Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, born on July 2, 1939, is the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah and a member of the Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. He has held this position since January 1972, except for a brief period in June 1987 during an attempted coup led by his elder brother. Sultan pursued his education at various institutions, including Cairo University and the University of Exeter, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering in 1971 and a PhD in history in 1985, respectively. He succeeded his brother as emir after his assassination and has since held several political and educational positions, including minister of education for the Emirates. Sultan is also associated with various universities, serving as president of the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah. He is recognized as the longest-reigning Arab ruler, celebrating his 50th anniversary on the throne in 2022. His extensive tenure makes him the world's longest-incumbent head of state since January 14, 2024.

Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi - Wikipedia