In January 2023, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi was appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS). This strategic move aligns the institution with Sharjah’s socio-economic, workforce, and innovation priorities. Her leadership aims to achieve excellence in teaching, research, and public service, nurturing graduates who are global citizens and future leaders in their communities, the UAE, and the world.
A Visionary Leader in Research and Innovation
Beyond her role at AUS, Sheikha Bodour serves as the Chairperson of the Board and President of the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). She oversees SRTIP’s $150 million initiative to position Sharjah as a global leader in emerging technology fields. Under her guidance, SRTIP has attracted over 2,000 companies to Sharjah, investing more than $100 million in developing technologies in sectors like transportation, smart manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, water management, 3D printing, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
Driving Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship
As Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Sheikha Bodour has been instrumental in mobilizing over $4 billion in foreign direct investment, creating more than 20,000 jobs, and contributing to a 78% growth in Sharjah’s gross domestic product. Her leadership at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has accelerated the development of Sharjah’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, supporting 150 startups that have collectively raised $128 million in investment and created 1,400 jobs.
Championing the Publishing Industry
In May 2023, Sheikha Bodour was appointed Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority to solidify Sharjah’s status as an emerging global publishing hub. The Authority manages the Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the world’s largest book fairs, and operates Sharjah Publishing City, the world’s first free trade zone for publishing. Sheikha Bodour also established the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People, and Knowledge Without Borders to boost the growth of the UAE’s publishing sector. She founded Kalimat Publishing Group, a global, multi-imprint publishing and educational technology company with licensing and distribution in more than 15 countries.
Global Influence and Advocacy
Sheikha Bodour’s influence extends beyond the UAE. She served as the International Publishers Association’s second-ever female and first-ever Arab president since its founding in 1896. She also founded PublisHer, a global community of over 1,000 female publishing leaders addressing diversity and inclusion challenges in the publishing industry. Her involvement in international organizations has catalyzed action on youth education and employment, female entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprise development, expanding funding for cultural industries, and addressing climate change.
A Personal Journey Rooted in Tradition and Modernity
Born into the ruling family of Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has gracefully balanced her royal heritage with a passion for modernity and progress. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for culture, education, and community service. This unique blend of tradition and forward-thinking has been the cornerstone of her leadership style, enabling her to bridge the gap between the past and the future.
Educational Background and Early Career
Sheikha Bodour pursued higher education with a focus on international relations and law, equipping her with a global perspective and a strong foundation in governance. Her early career was marked by initiatives aimed at promoting literacy and education, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of knowledge. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her subsequent roles in various cultural and educational institutions.
Balancing Multiple Roles with a Singular Vision
Managing multiple high-profile roles requires a delicate balance, and Sheikha Bodour has exemplified this through her strategic vision and collaborative approach. Whether it’s steering the American University of Sharjah toward new academic heights or positioning Sharjah as a hub for technological innovation through SRTIP, her endeavors are united by a singular vision: to foster sustainable development and enrich the cultural fabric of society.
Empowering Women and Promoting Diversity
A staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, Sheikha Bodour’s establishment of PublisHer underscores her commitment to addressing gender disparities in the publishing industry. By creating a platform for female publishing leaders, she has opened doors for meaningful dialogue and action toward a more inclusive industry. Her efforts have inspired many women to pursue leadership roles, not just in publishing but across various sectors.
A Legacy of Cultural Preservation and Innovation
Sheikha Bodour’s initiatives are deeply rooted in cultural preservation while embracing innovation. Her leadership in organizing the Sharjah International Book Fair has not only promoted reading and literacy but also positioned Sharjah as a meeting point for cultures and ideas. By integrating modern educational technologies through Kalimat Publishing Group, she ensures that the rich literary heritage of the Arab world is accessible to future generations.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
As Sheikha Bodour continues her journey, her aspirations remain focused on creating sustainable ecosystems in education, technology, and culture. Her forward-looking initiatives aim to prepare the youth for the challenges of tomorrow while preserving the values and traditions that define the UAE. Through her multifaceted roles, she envisions a future where innovation and heritage coexist harmoniously, leading to holistic societal development.
Conclusion
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi’s life and career are testaments to visionary leadership that harmoniously blends tradition with modernity. Her relentless pursuit of excellence in education, cultural preservation, and economic development serves as an inspiration, not only to the people of Sharjah and the UAE.
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