Ahmad ibn Majid

Ahmad ibn Majid, often referred to as the "Lion of the Sea," was a prominent Arab navigator and cartographer born around the year 1432 in Julfar, which is now known as Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. He hailed from a family renowned for their seafaring skills, and by the age of seventeen, he had already mastered the art of navigating ships across the waters.

Throughout his lifetime, Ibn Majid authored nearly forty works of poetry and prose, showcasing his literary talents alongside his navigational expertise. His contributions to geography and cartography were significant, and he played a crucial role in the maritime history of the region.

Although he has often been credited in Western narratives as the navigator who guided Vasco da Gama from Africa to India, contemporary research suggests that it is unlikely he ever met Da Gama. Ibn Majid's legacy, however, remains firmly established in the annals of exploration and navigation.

He is believed to have passed away around the year 1500, leaving behind a rich heritage of knowledge and exploration that continues to inspire future generations.