During the morning, the forum's audience had scheduled two cultural sessions at the Al-Hira Majlis as part of the "Ishraq and Her Sisters" program, which is dedicated to female Emirati writers. This program was launched concurrently with the Sharjah Cultural Forum sessions.
The first session was named "Conversation with a Literary Pioneer," showcasing Sheikha Al Nakhi, and was followed by a symposium that brought together diverse literary perspectives under the theme "Woman," with the participation of several up-and-coming Emirati women writers.
During the first session, writer Asma Al Zarouni led a discussion with the pioneering Emirati author, Sheikha Al Nakhi. She showcased visual materials and scenes that depicted the cultural movement throughout Sheikha Al Nakhi's fifty-year career. She mentioned that her first literary work, "The Story of Departure," was written during high school and remained unpublished until the 1970s when it won the Ministry of Youth and Culture’s short story competition.
She stressed the importance of writers continuously honing their craft and expanding their knowledge. She encouraged young creatives to approach their work responsibly, take their time, and select topics that have a positive impact on society.
She also fondly recalled her initial involvement with the Al Muntazah Girls Club in Sharjah. Her words were filled with nostalgia and longing as she vividly described the early days, sharing stories, images, and details about the establishment of the first group of Emirati female writers. She emphasized the influential role played by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, in supporting and guiding the expansion and continuity of the association's initiatives, spanning from the pioneer generation to the emerging generation of female writers, our daughters, and sisters.
In the second session, moderated by the writer Saliha Obaid and featuring the writers Dr. Latifa Al-Hajj, Maryam Al-Shehhi, and Kholoud Al-Hulaizan, the discussion began with an overview of the influential role of Emirati women in the cultural and literary movement. This role is evident in the abundance of creative works, numerous projects and initiatives, cultural seminars, and the increasing presence of female researchers and academics across the various emirates of the country.
She compared the writer and author to a pilot of an airplane, explaining that both have a purpose they are striving to achieve. When asked about the "magic wand" that the Emirati intellectual is anticipating, she emphasized that women in the UAE do not require a magic wand. Instead, she highlighted that it is their unwavering faith and patriotism that have played a significant role in bolstering the Emirati cultural landscape, both within the Arab world and on the international stage.
Dr. Latifa emphasized that writers and intellectuals should not feel the need to constantly seek attention or diminish their status by aimlessly appearing on social media and websites. She believes that it's important to use the digital space as a tool, not as an end in itself.
Maryam stressed the significance of creative work in our literary world and highlighted the importance of storytelling in all its forms. She, as a reflective individual, excels in self-expression through writing, often prioritizing it over direct audience engagement in her creative endeavours.
The symposium ended with a signing ceremony and the distribution of publications by the female writers who participated. Al-Nakhi, one of the writers, expressed her willingness to read the publications of her fellow female writers. She mentioned that she would be honored to provide constructive criticism and help enhance their strengths. Al-Nakhi sees this as an important aspect of her cultural, literary, and national responsibility towards the emerging generation of Emirati intellectuals and writers.
During the evening at the Sharjah Ladies Club, the closing session featured the final forum "councils" titled "Women and the Experience of Literary Criticism, Old and New." Dr. Maryam Al-Hashemi and Dr. Hind Al-Mashmoum took part in the session, which was moderated by writer Fatiha Al-Nimr. The discussion covered various topics, including the historical and contemporary roles of women in literary criticism, as well as the critique of women and different literary genres.
The evening featured an Andalusian night titled "If the Rain Rains", during which poetry readings were accompanied by musical performances by Maryam Al Shalubi. Her music skillfully complemented the poetry and was met with great approval and admiration from the audience. The event featured poets Sheikha Al Jabri, Amal Al Sahlawi, Asma Al Suwaidi, and Samiha Al Tamimi.
The Nawras Al Sharq Choir, founded by the Family Theatre in the Council’s Cultural Office, sang Andalusian “muwashshahat” with the aim of recalling Andalusian art in all its beauty and influence.
Salha Obaid Ghabbash, Head of the Cultural Office at the Council, wrapped up the forum by expressing gratitude to the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, for her generous support of the forum, and to Sheikha Aisha bint Mohammed Al Qasimi for attending the opening and closing sessions. She also extended her thanks to the entire team and all the cultural, media, and artistic personalities whose contributions led to the success of the Sharjah Cultural Forum “Ya Zaman Al Wasl” and the accomplishment of its objectives.
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