Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Arab and Muslim Sciences

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, the Fourth International Conference on Arabs’ and Muslims’ History of Sciences was officially launched. The conference is organized by the College of Science at the University of Sharjah under the umbrella of the Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Arab and Muslim Sciences (SIFHAMS), under the theme “Scientific Legacy and Its Contemporary Impacts,” in collaboration with the University of Cologne, Germany, and King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

The conference has attracted wide international participation, bringing together scholars, researchers, and directors of universities, research centers, libraries, and museums. More than 900 participants from over 40 Arab, Islamic, and international countries are taking part. The event runs for three days and is being held virtually via Zoom. The conference program features 21 scientific sessions, during which more than 130 research papers are presented by distinguished academics, specialists, and graduate students across a range of disciplines, including applied sciences, engineering, medicine, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. These contributions highlight the achievements and innovations of early Muslim scholars and reflect the richness and diversity of their scientific legacy. The conference was inaugurated by His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, who delivered an opening speech on behalf of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. In his address, His Highness welcomed participants and commended their commitment to advancing knowledge despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of the conference in showcasing the contributions of Arab and Muslim sciences from the early Islamic civilization to the present day. His Highness further noted that these contributions have formed the foundation of many modern scientific and technological advancements, despite often being overlooked in terms of their Arab and Muslim origins. The conference, he affirmed, plays a vital role in reaffirming the contributions of Arab and Muslim scholars to global scientific progress. Prof. Al Naimiy also expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his continued support and patronage, emphasizing that this reflects His Highness’s commitment to promoting the Arab and Islamic scientific and cultural heritage as a cornerstone for global development. He added that the conference represents a significant milestone in the University’s ongoing efforts to advance scientific research and strengthen the connection between past achievements and future innovation. He further stressed that the University of Sharjah and SIFHAMS remain committed to linking contemporary scientific advancements with their historical roots, thereby enriching the global cultural and scientific landscape and inspiring future generations. For his part, His Excellency Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, praised the conference theme, noting that it encapsulates the diverse contributions of Muslim scholars throughout history and underscores their pivotal role in the development of human civilization. He highlighted Sharjah’s position as a leading center for culture and knowledge, driven by the vision and support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. He also emphasized that Islamic civilization made groundbreaking contributions across numerous scientific fields, including medicine, pharmacy, anatomy, surgery, astronomy, geography, chemistry, and mathematics, and played a key role in establishing the experimental scientific method that continues to underpin modern science. In her remarks, Her Excellency Manal Ataya, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, affirmed that the cultural vision led by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah continues to build upon the intellectual legacy of early Muslim scholars. She highlighted the Authority’s commitment to enhancing the role of museums as dynamic educational platforms that present knowledge in innovative and engaging ways. Meanwhile, Dr. Hussein Elmehdi, Chairperson of the Conference Organizing Committee, outlined the key objectives of the current edition, including advancing research in the history of Arab and Muslim sciences, strengthening SIFHAMS’s position as a global hub for scholars, and promoting dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence through shared scientific heritage. The opening session also featured keynote presentations by leading scholars. Prof. Erwin Andreas Eckart from the University of Cologne presented an overview of his study “Milky Way in the Arab Culture,” highlighting the contributions of Ibn al-Haytham. Prof. Jan Pieter Hogendijk from Utrecht University showcased several scientific instruments and innovations developed by Muslim scholars in the Middle Ages, which were used with remarkable accuracy in determining directions, distances, and time.