Sharjah builds underground pedestrian tunnel linking mosque to Holy Quran monument

Sharjah is building an underground pedestrian tunnel at Cultural Square to connect Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal Mosque with the surrounding area, allowing worshippers and visitors to cross safely without disrupting traffic or damaging landscaped areas, Khaleej Times reported.

Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi announced the project on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority’s “Direct Line” programme, saying construction was underway.

What is the Holy Quran monument at Cultural Square?

Sheikh Sultan described the monument as a symbol of the Quran’s role as a source of guidance for Muslims. He said the area could also be called Quran Square or Book Square.

How many volumes will Sharjah’s Arabic encyclopedia contain?

Sheikh Sultan said the second instalment of his Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia would be unveiled at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, opening at Expo Centre Sharjah on November 4 under the theme “Made of Stories”.

The four-part project aims to produce 500 volumes over four years. The first instalment, completed last year, comprised 46 volumes, while the upcoming release will bring the total to 130. The remaining instalments are scheduled for the following two years.

How does the encyclopedia support research?

The encyclopedia connects information across disciplines, helping researchers trace the work and criticism of literary figures and access relevant publications.

About 1,300 researchers have contributed to the project, including specialists in religious studies, Arabic, literature and the arts. Sheikh Sultan described it as an unprecedented effort to advance knowledge and scholarship.

What are Sharjah’s “Teaches and Learns” columns?

Columns in Sharjah’s Islamic Garden and Arab Garden display the names and contributions of prominent Islamic and Arab thinkers, including Muslim and non-Muslim figures.

Named “Teaches and Learns” by Sheikh Sultan, the displays offer brief accounts intended to help visitors, particularly children, learn about their intellectual and cultural heritage.

What historical works will be featured at the book fair?

The fair will feature a 60-volume collection documenting Portuguese history in the Indian Ocean, from Mozambique to Indonesia. A supplementary volume will explain difficult terms and identify historical figures mentioned in the records. The collection will be published in Arabic and English.

Another work, Compendium of Histories, examines historical relations involving the British, Dutch and Ottoman empires. Sheikh Sultan encouraged researchers to consult the original documents, saying individual pages could provide material for doctoral research.

What is Sharjah’s new book on the British presence in the Gulf?

Sharjah is preparing a publication documenting the British presence in the Gulf from 1806 until their departure. Sheikh Sultan said the records include a handwritten Gulf plan from 1806 by British diplomat and military figure John Malcolm. He hopes the book will be completed this year.

How does Sheikh Sultan review historical manuscripts?

Sheikh Sultan said he had been waking at 3 a.m. daily since October 25, 2025, to verify manuscripts before official working hours. He said he takes responsibility for every word and punctuation mark in the works he reviews.

What is the focus of this year’s Sharjah book fair?

Sheikh Sultan highlighted reading, research and postgraduate education, expressing hope that young people’s academic achievements would benefit society and help Sharjah maintain its position as a cultural and educational centre.

He also urged young people to avoid personal insults and frivolous behavior, stressing their responsibility towards society and future generations.