The event is scheduled to take place from September 23 to 26 at the Institute’s headquarters in University City.

Al Musallam explained that this year’s forum will be held under the theme "Tales of Friends." He noted that Finland was selected as the guest of honour because it possesses one of the world's oldest cultural heritage archives and is home to a Finnish epic that is studied by scholars and researchers of cultural heritage worldwide.

Speaking to Sharjah 24, Al Musallam added that the forum will feature participation from over 30 countries showcasing their cultures and oral heritage preservation practices, with more than 120 storytellers, researchers, and heritage experts taking part.

He also announced that Mohamed Yassin—known as " “Baba Yassin"—from the Kingdom of Bahrain will be honoured as the forum’s distinguished personality; he is recognised for presenting one of the most significant children's programmes from the late 1970s to the early 1990s and for fostering friendships among children across the Arab world.