Aisha Al-Hossan: SINF harnesses technology to serve oral heritage

September 22, 2025 / 6:52 PM

Sharjah 24: Aisha Al-Hossan, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre and General Coordinator of the 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF), stated that the Silver Jubilee edition presents a wide array of programmes and workshops focusing on the use of technology to support oral heritage, and is marked by strong local and global attendance.

International participation and AI-focused workshops

She pointed out that this year’s forum enjoys extensive international participation, featuring over 120 cultural personalities and narrators from 37 countries. The programme includes artificial intelligence workshops in the context of travel literature, designed to engage Emirati youth and motivate their interaction with heritage through modern technology.

Launch of the Al-Rawi Programme

In an interview with Sharjah 24, Al-oussan also announced the launch of the Al-Rawi Programme for the Preparation of Storytellers, which commenced during the forum’s preliminary activities. Aimed at adult participants, the initiative aspires to cultivate the first trained generation of storytellers. The forum also incorporates research presentations within its scientific track, in addition to sessions featuring personal storytelling journeys and cross-cultural narratives, with the Republic of Maldives honored as the forum’s guest of honour.

A diverse programme of workshops and sessions

The 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum offers a rich lineup of interactive workshops, such as visual storytelling, AI applications, a hands-on astrolabe session, and segments on the art of sound in narration, complemented by theatrical interludes and traditional tales. The forum is scheduled to run until September 26.