Sheikha Bodour Becomes University of Leicester's 1st Honorary Professor

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), was formally conferred the title of Honorary Professor by the University of Leicester, a distinction given for the first time in the university’s history.

The ceremony took place at the School of Business’s Brookfield Campus and was led by Professor Henrietta O’Connor and Professor Dan Ladley.

This prestigious recognition honours her exceptional contributions to women’s empowerment, child literacy, and cultural development on a regional and international scale.

Connecting Cross-Cultural Academia and Creativity

During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged with faculty and students and took part in a discussion on museum studies and research within the cultural sector—underscoring her commitment to international academic collaboration and cultural understanding.

Championing Literacy, Inclusion, and Publishing Innovation

As the founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, Sheikha Bodour has overseen the publication of over 500 socially conscious Arabic children’s books across 15+ countries. Her Kalimat Foundation has delivered inclusive literacy programs in 31 nations. She played a pivotal role in the UAE’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, which ensures accessible books for persons with print disabilities.

She also established the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People, and made history in 2020 by becoming the first Arab woman to serve as President of the International Publishers Association since its founding in 1896.

Empowering Women and Strengthening Educational Equity

Reflecting on the honour, Sheikha Bodour said, “This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful… education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges.” She expressed her hope that the award inspires young women to “lead with purpose” and claim their ideas and space confidently.

Professor Dan Ladley described her as “inclusive, inspiring and impactful,” praising her unwavering dedication to equality, leadership, and transformation across education and publishing.

A Trailblazer’s Broader Legacy

Under Sheikha Bodour’s leadership at AUS, new initiatives include six research centres spanning artificial intelligence, sustainability, and Islamic studies, as well as scholarship expansions for underrepresented students.

She spearheaded the establishment of the first endowed academic chair for women’s leadership in the UAE—the Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women’s Leadership in partnership with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment.

Her influence continues beyond academia: she drives cultural innovation through Sharjah Publishing City, UNESCO initiatives, and global platforms including WEF and UNESCO World Book Capital Networks.

The University of Leicester’s conferment of its first-ever Honorary Professorship on Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is a historic tribute to her leadership in education, literacy, and cultural diplomacy. Her appointment symbolizes the university’s values of inclusivity, global engagement, and academic excellence—and heralds a new era of cross-border collaboration and inspiration.