PVLF 2026

Sharjah Ruler Inaugurates 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi opens the 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum, celebrating global storytelling and heritage preservation.
on Sep 23, 2025

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF) on Monday. The five-day event takes place from 22 to 26 September with the theme "Tales of Travellers" at the Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations in University City.

A quarter century of storytelling

The ceremony started with a recitation from the Holy Quran, and then there was a speech by Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) and Chairman of the Forum's Higher Organising Committee.

To commemorate the silver jubilee of SINF, Al Musallam termed the forum a cultural icon that preserves and promotes oral traditions. He pointed out how the event has grown over the decades into a highlight of the UAE's cultural calendar, the Arab world's cultural calendar, and further.

He attributed Sheikh Sultan's patronage and vision for making Sharjah a world center for storytellers, researchers, and specialists who are committed to preserving intangible heritage.

Protecting human treasures

Looking at the legacy of the forum, Al Musallam underlined that Sharjah is now a "meeting point for storytellers and a pioneering model in preserving human treasures." He highlighted that the emirate's initiatives to commemorate the oral heritage make sure that traditions and tales are kept alive and transferred to subsequent generations to safeguard them from loss and extinction.

Now in its 25th year, SINF remains a bridge across cultures, a keeper of folklore, and a vehicle for the sharing of stories that bind humanity together across frontiers.

Stories of travellers

The theme for this year, "Stories of travellers", honors the literature and heritage of travellers, a genre best known for its rich cultural worth and vivid descriptions of individuals and destinations.

In 2025, there are over 120 narrators, researchers, and media people from 37 nations. The guest of honour is the Republic of Maldives, whose distinctive collection of stories told over generations of travellers is celebrated.

The program encompasses three exhibitions: "Around the World" by Emirati writer Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, pieces by painter Meera Al Qasim, and a heritage exhibition paying tribute to the iconic adventurer Ibn Battuta. Over 40 new books are being released, along with inputs from cultural institutions, universities, and institutes.

Commemorating cultural icons

Participants viewed a brief film mapping the forum's 25 years, from Emirati narrators to international reach through alliances, such as with UNESCO.

Sheikh Sultan bestowed Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr the title of Honorary Personality of the Forum and Dr Claudia Maria the Juridical Personality in appreciation of their work in culture and heritage. A number of Emirati narrators were also awarded certificates and commemorative shields.

Exhibitions and heritage displays

The Emir of Sharjah visited the supporting exhibitions, which include works from around the Arab world. He visited paintings and heritage exhibits that reflect various national cultures and traditions.

Sheikh Sultan stopped by Al Murr's exhibition "Around the World: Journeys and Observations". At the exhibition, paintings that depict the author's interest in travel and discovery were viewed by Sheikh Sultan. Al Murr, characterized as a contemporary-day traveller, views exploration as a means to self-discovery.

International participation

This year's forum has participants from the UAE, GCC nations, Yemen, Comoros, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and North African states, as well as European, Asian, and African delegations. Represented countries are Italy, France, Germany, the UK, China, Japan, Turkiye, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Senegal, Kenya, Malaysia, and the Maldives.

Academic and cultural institutions are also represented. They include the University of Sharjah, University of Turin (Italy), Zhejiang University (China), Higher Institute of Folk Arts (Egypt), and Qatar National Library. Local partners vary from the Sharjah Museums Authority to Al Hamriyah Municipality and the Sharjah Libraries.

Workshops and publications

The programme of the forum presents more than 25 workshops in oral and visual narrative, offering platforms for the exchange of expertise between veteran practitioners and the younger generation. Besides this, 40 new books are being released, including "Travel Literature in the Arab World" and the ten-part series "Eyes of Journeys", which offers a collection of highlights from Arab travel writing.

Special sessions, newsletters, and a book signing corner specifically designated for the purpose are also scheduled, further cementing SINF's position as both a cultural festival and a research/learning platform.

Strong official presence

Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler's Office; Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; and Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, graced the opening ceremony with their presence. Senior government officials, foreign delegations, and commentators from across the globe attended.