Cultural cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Portuguese Republic draws on historical connections between Portugal and the Arab world, reflected in the Arab and Islamic influences on Portuguese culture. Shared interest in historical research, literature, and the preservation of cultural heritage provides a foundation for further exchange between the two countries.
These ties are reflected in the scholarly work of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who became a member of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences in 2013. His research into Portuguese archival records has contributed to documenting the history of the Portuguese presence in the region.
During a ceremony at the Lisbon Academy of Sciences, His Highness launched the Portuguese edition of his 21-volume work, The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Annals of History 1497–1757. He also directed the restoration of Arabic manuscripts held by the Academy, supporting the preservation of rare documents and Arab cultural heritage. These initiatives contribute to academic and cultural exchange and foster greater understanding of the historical connections between the two countries.
