Sharjah Ruler Inaugurates 25th Edition of Sharjah International Storytelling Forum

The 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum opened Monday with Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, launching this year's event focused on "Travelers' Tales." The five-day forum brings together over 120 storytellers, researchers, and cultural experts from 37 countries to celebrate the rich tradition of travel literature and oral storytelling.

This year's theme puts spotlight on travel narratives, a literary form that has captivated audiences for centuries with tales of adventure, discovery, and cultural exchange. The forum has grown from a local Emirati event into an internationally recognized platform working with UNESCO to preserve oral traditions and cultural heritage.

The Maldives serves as this year's guest of honor, chosen for the fascinating stories left behind by travelers who passed through the island nation. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muslim, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, noted how the forum has become a central hub for cultural work across the Emirates, Arab world, and beyond.

The event features three major exhibitions, including "Around the World" by His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, works by artist Mira Al Qasim, and "Exploring Horizons" - a heritage exhibition celebrating the legacy of famous travelers like Ibn Battuta. More than 40 diverse programs will run alongside participation from universities, cultural centers, and government institutions.

Al Murr, honored as the forum's distinguished personality, represents modern-day travelers who have maintained the tradition of exploration and cultural documentation. His exhibition showcases artistic works from various countries, reflecting the adventures and discoveries that define travel literature.

The forum includes over 25 specialized workshops covering oral storytelling and visual narrative techniques. Organizers will launch 40 new publications related to travel literature, including "Travel Literature in the Arab World" and the "Eyes of Journeys" series featuring ten selections from Arabic travel writings.

Academic institutions participating include the University of Sharjah, University of Turin from Italy, Zhejiang University from China, and the Higher Institute of Folk Arts from Egypt. Local government bodies like the Environment and Protected Areas Authority and Sharjah Museums Authority are also involved.

The forum runs through September 26 at the International Cultural Heritage Organizations Center in Sharjah University City. This milestone 25th edition reinforces Sharjah's position as a destination for heritage preservation and a meeting point for storytellers, experts, and researchers from around the world.

The event demonstrates how traditional oral storytelling continues to find relevance in modern times, bridging cultures and preserving human experiences that might otherwise be lost. For cultural institutions and heritage organizations globally, the forum offers a model for how traditional arts can be sustained and celebrated in contemporary settings.