Sharjah Hosts 25th International Narrator Forum with Global Experts

Sharjah, September 22–26, 2025 – His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF) at the Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations, University City, Sharjah. The forum, held under the theme “Tales of Travellers,” celebrates the rich literary and cultural legacy of travel narratives.

The opening ceremony featured verses from the Holy Quran and a keynote speech by Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) and the Higher Organising Committee. Dr. Al Musallam highlighted the forum’s 25-year journey, emphasizing its role in preserving narrators’ folk knowledge and elevating the UAE as a hub for cultural heritage and storytelling. He praised the Ruler of Sharjah for his visionary support, which has positioned the city as a global destination for heritage preservation.

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This year’s edition brings together over 120 narrators, researchers, experts, and media representatives from 37 countries, with the Republic of Maldives serving as the guest of honour. The forum also features three major exhibitions: “Around the World” by Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, works by artist Meera Al Qasim, and a heritage exhibition honouring the legendary traveller Ibn Battuta.

The Ruler of Sharjah watched a commemorative film tracing SINF’s evolution from local Emirati storytelling to a global cultural platform in collaboration with UNESCO. During the ceremony, His Highness honoured Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr as the Honorary Personality of the Forum and Dr. Claudia Maria as the Juridical Personality. Certificates and commemorative shields were presented to prominent UAE narrators.

The forum’s programme includes 25 specialised workshops in oral and visual narration, alongside the launch of 40 new publications such as Travel Literature in the Arab World and the series Eyes of Journeys, highlighting Arab travel literature.

Participating nations span the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Comoros, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Morocco, Mauritania, Macedonia, Ireland, Italy, Germany, the UK, China, France, Turkey, Spain, Japan, Maldives, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Senegal, Kenya, and Malaysia. Leading academic and cultural institutions, including the University of Sharjah, University of Turin, Zhejiang University, and the Higher Institute of Folk Arts (Egypt), are contributing to the programme, along with local government bodies like Sharjah Museums Authority and Sharjah Libraries.

In his remarks, Dr. Al Musallam stated, “Sharjah continues to set a pioneering example in preserving human heritage. The Narrator Forum is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to cultural dialogue, connecting narrators, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world.”