Sharjah Narrator 26 Workshops Bring Heritage to Life Through Interactive Experiences
Visitors to the 26th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum have expressed their delight at taking part in a diverse programme of workshops and activities, describing them as engaging experiences that combine learning and enjoyment while bringing traditional crafts, arts, folk tales and cultural heritage closer to the public.
The workshops have drawn strong and growing attendance, particularly from children and school students, offering them opportunities to learn, participate and explore heritage through creative and interactive activities.
The programme features Emirati crafts, community awareness, volunteering, arts and educational activities, as well as interactive experiences inspired by storytelling, friendship and cultural exchange.
Emirati Crafts
Anwar Ahmed Al Salmi, Director of the Emirati Crafts Centre at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said the Centre’s participation provides an opportunity to engage with researchers, narrators and participants from around the world and showcase Emirati crafts as an integral part of national identity.
She said the workshops introduced visitors to traditional crafts, including Talli embroidery, allowing them to interact directly with craftswomen, learn about traditional techniques and discover the stories associated with each craft.
Promoting Volunteerism
Sheikha Al Sarkal of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work said the Award’s participation focuses on promoting a culture of volunteering through interactive activities and awareness publications.
The programme includes stories, magazines and bookmarks distributed free of charge to children, with the pavilion witnessing strong visitor engagement.
Community Awareness
First Assistant Mohammed Mousa of the Security Media Department’s Traffic Awareness Branch at Sharjah Police said the participation features awareness programmes on road safety and the dangers of drugs, in addition to topics highlighting Al San’ and community values.
He noted the strong interaction from visitors with the awareness messages presented at the forum.
Learning Through Art
The educational programmes sections at the Arab Heritage Centre are presenting a range of interactive activities, including a mosaic-making workshop that combines creativity, practical skills and hands-on learning.
“Smile” for Children
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is participating through its “Smile” workshop for children, alongside a selection of its Arabic and English publications.
The activities have attracted considerable interest, particularly from children, who have actively engaged with the workshops and interactive experiences.
“Friends’ Journey”
Mohammed Issa Al Khaja of the External Centres and Branches Department at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage said the “Friends’ Journey” area has attracted strong interest, particularly among younger visitors.
He said the experience combines learning and participation while highlighting the values of friendship and communication. The forum site also features dedicated spaces for workshops, traditional crafts and the Sharjah Heritage Cultural Award, alongside artistic and folk performances presented throughout the event.
Celebrating Heritage and Friendship
Mohammed Sadiq, Director of the Arab Heritage Archive Foundation in Egypt, expressed his happiness at participating in the 26th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, highlighting the strong engagement among visitors, heritage enthusiasts and school students.
The diverse programme reflects the forum’s commitment to presenting heritage as a living and evolving experience—one that goes beyond display to foster interaction, participation and learning, while creating new opportunities for younger generations to discover the stories, crafts, arts and values that shape the collective memory and identity of peoples.