H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF) on Monday. Held from 22nd to 26th September at the Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations in University City, Sharjah, this year’s forum is themed “Tales of Travellers.”
The ceremony began with verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech from Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) and Head of the Forum’s Higher Organising Committee.
He highlighted the forum’s 25-year journey, describing it as a platform that preserves and elevates narrators and their folk knowledge. Over the years, SINF has evolved in vision, structure, and content, establishing itself as a key cultural event in the UAE, the Arab world, and internationally.
Dr Al Musallam praised the Ruler of Sharjah for his patronage and guidance, which have positioned Sharjah as a destination for heritage, a hub for narrators, and a meeting point for experts and researchers worldwide. He emphasized that the 25th edition’s theme celebrates the legacy of travellers, offering valuable literary and cultural insights into places and peoples.
This year’s forum features over 120 narrators, researchers, and media representatives from 37 countries, with the Maldives as the guest of honour, recognised for its rich travel literature. Three exhibitions accompany the forum: “Around the World” by Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, works by artist Meera Al Qasim, and a heritage exhibition honouring Ibn Battuta. Additionally, more than 40 publications and numerous cultural programmes are part of the event.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed viewed a film tracing the forum’s 25-year evolution, highlighting leading Emirati narrators and the forum’s collaborations with UNESCO and other international bodies. He honoured Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr as the Forum’s Honorary Personality and Dr Claudia Maria as Juridical Personality, alongside several local narrators with certificates and commemorative shields.
The Ruler of Sharjah toured the exhibition accompanying the forum, viewing diverse contributions from different Arab countries, and listening to explanations about key artworks and paintings reflecting the culture and heritage of the participating nations.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed also visited the exhibition of Mohammed Al Murr, titled “Around the World: Journeys and Observations of Mohammed Al Murr.” The exhibition showcased notable artworks from various countries, capturing adventures, surprises, and dangers, infused with suspense and wonder. Al Murr, described as a contemporary traveller with a passion for exploration since childhood, considers self-discovery to be achieved through discovering places.
This year’s forum hosts participants from countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Morocco, Mauritania, North Macedonia, Ireland, Italy, Germany, the UK, China, France, Türkiye, Spain, Japan, the Maldives, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Senegal, Kenya, and Malaysia.
Academic and cultural institutions such as the University of Sharjah, University of Turin, Zhejiang University, the Higher Institute of Folk Arts (Egypt), and Qatar National Library are participating, along with local government entities including the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Museums Authority, and Sharjah Libraries.
The forum programme includes over 25 specialised workshops in oral and visual narration, the launch of 40 publications aligned with the theme, book signings, and newsletters. Notable publications include Travel Literature in the Arab World and the series Eyes of Journeys, featuring selections from Arab travel literature.
The opening was attended by Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office; Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; senior officials, representatives of participating countries, and narrators.
(Inputs from WAM)
