Sharjah International Storyteller Forum explores friendship in Emirati folk memory

The 26th edition of the Sharjah International Storyteller Forum featured a specialized session titled ‘Transformations of Friendship in Emirati Folk Memory.’ Researchers and specialists explored how the concept of friendship manifests within local heritage, literature, and social identity.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, President of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, presented a study on the longevity of friendship, citing historical examples of enduring bonds between Northern Emirates poets, such as Rashid Al Khader and Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi. The session also examined the relationship between friendship and rivalry in classical Arabic literature, referencing the poets Jarir and Al-Farazdaq.

Marwa Al Arqoubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom, discussed the ‘Khareefat Majrifa’ project, which utilizes Emirati folk tales to create children's books. The project involves collaborating with illustrators from diverse cultures to demonstrate how shared human emotions in storytelling can build bridges between different societies despite cultural differences.