Sharjah Institute for Heritage closes a bright chapter of the 25th edition's events and opens a window to the future
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage concluded the events and activities of the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum this evening at its headquarters. The forum, held from September 22 to 26 under the theme "Tales of Travelers", lasted for six days and witnessed broad international participation from 37 countries, featuring over 120 storytellers, alongside numerous researchers, intellectuals, academics, and representatives from media outlets, as well as those interested in storytelling, travel, and cultural heritage.
Al-Musallam Commends Sheikh Sultan’s Support
His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and head of the forum's higher organizing committee, expressed his pride in the outstanding accomplishments of the 25th edition. He noted that this edition was unique and distinguished compared to its predecessors due to its diverse programs, wide-ranging seminars, and inclusive workshops.
Dr. Al-Musallam praised His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for his unlimited patronage and unwavering support for the forum, as well as his continuous interest in and follow-up of the Institute's activities.
He emphasized that under the leadership of His Highness, Sharjah has attained a prestigious position in the fields of knowledge and education, becoming a beacon of culture both regionally and globally. He noted that the conclusion of this edition of the forum opens up a new window and renewed hope for venturing into the future with stronger ambition and determination.
Distinctive Participation and Elegant Presence
Dr. Al-Musallam further stated that the 25th edition served as a foundational platform for building a broad cultural understanding, thanks to the quality of contributions it witnessed. The forum highlighted the intellectual journeys of storytellers and showcased the rich literary heritage of travel writers, turning their experiences and narratives into cultural treasures that future generations can learn from and build upon. The contributions of the exceptional group of storytellers, researchers, and thinkers provided a vivid and lasting impression on the global cultural memory.
Maldives as Guest of Honour, Al-Murr as Personality of the Edition
Dr. Al-Musallam mentioned that this year’s forum included three exhibitions:
"Around the World" Exhibition featuring H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Murr, who was honored as the Honorary Personality of the Forum.
An art exhibition by Mira Al Qassim.
"Exploring Horizons", a heritage-themed exhibition celebrating travel legacies and honoring Ibn Battuta, the most iconic Arab traveler.
Additionally, Dr. Claudia Maria from Italy was recognized as the Distinguished Personality of the forum in appreciation of her contributions to culture and heritage. Several Emirati storytellers were also honored.
The Maldives was the Guest of Honour this year, with the forum spotlighting its cultural heritage and what Ibn Battuta documented about the country, highlighting the role of Arab travelers in shaping its future.
Al-Shamsi: Forum Achieved Its Noble Goals
Aisha Rashid Al-Hosani Al-Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Center and General Coordinator of the Forum, stated that the 25th edition, themed "Tales of Travelers", was distinguished in every aspect, achieving its noble goals and garnering significant public engagement. She emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to support folk storytelling and historical travel literature as primary sources of knowledge and encouraged further field research and academic publication in this domain.
Showcasing Participation and Achievements
Al-Shamsi reviewed the extent of international participation and highlighted key contributors. She noted:
Honorees included Claudia Maria (Italy), Dr. Ali Al-Shaloubi (UAE), and artist Amina Kosto (Morocco).
33 storytellers took part.
The scientific program included 56 participants.
Over 40 new publications were released.
Several cultural centers, universities, and institutes took part in pre-forum workshops, including:
The Summer Storyteller Camp
The Narrator Program for Adults (first edition)
She also pointed out several new additions this year:
A workshop on visual storytelling design.
Launch of the Narrator Program for Adults.
Introduction of the Dialect Lab Project focused on phonetic analysis of dialect vocabulary.
Czech theatrical performances.
Key Recommendations from the 25th Edition
To strengthen the forum’s scientific contributions and enhance its global standing, participants issued several key recommendations:
Develop a specialized encyclopedia on Arab travel literature.
Restore the value of Arab travelers' tales through proper documentation and comparative study to understand their cultural and historical significance.
Prepare a comprehensive atlas of Arab travelers' stories.
Utilize travel and geographic manuscripts to document historic cities, routes, and regions, showcasing the civilizational and human interconnectedness between global communities.
Additional recommendations focused on preserving this heritage and ensuring it is passed on to future generations.
Closing Ceremony Highlights
The closing ceremony began with a warm welcome to participants, followed by a formal introduction by the host, who reviewed the key achievements of the 25th edition. A short documentary film was shown, highlighting the main events, seminars, panel discussions, and workshops of the forum.
Traditional Performances
The audience was treated to a vibrant performance by a Maldivian folklore troupe, whose songs and dances, inspired by their rich heritage, added a festive atmosphere. The performance was well received and reflected the cultural exchange the forum seeks to promote each year, serving as a platform that celebrates human diversity and traditional narratives.
Honoring Supporting Entities
In a heartfelt gesture, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam honored the participating entities, strategic partners, and sponsors whose contributions ensured the success of the forum. He affirmed that such support reflects the local community’s and cultural institutions’ commitment to preserving national identity, reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a key center for culture and heritage in the region.
Dr. Al-Musallam extended his deep gratitude to all those who contributed to presenting this edition in a manner worthy of the forum’s reputation and 25-year legacy.