Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF), which is being held from 22nd to 26th September under the theme 'Tales of Travellers' at the Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations in University City, Sharjah.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening ceremony commenced with verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech from Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Forum. He discussed the significance of the forum, which marks its 25th year, in preserving and elevating narrators and their folk knowledge. He noted significant transformations and developments in the forum's vision, structure, and content, highlighting its importance on the cultural map of the UAE, the Arab world, and beyond.
Al Musallam commended the efforts and support of the Ruler of Sharjah, whose vision and patronage have elevated the forum to a pivotal event. He emphasized Sharjah's role as a hub for heritage, narrators, and a meeting point for global experts and researchers. The theme for this year, 'Tales of Travellers,' celebrates the literature of travellers, a genre known for its cultural value and wealth of knowledge.
This year's edition features over 120 participants, including narrators, experts, and media representatives from more than 37 countries, with the Republic of Maldives as the guest of honour. The Maldives is recognized for its unique stories recorded by travellers. The forum includes three exhibitions and presents over 40 diverse titles, with participation from numerous cultural and academic entities.
A film tracing the history of the SINF was shown, highlighting the forum's growth from a local event to an international one, with cooperation from bodies like UNESCO. The film showcased leading Emirati narrators and their tales. H.H. Sultan bin Mohammed honoured Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr and Dr Claudia Maria for their contributions to culture and heritage and recognized local narrators with certificates and commemorative shields.
The Ruler of Sharjah toured the accompanying exhibition, viewing contributions from different Arab countries and listening to explanations about key artworks and paintings. He also visited Mohammed Al Murr's exhibition 'Around the World: Journeys and Observations of Mohammed Al Murr,' which displayed notable artworks capturing adventures and discoveries.
Participating countries include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, and others, along with academic institutions like the University of Sharjah and Zhejiang University (China). Local government entities and partners are also taking part. The forum's programme features over 25 specialised workshops and the launch of 40 new publications, including 'Travel Literature in the Arab World.'
The opening was attended by 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.