UAE ministers and artists recall student days in Cairo nearly 50 years ago

From Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, to Ministers of State Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi and Khalifa Al Marar, many Emiratis have called Cairo home over the past 50 years as the country sent its young people abroad to study. Ms Al Shamsi, who took the stage in Cairo this week for a three-day celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of relations between the two nations, recalled her time in the historic city and her memories of a deep-seated appreciation of the intellect and of knowledge.

“The Egyptian people of respect knowledge and value those who seek it,” he said. “Egypt is home to great thinkers and scientists. I was looking for an author who could write a book that would inspire me and after the search, I was guided to him by students and professors from Cairo University,” he said.

Those who helped her find her mentor were strangers, she said.