Memories - Part One

The book covers a crucial period in the history of the United Arab Emirates, specifically the early years of the establishment of the "Union" state. This period coincided with His Highness's assumption of power in Sharjah after the death of his late brother, Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It details the hopes, aspirations, and achievements of that time, as well as the roles played by His Highness and his relationship with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The narrative begins on January 24, 1972, when His Highness assumed power, fifty-four days after the founding of the United Arab Emirates. It concludes on March 19, 1979, the day of the great march to Abu Dhabi during a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Union, demanding that the rulers solidify and strengthen the unity. The book contains seventy-two commemorative photographs divided into three groups, serving as visual documentation of the narrated events. The text of the book is a narrative that combines autobiography and historical events of that period. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah supports his testimony with various types of documents, including resolutions from Supreme Council meetings, correspondence between rulers, decisions of the Ruler of Sharjah, government decisions, reports from Western ambassadors, and press news, among other historical evidence. The book focuses on three main axes in the life of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah: first, his administration of the affairs of the Emirate of Sharjah; second, his relationship with the late Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and his initiatives to strengthen the "Union State"; and third, his belief in the Arab and Islamic nations and his endeavor to serve them. The book consists of ten chapters with the following titles: The United Arab Emirates, Between America and Egypt, Oil Export from Sharjah, Arab and European Visits, Historic Decisions, Between Somali Muslims and American Muslims, Days of Loneliness, From the Days of the Ruler of Sharjah, The Supreme Budget Committee, Zayed in Tehran.