Sharjah International Forum Brings Focus to Emirati Women’s Cultural and Travel Stories

This year’s 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum serves as a vibrant gathering organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, celebrating the Arab oral heritage and the many stories it holds about journey and wanderlust. For 2023, the spotlight falls on how travelers of the past have shaped our knowledge of cities, peoples, and the natural world by carefully noting down sights and experiences as they journeyed through unfamiliar lands. Through a rich mixture of scholarly papers and storytelling from the heart, participants yesterday shed new light on the whole tradition of travel writing, the craft of oral narration, and the voyages of early Emirati adventurers.

Academic Insights into Arab Travel Literature and History

One important session during the forum looked at how Arabian travelers and geographers wrote about the cities of the UAE and the Gulf. Titled “Cities of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf in Travelers’ and Geographers’ Writings,” it brought together experts who shared research focusing on the 9th to 13th centuries. These scholars shared key texts that describe the early Arab viewpoint of UAE towns like Julfar, Fujairah, and Sharjah. These ports were vital trading stations in their day, and the presenters showed how their journeys helped create detailed early maps of the region and provide valuable insights into commerce, culture, and daily life at the time.

Contributions ranged from Talal Al Rumaithi’s examination of the Kuwaiti delegation’s 1958 visit to the UAE and Qatar, to Wafaa Salem Al Hashimi’s exploration of Ibn Jubayr’s 12th-century Hajj journey. The session illustrated the role of travel as a vehicle for cultural exchange and knowledge transfer in the Arab world.

Unveiling Oral Traditions in Arab Travel Accounts

In the session titled “Oral Traditions in Arab Travels,” scholars discussed how oral storytelling has shaped the cultural and anthropological landscape of Arab heritage. Notable studies included Dr. Ahmed Bahie Eldin’s analysis of travel as a humanistic and intellectual pursuit, alongside research on Moroccan folktales. These discussions highlighted how storytelling in travel accounts often reflects human growth, spirituality, and personal exploration.

Another significant session, “Marvels and Wonders in Arab Travelogues,” compared the travels of renowned explorers such as Ibn Battuta and Xu Xiake, drawing attention to the narrative techniques used to blend reality with imagination in their writings. Presentations covered the profound cultural insights these explorers provided through their reflections on far-reaching destinations.

Emirati Women Travelers: A Journey of Courage and Resilience

A powerful segment of the forum, “Emirati Women Travelers: From the Alps to Socotra,” celebrated the remarkable journeys of Emirati women who have pushed boundaries in their travels. Among them, Fatim Loghani, a pioneering motorcyclist, shared her story of solo motorcycle expeditions across Europe, India, and the Himalayas. Her journey highlighted the importance of meticulous planning, overcoming obstacles, and empowering women to travel solo.

Another remarkable narrative came from writer and traveler Salma Al Hafeeti, who recounted her transformative retreat to Socotra Island, an isolated and biodiverse destination. Without internet access, she immersed herself in the island’s pristine environment, gaining deep insights into its rich cultural heritage. Al Hafeeti’s experience emphasized the power of travel in fostering connection with nature and local communities.

Guide for Travelers: Lessons in Exploration and Cultural Immersion

The tales told at the Sharjah Narrator Forum hold valuable wisdom for anyone who travels. From tales of long motorcycle journeys across deserts to quiet hikes through the remote beauty of Socotra, the core message is the same: true adventure isn’t just about the path you take; it’s about how you travel. Embracing resilience, understanding the local way of life, and allowing yourself to grow are the real souvenirs. Before you pack, listen to those stories and remember to plan your route carefully, respect every culture you touch, and look for moments that change you, not just Instagram filters.

For those planning their own explorations, the forum’s themes serve as a reminder of the importance of documenting personal journeys and connecting with local communities. Whether through photography, writing, or storytelling, every traveler contributes to the rich tapestry of cultural history that defines travel literature.

Closing Thoughts

The 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum has shown how storytelling keeps travel traditions alive. Talks covered everything from scholarly studies of Arab travel books to moving stories told by Emirati women explorers. This year’s meetings have broadened our view of Arab cultural history while also shining a light on the courage and curiosity of travelers from the UAE and beyond.