The Sharjah Institute for Heritage unveiled the activities of the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (Silver Jubilee), held from September 22 to 26 at the Arab Heritage Center headquarters in the University City.

More than 120 narrators, experts, researchers, and media professionals from over 35 countries are participating in this edition, according to a press conference organized by the institute at the Arab Heritage Center on Monday morning.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, the institute’s president and chairman of the forum’s supreme committee, said: “Twenty-five years ago, the ‘Narrator Day’ event was launched in Sharjah to honor the late Rashid Al-Shawq, one of the most prominent narrators in the UAE. Over the years, the event evolved into an international platform after the establishment of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, becoming the ‘Sharjah International Narrator Forum’ that brings together narrators and experts from around the world.”

He added: “This year, we celebrate the forum’s silver jubilee and welcome the Republic of Maldives as the guest of honor. We also honor Mohamed Al-Mar as the honorary personality and Dr. Claudia from Italy as the honorary figure, in recognition of their contributions to culture and heritage.”

On the sidelines of the press conference, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam told Al-Khaleej about the uniqueness of this edition: The forum this year launches an edition celebrating the silver jubilee under the distinctive slogan ‘Tales of Travelers,’ chosen to express the richness contained in the field of stories and travel, and the Arabs’ historical fame in this field. Many European thinkers and writers have attested that Arabs are the best storytellers, although Indians and Persians invented storytelling. This year, the forum focuses on highlighting the role of ancient and contemporary travelers in the Arab world and tracking changes in storytelling and travel methods, which have become easier to document, publish, and circulate rapidly and differently after the advent of modern technologies.

An Exceptional Event

Aisha Al-Hussan Al-Shamsi, director of the Arab Heritage Center at the institute and general coordinator of the forum, said: “This edition confirms its status as an exceptional cultural event that opens new windows on human heritage. We chose the slogan ‘Tales of Travelers’ for its deep symbolism in the history and experiences of peoples, as journeys reflect the diversity of knowledge and values across time and place.”

She added that this edition witnesses the launch of the ‘Loyalty to Creators’ initiative, honoring this year the Moroccan artist Amina Kousto and Dr. Ali Al-Shaloubi from the UAE, in recognition of their dedication and creativity in preserving cultural heritage. The 25th edition includes a rich scientific and intellectual program with 10 sessions featuring 45 researchers and experts from 15 countries discussing topics related to travel, its literature, narratives, and its role in building cultural bridges between peoples.

She pointed out that the forum presents two distinguished exhibitions combining individual experience and collective memory. The first is the ‘Tales of Travelers’ exhibition highlighting travel experiences and their diverse human and intellectual heritage. The second is an exhibition of Mohamed Al-Mar’s collections, the honored personality this year, offering the public a chance to view rare items reflecting his cultural and literary interests and intellectual journey. The forum also organizes a live meeting with a group of contemporary travelers presenting their experiences to the audience.

She explained: “We take pride in the wide participation of more than 35 countries, reflecting the forum’s status as a leading international platform in intangible cultural heritage.”

Aisha Rashid Al-Shamsi told Al-Khaleej about the forum’s program and its plan to support youth: “In this special edition, we have keenly focused on giving increased attention to youth within the forum’s activities and its rich program of workshops, training, and educational seminars. Young people will participate in attending, preparing, and presenting a group of training workshops and showcasing their experiences in using modern technologies and artificial intelligence as a means of storytelling. These activities aim to enrich the storytelling and traveler culture with new generations of local creators and foster communication between the old, contemporary, and future generations.”

On the sidelines of the conference, the prominent Emirati composer Ibrahim Juma, who attended to support the forum’s idea and its slogan, said: “This year, the forum adopts a topic with great impact on arts and culture. Tales of travelers have always enriched our knowledge and bridged distances between all peoples of the earth, facilitating cultural exchange and exploration of different arts for each people and region. Even in music, artistic heritage and music vary according to terrain and climatic conditions of each country, and the human voice varies in its capabilities and registers. For example, a voice raised in a mountainous area differs completely from one from the plains. Therefore, tales of travelers have been the most beautiful means of communication between peoples and enriching arts and cultures.”

Wide International Participation

This year, many Arab and foreign countries participate in the forum, including: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Comoros, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Morocco, Mauritania, Macedonia, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Britain, China, France, Turkey, Spain, Japan, Maldives, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Senegal, Kenya, and Malaysia.

Academic and cultural institutions from inside and outside the country also participate, notably the University of Sharjah, University of Turin (Italy), Zhejiang University (China), the Higher Institute of Folk Arts (Egypt), and the Qatar National Library, alongside local government bodies such as the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Al Hamriyah Municipality, Sharjah Museums Authority, and Sharjah Libraries.

The forum’s agenda includes more than 25 specialized workshops in oral storytelling and visual narration, alongside the launch of 40 publications all revolving around the edition’s slogan, including “Travel Literature in the Arab World,” the “Eyes of Journeys” series, as well as accompanying bulletins and series, and a special corner for book signings during the events.