Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi awarded University of Leicester’s first honorary professorship
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Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at American University of Sharjah (AUS), has been conferred the title of Honorary Professor by the University of Leicester, marking the institution’s first-ever honorary professorship.
The recognition was formally presented during a ceremony at the University of Leicester’s Brookfield Campus on July 25. Professors Henrietta O’Connor and Dan Ladley awarded the title in acknowledgement of Sheikha Bodour’s extensive contributions to global education, cultural dialogue and women’s empowerment.
During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged with faculty and students at the School of Business and participated in discussions on museum studies and cultural research, highlighting her ongoing support for cross-cultural academic collaboration.
A prominent figure in global publishing and education, Sheikha Bodour is the founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, which has published over 500 titles in more than 15 countries, with a focus on inclusive Arabic children’s literature. Her Kalimat Foundation has launched accessibility and literacy initiatives in 31 countries. She also played a central role in the UAE’s adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty, supporting visually impaired readers.
She is also the founder of the Emirates Publishers Association and the UAE Board on Books for Young People. Sheikha Bodour served as President of the International Publishers Association, becoming the first Arab woman to hold the post since its founding in 1896.
In a statement, Sheikha Bodour said, “This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful. In Sharjah, we believe education is a bridge to mutual understanding and long-lasting impact. I hope this honour inspires others, especially young women, to lead with purpose".
Professor Dan Ladley said the university was proud to welcome Sheikha Bodour into its community, describing her as “inclusive, inspiring and impactful” in her pursuit of equality, literacy and leadership.
Her recent initiatives as President of AUS include the creation of the UAE’s first endowed academic chair for women’s leadership, the Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women’s Leadership, in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment.
Sheikha Bodour is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and University College London. Her work continues to influence global discussions on publishing, education reform, and the role of women in leadership.
