address to the Ruler of Sharjah and the other attendees.
In his speech, Salem expressed profound gratitude and appreciation for the Ruler of Sharjah's honour and patronage of this cultural institution, elucidating that it exemplifies the Ruler of Sharjah's vision of recognising that the quintessential investment is in people. He emphasised that culture should not be viewed as a luxury; rather, it is a responsibility, a message, and a trust.
Salem acknowledged the Ruler of Sharjah by stating, "You have consistently been the foremost advocate of the written word, the most ardent supporter of literature, and the defender of identity and intellect, positioning Sharjah as a beacon of culture and a hub for creative minds. Today, we are not merely inaugurating a regional office; we are launching a vibrant cultural center that is infused with a forward-looking vision and a message that aspires to define the future."
He continued by affirming that this center will, with God's will, serve as a guiding light, providing solutions to decision-makers and cultural leaders and acting as an innovative advisor and an engaged contributor. This centre will foster an environment conducive to stimulating thought and inspiring creativity. In this framework, Salem reiterated the organisation's steadfast commitment to leveraging knowledge to serve humanity, enhancing education and scientific research, embracing digital culture, and promoting sustainable development.
The Regional Director of ICESCO in Sharjah highlighted the significance of partnerships and collaborative initiatives, stating, "We firmly believe that our mission can only be achieved through concerted efforts and authentic partnerships with local and regional institutions and organisations. This collaboration will enable us to serve as a bridge between East and West, facilitating the exchange of ideas and creativity, and functioning as a platform that embodies the values of moderation upheld by the benevolent message of Islam."
In concluding his remarks, Salem expressed heartfelt gratitude to the supporting government entities for their contributions to the establishment and implementation of this project. He also extended his sincere appreciation to Dr Salim bin Mohammed Al Malik, Director General of ICESCO, for his unwavering support and diligent efforts.
WAM