His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), inaugurated a unique exhibition comprising rare and distinctive Islamic artifacts today October 7, at the Rotunda of the AUS Main Building. The Ruler of Sharjah praised the exhibition and appreciated the efforts of the organizers in bringing the exhibition to AUS. The exhibition, entitled "The Beauty of Words", is being held in collaboration with the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Doha, Qatar.

In a statement recorded in the museum's visitor's book, Sheikh Dr. Sultan thanked Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani for sharing this distinguished collection of Islamic art and for providing an opportunity to art-lovers and enthusiasts in Sharjah and the UAE to view these exceptional pieces. 

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan toured the exhibit and inspected the large selection of more than 100 items of Islamic calligraphy on display. The opening was also attended by Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Information, Government of Sharjah; Hisham Al Mathloum, Director of Arts at the department; Dr. Amr Abdel-Hamid, Special Advisor to the Ruler of Sharjah for Higher Education; Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS; Robert Waller, Consul General of the United States of America; senior officials of AUS; along with members of the media and the general public.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani expressed his gratitude to the Sharjah Ruler for giving him and the museum the opportunity to organize the exhibition. He praised Sheikh Dr. Sultan for his vision and for his appreciation and vast knowledge of the culture, heritage and history of the region.  "This exhibition is a keen reflection of the cooperation between AUS and the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum," he said.

Dr. Heath said on the occasion that part of the mission at AUS is that we work always to link the Islamic past with the present so that the two can be joined in the future of our students. "This exhibition is a perfect example of how our university is trying to do this. If we don't try and preserve the past, our university will be much diminished. I urge our students, faculty and staff to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity," he added.

The special exhibition comprises a large number of unique artifacts that include items of wood and stone, metalwork, pottery and glass, textiles and carpets as well as manuscripts. 

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani is one of Qatar's leading entrepreneurs and is regarded as a key player in promoting the heritage and culture of Qatar. Sheikh Faisal pioneered the establishment of a heritage venue, with the objective of reviving public interest and appreciation of local culture.

The "Beauty of Words" exhibition will run for a month.