Sharjah to build underground tunnel linking mosque to Holy Quran monument

Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has announced the construction of an underground pedestrian tunnel connecting Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal Mosque to Cultural Square. The tunnel, currently under development, aims to provide a safe passage for pedestrians while preserving the area's floral displays and enabling visitors to photograph the site without disturbing traffic or landscaping. The announcement was made during a telephone interview on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority’s Direct Line programme. The tunnel will facilitate movement between the mosque and Cultural Square, ensuring safety and convenience for worshippers and visitors alike. The Ruler emphasized the significance of the Holy Quran monument located at Cultural Square, referring to it as a symbol of the Quran's role as a guiding reference for Muslims. He suggested the area could alternatively be named Quran Square or Book Square. In addition to the tunnel, the Ruler revealed that the second instalment of his Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopaedia will be unveiled at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, scheduled to open on November 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme "Made of Stories." This instalment will increase the total number of completed volumes to 130 out of the planned 500. The project, spanning four years, encompasses science, literature, the arts, and notable figures. The first instalment, completed last year, consisted of 46 volumes. The third instalment is slated for completion next year, followed by the fourth and final instalment the year after. The encyclopaedia involves approximately 1,300 researchers, with around 1,000 initially specializing in religious sciences, Arabic, and other disciplines, and an additional 300 joining this year to focus on literature and the arts, including theatre, novels, photography, and painting. Sheikh Sultan highlighted the encyclopaedia's design to enhance research accessibility by consolidating information across diverse fields. For instance, individuals researching poet Ahmed Shawqi will be able to identify his critics and access related works with ease. He underscored the importance of advancing society through religion, knowledge, thought, and literature. The book fair will also showcase a collection of 60 volumes detailing Portuguese history across the Indian Ocean, ranging from Mozambique to Indonesia. These documents required a year of verification, with the final review completed three days prior to the interview. A 61st volume will clarify complex terminology and identify key figures mentioned in the collection, facilitating its use for researchers. The collection will be published in both Arabic and English. Additionally, the book fair will feature the Compendium of Histories, examining the British as neighbours alongside the Dutch and the Ottomans, offering access to historical documents. The Ruler encouraged scholars to consider these publications as original historical records rather than personal accounts, emphasizing their potential to serve as foundational materials for academic research. Another publication will chronicle the British presence in the Gulf from 1806 until their departure, integrating relevant historical records. Sheikh Sultan noted that British diplomat and military figure John Malcolm authored a handwritten document in 1806 outlining a plan for the Gulf, discovered in a box he uses to preserve historical records. He expressed hope that this new book would be completed this year.