His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, launched his latest publication, Al Julanda Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, a documented historical novel, at the Sharjah International Book Fair on Saturday evening. The launch took place in the presence of 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 (SBA).
The new novel reflects His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah’s continued scholarly, intellectual and literary contributions, bringing his published works to 219. Spanning history, scholarly investigation, literature, fiction and theatre, these publications constitute a substantial body of knowledge distinguished by rigorous historical documentation, meticulous research and literary creativity.
During a lecture delivered on the occasion, His Highness discussed the importance of historical fiction and its role in conveying historical facts through literary storytelling. He described the historical novel as an important form of cultural expression that complements other intellectual pursuits, including scholarly research, historical investigation, poetry and short stories. His Highness emphasised that his novels are deliberately concise, taking into consideration the demands on people’s time while encouraging them to read and benefit from literature.
His Highness revealed that Al Julanda took just five days to write and half a day to print, describing it as a work completed in a short period. He explained that each major scholarly undertaking is followed by a variety of shorter works, including novels, intended to guide readers and introduce them to the techniques of novel-writing, theatre and other forms of cultural expression. His Highness noted that he has pursued this work for 54 years, describing his contributions over those decades as modest in comparison with what is owed to the nation that gave humanity the finest of mankind, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
His Highness also discussed the techniques of novel-writing, explaining that fiction carries an important responsibility to engage with events, inspire readers and convey lessons through examples. He noted that most of his novels are short, making them easier to read without placing excessive demands on people occupied with their daily responsibilities. His Highness explained that many of his novels explore authority and governance, revealing the conflicts that characterised particular historical periods, while expressing his desire to illuminate the more humane aspects of history through these works.
His Highness stressed the importance of returning to religion and attaining genuine faith. His Highness also urged people not to be influenced by the writings of those who harbour hatred or hostility towards Islam and its followers, but instead to return to what is right and defend themselves in accordance with the teachings of the Islamic faith.
His Highness emphasised the importance of relying on authentic documents when recording historical events rather than depending solely on existing written accounts, explaining that original documents help correct the historical record. He noted that his contributions to historical scholarship extend beyond individual articles or books to substantial encyclopaedic works, meticulously documented through research into original manuscripts and historical records.
Concluding his remarks, His Highness described himself as a researcher dedicated to preserving and sharing knowledge with scholars and readers. He encouraged university students and researchers to investigate history through sound scholarly methods, particularly by examining original manuscripts and historical documents. His Highness noted that he possesses hundreds of thousands of such documents, which are available to support the academic research and studies of young men and women.
Published by Al Qasimi Publications, the new book comprises five successive chapters chronicling the extraordinary life of Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, known as ‘Al Julanda’. Its events span 38 years marked by dramatic changes and extraordinary circumstances that appear closer to fiction than reality, despite being firmly rooted in historical fact.
Combining the suspense of literary storytelling with historical documentation, the novel recreates aspects of social, political and maritime life in the Arabian Gulf during the 19th century. It revisits a chapter in the history of the Al Qasimi family, portraying ambitions and aspirations that encountered a profoundly turbulent reality, giving the author considerable scope to explore the life and experiences of the book’s central character.
The novel documents the life of Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, one of the Al Qasimi sheikhs, who became known as ‘Al Julanda’. Over 38 years, he experienced events so extraordinary that they might appear imaginary, yet they were real, unfolding through a succession of dramatic changes and unexpected turns of fate.
The name Khalid was uncommon among the Al Qasimi family. His mother chose it in honour of the renowned Islamic commander Khalid bin Al Waleed, known as the Sword of Allah, whose courage and heroic deeds are remembered throughout history. He thus carried a name unfamiliar within his family, recalling one of the most celebrated warriors in Islamic history, before later becoming known by the title ‘Al Julanda’, which eventually overshadowed his given name.
The story begins within Sharjah’s ruling household, where the young Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, known as Al Julanda, finds himself removed from power. Obeying his father’s instructions, he leaves his city in search of a childhood love from whom circumstances had separated him, hoping to reunite with her and begin a new chapter in his life. However, the journey he believes will lead him towards the fulfilment of his dreams becomes the beginning of a series of events and adventures that take him towards an unexpected destiny.
His turbulent journey carries him between Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Khasab, Muscat and Lengeh, and into the depths of the sea in search of pearls. Through migration, imprisonment and governance, the story reveals a complex character shaped by wisdom, courage and emotion.
The title ‘Al Julanda’ was no ordinary name in the life of Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi. It carried echoes of an ancient history and pride in roots extending deep into Oman. The name was given to him by Mahra bint Ibrahim Al Marzouqi, the wife of his father, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who raised him during his childhood. She named him after Al Julanda Al Azdi, one of Oman’s bravest pre-Islamic kings, in honour of her Omani ancestry and its distinguished heritage.
Over time, the title became so closely associated with Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi that it eclipsed his original name. It became widely used among the people of Sharjah, to the point that his given name was almost forgotten, as though destiny had bestowed upon him, from childhood, a name evoking courage and strength and foreshadowing a life filled with adventure and unexpected turns.
In one episode illustrating Al Julanda’s courage and humanity, Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi witnesses a stranger struggling against powerful waves off the coast of Muscat, on the verge of drowning.
Although Sheikh Khalid does not know the man and makes no enquiries about his origins or identity, he acts instinctively out of compassion and a sense of duty. Removing his weapons and clothing, he plunges into the rough sea, confronting waves that threaten to overwhelm the drowning man. After a fierce struggle against the water, he manages to rescue the stranger and bring him safely ashore. The incident reflects a courage that transcends differences of identity or belonging, demonstrating that saving a human life is a duty requiring no expectation of reward.
Another chapter in Al Julanda’s life reveals a love story that began in childhood. Sheikh Khalid grew up alongside Amina bint Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohsen Al Zain, sharing the experiences and dreams of their early years. Circumstances eventually separated them, and Amina married Sheikh Saeed bin Qadhib Al Qasimi, Ruler of Lengeh. Despite the passing years, Khalid’s love for her remained unchanged.
Following her husband’s death, Sheikh Khalid’s hopes of reuniting with his first love were renewed, and he sought to marry her after years of separation. Yet just as their reunion approached, Amina died before the marriage could take place. Their story remains one of enduring love that survived the passage of time but could not overcome destiny.
Through a narrative that combines literary suspense with historical documentation, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah evokes the social, political and maritime life of the Arabian Gulf during the 19th century, recalling a chapter in the history of the Al Qasimi family in which personal ambitions and aspirations confronted an unpredictable and turbulent reality.
His Highness then signed the first copies of Al Julanda Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, presenting them to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, on whose behalf Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, received the copy; 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 launch was also attended by Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Suburbs Affairs; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; His Excellency Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs; His Excellency Abdullah Muhair Al Ketbi, Minister of Federal Supreme Council Affairs; His Excellency Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; and a number of senior officials, heads and directors of government departments and authorities, writers, intellectuals and individuals interested in cultural affairs.
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Attached approved images for the press release: Sharjah Ruler signs his new novel Al Julanda Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi at Sharjah International Book Fair
Photos Link: https://we.tl/t-iMD16CzK8OUBoPrH
Video Link: https://we.tl/t-pwQ603JeZGKPrDhi