SIH holds event to celebrate World Storytelling Day in UAE

The International Storytelling School, part of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), hosted a wonderful event called “World Storytelling Day.”

This gathering celebrated the art of storytelling, showcasing it as a valuable tradition that brings people together and helps different generations connect with one another.

The event featured several distinguished guests, including Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, the President of the Institute; Marwa Al Aqroubi, the President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People; and Professor Amira Bu Kadra, an author and co-founder of Ghaf Publications, as well as the Chairperson of the Emirates Publishers Association. Many heritage enthusiasts were also present.

The audience was then treated to a lively theatrical performance by talented children from the “Pearls and Jewels of Tales” programme.

Their performance showcased how storytelling can promote important social values and connect us with our history, all while delivering vibrant messages about heritage in an engaging way.

In this context, Al Musallam highlighted the importance of storytelling. He explained that storytelling is not just a nice tradition or a fleeting trend; it is the memory of nations, carrying their wisdom and connecting people across time.

It helps share experiences and pass down values and knowledge from one generation to the next.

He added, “Our celebration of World Storytelling Day showcases our commitment to preserving oral traditions and sharing them in new and creative ways that keep them relevant while staying true to their roots. This allows storytelling to continue being a source of inspiration and knowledge for future generations.”

Israa Al Mulla, the Director of the International Storytelling School at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, highlighted how important storytelling is for education and culture. She believes that storytelling isn’t just for fun; it’s a powerful way to help people connect and communicate.

According to her, stories allow us to see the world through a creative lens, blending imagination with knowledge.

She stated, “At the International Storytelling School, we think stories are one of the best ways to share our heritage, wisdom, and values. They can spark our imagination, boost our critical thinking, and create spaces where people can talk and understand each other better.”

The event featured captivating stories told by storyteller Mohammed Al Mansouri, who shared tales from our heritage that combined valuable lessons with entertainment.

This experience brought back the charm of old gatherings, where stories were a way for people to connect and learn from the wisdom of their ancestors.

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage launched a new platform called the “Tales Association.”

This initiative aims to promote the art of storytelling, keep these traditions alive, and create a space where storytellers, researchers, and enthusiasts can come together and celebrate this important aspect of our culture.

The programme featured two engaging discussions that explored the importance of storytelling in keeping cultural traditions alive. In the first discussion, the focus was on how storytelling helps us remember our heritage and share our life experiences over time.

The second discussion was especially exciting, as children and young adults got to participate in a fun interactive session with a storyteller.

To wrap up the event, there were several educational workshops and artistic activities. These provided everyone an opportunity to learn different storytelling techniques and improve their own storytelling abilities.

Recently, recognising the need to preserve cultural heritage for future generations and address challenges in the digital age, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage organised a cultural session titled “The Future of Cultural Heritage in a Changing Era.”

The session was part of SIH’s cultural programme at the Cairo International Book Fair 2025.

The discussion featured Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam; Dr Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Dr Ahmed Bahaa Al Din Al Assasi, President of the Egyptian Society for Folklore; and Dr Samar Saeed, Dean of the Higher Institute of Folk Arts.

WAM