Latest news with #SharjahInternationalNarratorForum
Sharjah 24
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Institute for Heritage welcomes Maldives Ambassador
Strengthening cultural relations Dr Al Musallam stated: 'We were pleased to host the Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives at the Institute, which was a valuable opportunity to explore avenues of cooperation in the field of intangible cultural heritage and to exchange expertise in preserving and documenting oral traditions and folk tales. We also handed over the official invitation for the Maldives to be Guest of Honour at the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, as a reflection of our deep appreciation for the rich Maldivian culture.' He continued: 'The Narrator Forum has become a global platform celebrating storytellers and memory keepers from various cultures. The Maldives' participation this year will bring fresh dimensions to the forum with legends and folktales drawn from the sea and islands—narratives that resonate deeply with our Gulf maritime heritage.' A Warm Maldivian response For his part, H.E. Mohamed Hussain Shareef expressed his deep appreciation for the invitation extended by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and praised Dr Al Musallam's efforts in building bridges of cultural communication between peoples. He noted that the Maldives being chosen as Guest of Honour at the Forum represents a unique opportunity to present Maldivian heritage to both Arab and international audiences. He added that the Maldives possesses a rich trove of stories, legends, and oral traditions inspired by its island and marine environment, making its forthcoming participation a meaningful contribution to the cultural landscape and a driver for cross-cultural dialogue. Cultural coordination ahead of "Narrator 25" During the visit, a short documentary was shown about Maldivian Heritage Week 2021. Both sides discussed potential cultural cooperation and the Maldives' anticipated role in the forum. Dr Al Musallam also presented a selection of the Institute's publications that spotlight Emirati and Gulf cultural heritage—particularly in the areas of oral storytelling and folk narratives—highlighting the cultural connection between the maritime traditions of the UAE and the Maldives. At the close of the meeting, the official invitation was formally delivered, naming the Maldives as the Guest of Honour for the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum. Tour of the institute His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam accompanied Ambassador Shareef on a tour of the Institute's facilities, showcasing specialised departments and permanent exhibitions such as the Storytelling Centre, the Arab Heritage Centre, the World Heritage Hall, the Reference Library and Archives, and the Manuscript Restoration Laboratory. During the visit, the Ambassador was introduced to the Institute's major initiatives and research projects focused on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and documenting oral traditions. He expressed admiration for the Institute's institutional and methodical efforts to preserve collective memory. A Quarter century of storytelling Launched 25 years ago, the Sharjah International Narrator Forum began as a pioneering cultural initiative dedicated to storytellers, oral historians, and guardians of intangible heritage from around the world. Over a quarter of a century, the forum has established itself as an international platform celebrating folk narratives and preserving oral memory through scholarly sessions, heritage performances, and interactive programmes that blend authenticity with innovation. Organised annually by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the forum attracts a distinguished group of researchers, practitioners, and cultural institutions specialising in intangible heritage. Each edition features a new thematic focus and honours outstanding figures who have contributed to the preservation of folk narratives, making the forum a defining event on the Arab and international cultural calendar.
Sharjah 24
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SFAL spotlights innovative institutions in UAE & Africa
Sharjah Institute for Heritage expands global presence in 4 countries Dr. Abdulaziz Almusallam recounted his decades-long literary journey, which began at the age of 13 in Sharjah when he started volunteering for first cultural projects and witnessed the opening of local theaters and other centres of art and culture in the emirate. He highlighted the achievements of SIH, which now has more than 1,300 employees and four international offices. 'Since our establishment, following the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, we have focused on boosting awareness about Sharjah's and the UAE's heritage and local publishing. We organise the Sharjah Heritage Days Festival and the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, which have become influential international platforms,' he stated. He described SFAL as a window to enhance cultural cooperation between the UAE and Africa, noting that the festival will serve as a gateway for translating African literary works into Arabic. Known for his efforts in preserving and sharing traditional Emirati folktales, Almusallam has earned the moniker 'Fairy Tale Man' for his work in bringing stories to schoolchildren. ZODML founder says ceaseless innovation is turning more Nigerian children into readers Ifeoma Esiri shared the inspiring journey of her organisation, which began in Nigeria in 1999, inspired by her father. The organisation has achieved great success with an impressive network of 34 libraries across the African nation. Esiri detailed the challenges and innovative solutions ZODML implemented to increase library engagement.'Children were not coming into the library, so we started our 'Book Talks' series and invited young participants from schools to be involved,' she explained. This initiative encouraged children to read selected books over a month and then discuss their interpretations and opinions at the library. To address the lack of university student participation after the establishment, ZODML introduced a writing competition. 'This started to attract writers and poets, and we helped them expand their skills and capabilities,' Esiri noted, highlighting the organisation's role in nurturing new literary talent. Bringing literary engagement to Botswana Kenanao Phele shared her story of establishing the country's first book festival. 'When my two sisters and I decided to start a book festival, there was nothing like it at that time in Botswana. We would have to travel to South Africa to attend book fairs and festivals,' Phele recounted. The Gaborone Book Festival and Trust's initiatives extend beyond the festival itself. Phele described their school outreach programme, which brings books and literary engagement to students across Botswana, including those in remote rural areas. 'We have made a great effort to support the small schools in these areas, donating books and resources to make sure that all students can have the opportunities and knowledge they deserve,' she stated. Phele also emphasised the importance of collaboration, mentioning their efforts to bring authors and writers from around Africa to Botswana, inspiring local readers and writers alike.
