Sharjah Ruler Launches and Signs New Novel ‘Al Julanda’ at SIBF 2026

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, launched his latest book, Al Julanda Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, a documented historical novel, at the Sharjah International Book Fair on Saturday evening. The launch was attended by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority.

The Ruler’s 219th publication

The Al Julanda novel brings His Highness’s published works to 219, spanning history, scholarly research, literature, fiction and theatre. Published by Al Qasimi Publications, it is built on rigorous historical documentation combined with literary storytelling.

On writing historical fiction

In a lecture delivered at the launch, His Highness described the historical novel as an important form of cultural expression that complements scholarly research, poetry and short stories. He said his novels are deliberately concise so readers with busy lives can enjoy them, and revealed that Al Julanda took just five days to write and half a day to print.

He explained that each major scholarly project is followed by shorter works, including novels, that introduce readers to the techniques of fiction and theatre. Many of his novels explore authority and governance, shedding light on the conflicts of particular historical periods and on the more humane side of history. Reflecting on 54 years of work, he described his contributions as modest compared with what is owed to the nation.

Why original documents matter

His Highness stressed the importance of relying on authentic documents rather than existing written accounts alone, as original sources help correct the historical record. Describing himself as a researcher dedicated to sharing knowledge, he encouraged students and researchers to study history through original manuscripts, noting that he holds hundreds of thousands of such documents that are available to support their research.

Who was Al Julanda?

The novel tells the story of Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, known as ‘Al Julanda’. Across five chapters, it follows 38 years of a life marked by dramatic twists, recreating the social, political and maritime life of the Arabian Gulf in the 19th century.

His mother named him Khalid in honour of the Islamic commander Khalid bin Al Waleed, an unusual name in the Al Qasimi family. The title ‘Al Julanda’ came from Mahra bint Ibrahim Al Marzouqi, his father’s wife, who raised him and named him after Al Julanda Al Azdi, one of Oman’s bravest pre-Islamic kings. The title eventually eclipsed his given name among the people of Sharjah.

The story begins in Sharjah’s ruling household, where the young sheikh finds himself removed from power and sets out to find a childhood love. His journey takes him to Ras Al Khaimah, Khasab, Muscat and Lengeh, and into the sea in search of pearls, through migration, imprisonment and governance. Among its episodes are his rescue of a drowning stranger off the coast of Muscat, and his enduring love for Amina bint Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohsen Al Zain, who died before the two could finally marry.

First copies signed

His Highness signed the first copies of the novel and presented them to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, whose copy was received on his behalf by Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; and Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi.

The launch was attended by members of the ruling family, federal ministers, senior officials and heads of government departments, as well as writers and intellectuals.

Media contact

Aisha Alawadhi, Sharjah Government Media Bureau
aisha.alawadhi@sgmb.ae | +971 52 767 4447