Sharjah ruler’s book launched in London

LONDON // A book exploring Sharjah’s history with the East India Company was launched in London on Tuesday by its author, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi – the emirate’s Ruler.

The English translation of his book, Under the Flag of Occupation, was launched in London during a dinner hosted by Dr Sheikh Sultan and attended by ambassadors from the UAE, Lebanon, Yemen and Qatar. Publishers from around the world and Booker prize-winning author Ben Okri were also present.

The book explores the history of Sharjah in the first half of the 19th century during which the controversial East India Company – an English operation, but operating separately from the British government – was active in the Arabian Gulf.

“It wasn’t the British who were to blame for the periods of war,” Dr Sheikh Sultan said.

“The atrocities weren’t their mistake. It was the East India Company, so I want to rewrite that particular part of history with this book.”

Nigel Newton, founder and chief executive of the publisher Bloomsbury, praised the Ruler’s “significant role in promoting cultural interaction and dialogue among nations”.

Dr Sheikh Sultan also oversaw the signing of an agreement with PWxyz, the British Library and the New York University School of Professional Studies.