Sharjah Ruler Inaugurates 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum Celebrating Tales Of Travellers
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF) on Monday. The event, themed "Tales of Travellers," runs from 22nd to 26th September at the Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations in University City, Sharjah.
The opening ceremony commenced with Quranic verses, followed by a speech from Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH). He highlighted the forum's evolution over 25 years into a key cultural event in the UAE and beyond. Al Musallam praised the Ruler of Sharjah for his support and vision that have elevated the forum.
This year's theme, "Tales of Travellers," honours travel literature's rich legacy. Al Musallam described it as a captivating genre offering cultural insights and knowledge about various places and people. The forum features over 120 participants from more than 37 countries, with the Maldives as the guest of honour due to its unique traveller tales.
The forum includes three exhibitions: "Around the World" by Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr; Meera Al Qasim’s artworks; and a heritage exhibition celebrating Ibn Battuta. More than 40 diverse titles are presented with participation from numerous organisations, cultural centres, universities, institutes, and government bodies.
During the event, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed honoured Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr as the Honorary Personality of the Forum and Dr Claudia Maria as the Juridical Personality of the Forum for their cultural contributions. Local narrators were also recognised with certificates and commemorative shields.
A film showcased SINF's history since its inception, highlighting its growth from local Emirati narrators to global cooperation with international bodies like UNESCO. It featured leading Emirati narrators whose tales are filled with adventure and wonder.
Diverse Participation
This year’s forum sees participation from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Comoros, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Morocco, Mauritania among others. Academic institutions like University of Sharjah and Zhejiang University (China) are also involved.
The programme offers over 25 workshops on oral and visual narration alongside launching 40 new publications related to travel literature. These include "Travel Literature in the Arab World" and "Eyes of Journeys," a series featuring ten selections from Arab travel literature.
Exploring Cultural Exhibitions
The Ruler of Sharjah toured exhibitions showcasing contributions from various Arab countries. He viewed artworks reflecting participating nations' culture and heritage. H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed also visited Mohammed Al Murr’s exhibition titled "Around the World: Journeys and Observations."
This exhibition displayed artworks capturing adventures infused with suspense and wonder. Al Murr is described as a contemporary traveller passionate about exploration since childhood who believes self-discovery comes through discovering places.
Attendees included Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi; Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi; senior officials; representatives of participating countries; and narrators.
With inputs from WAM
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