Sharjah: The 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF), organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, continues to offer a rich platform for research, dialogue, and exploration of Arab oral heritage and travel literature. The forum brings together researchers and scholars from across the globe, presenting papers, panel discussions, and in-depth debates on the historical and cultural dimensions of travel. Sessions highlighted the intellectual and humanistic role of travelers in documenting knowledge and cultural experiences.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session titled 'Cities of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf in Travelers' and Geographers' Writings', moderated by Dr Salem Al Teneiji, featured three research papers that explored the contributions of travelers and geographers in documenting Emirati cities and ports. Talal Al Rumaithi's paper examined the 1958 journey of the head of the Kuwaiti UN delegation to the UAE and Qatar, while Mohammed Jassim Al Sidah reviewed detailed observations on emerging educational institutions in Sharjah and the role of Kuwaiti collaboration in strengthening cultural ties. Wafaa Salem Al Hashimi's research focused on the Andalusian traveler Ibn Jubayr and his Hajj journeys in the 12th and 13th centuries, highlighting his urban, social, and cultural observations. Fatima Al Mazrouei's paper, 'Al Dhafra Between History and Literature', underscored Ali Al Kindi Al Marr's work in documenting Al Dhafra's history, desert routes, water resources, and popular poetry.
Dr Al Teneiji concluded the session with a paper analyzing the descriptions of Emirati cities by travelers from the 9th to 13th centuries Hijri, emphasizing the role of UAE coastal towns such as Julfar, Dibba, Fujairah, and Sharjah as trade hubs and cultural bridges. Another session, 'Oral Traditions in Arab Travels', moderated by Dr Khalid Al Shehi, examined the cultural, literary, and anthropological dimensions of travel in Arab heritage. Contributions from Dr Ahmed Bahie Eldin and Dr Samir Al Dhamer highlighted the preservation of folk memory and traditions.
The forum also hosted a session on 'Marvels and Wonders in Arab Travelogues'. Italian researcher Claudia Maria Triso examined the presence of women and children in Ibn Battuta's journeys, while Dr. Abdel Hakim Tareefa and Dr Youssef Ding Long explored social practices documented in travelers' diaries and compared Ibn Battuta's travels with those of Xu Xiake, respectively.
The 'Travelers' Encounter' program showcased extraordinary stories of courage and exploration by Emirati women pioneers such as Fatim Loghani and Salma Al Hafeeti. Fatim Loghani recounted her motorcycle adventures across Europe and beyond, while Salma Al Hafeeti shared her unique experience on Socotra Island, renowned for its rare biodiversity. Their journeys illustrated endurance, cultural openness, and personal growth, bringing the forum's theme 'Travelers' Tales' to life.
The 'Travelers' Encounter' program will continue on the forum's third day, featuring motorcyclist traveler Saleh Al Ayad and explorer Maysa Abdulrahman Salim.