Attendees of the Sharjah International Narrator’s Forum will gain a rare insight into the adventures of Fatima Al-Lughani, the pioneering Emirati woman who journeyed solo on a motorcycle. Her bike, alongside essential travel tools, will be on display.
The forum’s 25th edition will also highlight Ibrahim Al-Zuhaili, an Emirati globetrotter who has explored 189 countries, penned numerous books, and founded the UAE’s first travel magazine.
Both Al-Zuhaili and Al-Lughani will engage in special sessions, sharing inspiring stories to motivate future adventurers, and linking their travels to the rich history of Arab explorers like Ibn Battuta and Ibn Majid.
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This year, Mohammed Al-Mar, a renowned Emirati author, storyteller, and traveler, will be the honorary figure of the celebrations, underscoring the forum’s dedication to travel narratives and cultural storytelling.
Cultural initiatives
The forum’s silver jubilee will introduce new cultural projects such as the Dialects Laboratory, the ‘Silk Road’ storytelling caravan, and other interactive experiences aimed at redefining how heritage and travel tales are preserved and shared.
The Silk Road caravan will capture the essence of ancient trade journeys at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. Visitors can explore the Institute and experience stories intimately, making cultural heritage exploration interactive.
Moreover, the Dialects Laboratory is an important scientific endeavor to preserve the Emirati dialect. Experts will document linguistic traditions, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
Celebrating 25 years
Since its inception on September 27, 2001, the Sharjah International Narrator’s Forum has evolved from a local event into a globally recognized platform celebrating storytelling traditions. It started as a homage to the late storyteller Rashid Obaid Al-Shouq and has since become a key venue for preserving and promoting cultural heritage worldwide.
“As we celebrate 25 years of the forum, we not only reflect on the past but look forward, affirming that storytelling remains a vital link between people,” stated Aisha Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre at the Sharjah Heritage Institute.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Heritage Institute, remarked: “This forum is a time for loyalty, honoring the nation builders, heritage protectors, and memory guardians, and it serves as a platform to celebrate those who deserve recognition.”
L-R: Aisha Al Shamsi and Dr Abdulaziz Al-Musallam
Over the years, the forum has welcomed participants from over 30 countries, honored more than 80 storytellers, and built a vast library of publications, serving as a bridge between cultures and generations. As it celebrates its silver jubilee, the forum continues to connect heritage with modern audiences through the timeless art of storytelling.
An extensive lineup of activities
Under the theme ‘Tales of Travellers’, the event will feature 120 storytellers, experts, and researchers from 37 countries, with the Republic of Maldives as the guest of honour. The program celebrates legendary travel literature figures like Ibn Battuta and Ibn Majid, while also spotlighting contemporary Emirati travelers — highlighting the forum’s dedication to bridging the past and present.
This year’s program includes a wide array of lectures, seminars, sessions, and exhibitions led by 45 researchers and experts. Over 40 workshops are designed for both children and adults, along with more than 30 new book releases, including a special series reviving Arab traveler texts.
International academic participation features Dr. Claudia Triso, the first Italian translator of Ibn Battuta’s work, as well as students from universities in China, Italy, Egypt, and other nations. The University of Sharjah will also host specialized workshops, including hands-on sessions on historical instruments like astrolabes.
Technological innovation will be pivotal this year, with the forum incorporating AI and new artistic formats, such as visual storytelling workshops in English. Specialized sessions are planned from September 15 to 18, along with an expanded program for adult storytellers featuring numerous courses and workshops.
