Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed interacts with children during the ceremony in Sharjah on Thursday. WAM

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated, on Thursday, the 24th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF), which is organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH).

The 24th SINF comes under the theme "Tales of Birds", and is held at the SIH's headquarters in the University City of Sharjah from September 19 to 23.

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of SIH, in his speech, stressed the SIH’s continued adherence to the approach of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in building the pillars of authentic local folk heritage.

Al Musallam pointed out that the Emirate of Sharjah is proud of the Emirati heritage as a vital part of the local Emirati identity, and a prominent sign of the sophistication of the Emirati people and their pride in their authentic roots.

He added that the achievements made in this field highlight the unlimited support that the Ruler of Sharjah gives to this heritage, and are a translation of His Highness’ sound aspirations and ambitions to achieve its distinction and development.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed and the attendees watched an artistic presentation that covered the origins and history of the SINF and its various tales over the past 24 years, in addition to the importance of bird tales and its most prominent publications and its role in consolidating the culture and status of the narrator and enhancing the role of the SINF in transmitting values and traditions to future generations.

The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah honoured a group of narrators with distinguished achievements and legacy, expressing Sharjah’s appreciation for the role of narrators in local and global folk heritage, and their special contributions to this field.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed toured the forum’s halls, listening to a detailed explanation of the forum’s development and importance over 24 years, and its vital role in consolidating the status of the narrator and preserving this rich oral heritage, in addition to its ongoing efforts to enhance its role in transmitting values and traditions across generations. He also viewed the pavilions participating in the forum, and the "Tale of Birds" exhibition, which highlights the role of birds in Emirati, Arab and international heritage.

During the forum days,160 activities will be held, including 37 workshops, along with theatrical performances, and heritage scientific evenings.

A wide range of countries, totalling 32 countries from all continents of the world, are participating in the SINF, with more than 145 narrators, experts and researchers.

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Bilad Shinqit) is the guest of honour at the forum this year, due to its large and rich heritage of narrated and written traditions, represented by Professor Dr Moussa Ould Abno, the Honorary Personality, and the late narrator Yahya Ould Rajel, the Memorial Personality.

This edition is accompanied by the presentation of more than 35 diverse titles in line with the edition’s theme, to showcase the richness and diversity of stories.  The publications will be signed within the forum’s activities.

This year's forum will witness wide participation from cultural organisations, centres, universities, institutes, and various government entities.

WAM