His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), confirmed that the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF) has engraved its name on the global culture and heritage events register. The forum has become an annual tradition, celebrating Arab narrators and history makers, highlighting their timeless oral narratives and the treasures of the UAE, Gulf, Arab and global heritage.  He highlighted how the (SINF)is supported by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah – may God protect him.

His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallammade his remarks during the opening press conference held on Monday at the Sharjah Aquarium to announce the agenda for the 22nd edition of the (SINF), which will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah, from 21st to 23rd September.  The conference was attended by Aisha AlHussan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre of the SIH, General Coordinator of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, officials, media professionals, and those interested in oral heritage.

Tales of the Sea

His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, explained that the new session under the slogan“SeaTales” will take visitors on an exploration of the depths of this vast world, searching for hidden pearls, and traversing its exotic worlds. The journey will be woven with symbols and tales to document the close relationships between people’s lives and the sea, with meanings, hopes, and dreams that embody the reality of societies throughout history.

Featured Guests

For her part, Aisha AlHussan Al-Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre of the Institute and General Coordinator of the (SINF), explained that this year’s guest of honour would be the Emirati professor and artist Ibrahim Juma AlHajj Ibrahim, who will be joined by Kuwaiti poet Muhammad Al-Fayez, and various other Kuwaiti artists. Other luminaries attending include Saad Al-Faraj, Hayat AlFahad, Muhammad Al Mansour, and Abdul Rahman Al-Saleh, who will celebrate the Arab Gulf states with their rich heritage deeply rooted in history.

160 participants from 46 countries

This year, the forum will attract more than 160 participants, including experts, researchers, storytellers, and media professionals from 46 countries, namely the Arab Gulf states, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan, Libya, and the Comoros Islands, as well as from Africa, Kenya, Senegal, and Asian countries including India, Pakistan, China, Korea, Singapore, the Philippines. Australia will participate alongside people from Europe, Germany, Spain, France, Britain, the Czech Republic, Norway, the Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, Austria, Denmark, Italy, the Dominican Republic, America, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil.

Important local presence

On the local level, several government agencies will contribute to the success of the event, with representatives from Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Documentation and Archives Authority, Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre, Emirates Heritage Club, National Library and Archives in Abu Dhabi, Knowledge Without Borders. In addition, some cultural centres and associations will attend, including Bin Majid Society for Folk Arts in Ras Al Khaimah, from the Kingdom of Morocco participate in the Encounters Association for Education and Cultures, in addition to the Nahmaart activities from Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Ibn Majid Gallery

The exhibition for this year’s forum will celebrate the Emirati navigator and astronomer Ahmad bin Majid, reviewing the marine heritage in the UAE and linking it to the legacy of Ibn Majid, who constituted a significant shift in this field.

13 workshops and 40 publications

The forum is filled with a plethora of intellectual and cultural activities, training sessions, and interactive programmes for the public, comprising26 workshops.  TheSINF Café, SINF Library, and Book signing and releases Corner will provide a valuable repertoire of 40 titles of books, publications, and brochures.