Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi is a leading contributor to the rapid and multi-faceted development and growth of Sharjah and the UAE.

In her capacity as the Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), she is one of the key players in the emirate of Sharjah’s continued development.

Under her leadership, Shurooq is changing the face of Sharjah into a contemporary Emirate and economic hub that still remains true to its cultural heritage.

A successful businesswoman and entrepreneur in her own right, she is the Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, the region’s first publishing enterprise dedicated to the production of quality original Arabic children’s titles as well as innovative Arabic learning solutions.

An avid advocate of the importance of books and literacy in the development of individuals of all ages and of society as a whole, she is a key driver in the establishment of publishing and literacy related ventures and initiatives in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates, and the Arab region.

In recognition of her outstanding efforts Sheikha Bodour has received a number of prestigious awards, including being named the Most Influential Woman in the Arab World in the Investment Development Sector 2013 by Forbes Middle East. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Cambridge University, and a Master’s in Medical Anthropology from the University College.