In a proud moment for the Maldives on the international cultural stage, the country has been invited to participate as the official guest of honour at the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, one of the region’s leading events celebrating oral traditions and intangible heritage.
The invitation was formally extended during a recent meeting between the Maldivian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, and Dr Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage—the organization behind the annual forum.
During the meeting, held at the Institute’s headquarters, both sides discussed opportunities for deeper cooperation in the field of intangible cultural heritage. Dr Al-Musallam praised the Maldives for its rich and diverse storytelling traditions, which he said would add great value to the upcoming forum.
“This meeting has been a wonderful chance to explore cultural ties between our two nations,” Dr Al-Musallam told local media. “We’re excited to welcome the Maldives as our guest of honour and look forward to showcasing its unique oral history, folklore, and traditions to a global audience.”
Ambassador Shareef thanked the Sharjah Institute for the warm invitation, expressing optimism about the growing cultural partnership between the Maldives and the UAE. He emphasized that the Maldives’ participation would be an opportunity to present its vibrant heritage to both Arab and international attendees.
“The forum provides a rare and valuable platform to bring Maldivian culture into global focus,” the Ambassador said. “We are deeply grateful to Dr Al-Musallam and the Sharjah Institute for recognising the cultural richness of our island nation.”
As part of the visit, a short film highlighting Maldivian Heritage Week 2021 was screened for officials at the Institute. The documentary underscored past initiatives aimed at preserving the country’s oral traditions and cultural identity.
The Sharjah International Narrator Forum has long been a gathering place for scholars, storytellers, and cultural institutions from across the world. This year’s forum is expected to feature vibrant discussions, performances, and exhibitions dedicated to the preservation and celebration of intangible heritage.
The Maldives’ participation is seen as a timely contribution to the global dialogue on safeguarding cultural narratives in the face of modern challenges. Cultural experts note that the island nation’s distinctive blend of African, Arab, and South Asian influences makes its oral traditions particularly valuable to international heritage conversations.
With preparations now underway, the Maldives is set to make its mark as guest of honour, offering a glimpse into the storytelling soul of the Indian Ocean.
