Sharjah: Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, announced during a press conference held on Monday at the Institute's headquarters that the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF) will take place from September 22 to 26, under the theme 'Tales of Travelers.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the silver jubilee edition will welcome more than 120 storytellers from 37 countries, featuring a variety of new publications that celebrate travel literature and oral storytelling traditions. This reinforces the forum's status as a global platform for cultural exchange.
Dr Al Musallam highlighted in remarks to Sharjah 24 that this year's theme, 'Tales of Travelers,' provides an opportunity to explore the cultural and historical impact of travel and exploration across eras. He noted how travel has shaped the narrative identity and collective memory of peoples throughout history.
He also pointed out that the wide international participation in the forum reflects growing global confidence in the event and its pivotal role in safeguarding intangible heritage.
The forum will host His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, who will present insights from his travel books, 'Around the World in 22 Days' and 'The Journey to Zanzibar.' These literary contributions will add value to the forum's discussions, offering firsthand travel narratives rich in cultural and intellectual observations.
This year's edition will also feature young Emirati travelers sharing stories and performances drawn from their real-life journeys. These contributions highlight the emergence of a new generation of storytellers and ensure the sustainability of oral storytelling traditions such as improvisation and narrative performance.
In a bid to nurture future talents, the Institute has launched a pre-forum training programme focusing on storytelling techniques, performance skills, and the craft of narrative writing. This initiative aims to empower emerging voices and equip them with the necessary tools for excellence in storytelling.
Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam concluded by inviting the public, researchers, and storytelling enthusiasts to attend the forum and engage with its rich programme. He encouraged audiences to benefit from the 40 new publications, expert-led discussions, and performances by leading storytellers. The event aims to reinforce the cultural and human values embedded in 'Tales of Travelers,' promoting diversity, dialogue, and shared heritage through the art of storytelling.