Sharjah: In a groundbreaking fusion of storytelling, heritage, and cutting-edge technology, the 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum amazed audiences with an extraordinary encounter: a virtual dialogue with the legendary traveler Ibn Battuta. Through advanced virtual reality, visitors were transported back more than seven centuries to meet the Moroccan explorer, author of “A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling.” Far from being a mere historical re-enactment, the session became a vivid conversation where Ibn Battuta himself appeared to recount the details of his journeys across seas, deserts, and continents.

Perils and Wonders of Travel
The session opened with Emirati writer Jamal Al Shehhi, who introduced the famed traveler in poetic words: “Today we meet a man who could never be confined to one city or one era. He left Tangier as a young man seeking wonder, and returned an elder carrying continents in his heart.” What followed resembled a traditional storytelling majlis, as Ibn Battuta described the dangers of exile, illness, and survival, but also his unrelenting passion for discovery. He recalled his stops in Khorfakkan, Kalba, and Qaryat, praising the hospitality of their people who lived between the sea and desert in communities rich with diverse dialects. When asked whether travel has lost its meaning today, he replied: “A journey is not a distance covered, but a wonder lived. The passport opens the door, but the heart opens the meaning.”

Modern-Day Travelers Inspire
Alongside this virtual dialogue, the Forum’s “Travelers’ Encounter” program presented the stories of contemporary adventurers who continue to carry the spirit of Ibn Battuta. Emirati traveler Maysa Abdulrahman Al Saleh shared her journeys to unconventional destinations such as South Korea and Iraq, where she documented diverse cultures and religions. Her account of the Yazidi community drew widespread engagement across social media platforms. From Saudi Arabia, Saleh Al Abed spoke of his adventures across 29 countries on bicycles and motorbikes, covering more than 38,000 kilometers and recounting moments of crisis such as being stranded in the Namibian desert. Yemeni traveler Muneer Al Dahmi described his camel expeditions across Africa and the Gulf, spreading messages of peace while preserving Arab traditions. Together, their narratives reflected the Forum’s role in showcasing how travel continues to build cultural dialogue and human connection.

The Arab Journey as Historical Source
The day also featured an academic session titled “The Arab Journey as a Historical and Heritage Source,” moderated by Dr. Hamad bin Serai. Scholars underlined the importance of Arab travelogues as vital records that fill historical gaps left by conventional sources. Dr. Khair Eddine Chtira emphasized the role of pilgrimage journeys in documenting economic, cultural, and social life, while Dr. Saleh Al Luhaybi examined the fate of travelers’ manuscripts that circulated through peaceful exchanges or were displaced during times of upheaval such as the fall of Baghdad and Andalusia. Both speakers highlighted how travel writing reveals the intricate details of daily life and enriches the broader narrative of history.

Spaces of Travel and Cultural Imagination
Another session, “Spaces of Travel and Scenes of Journeys,” explored the literary and cultural dimensions of travel. Dr. Rashid Al Mazrouei examined the presence of journeys in Emirati poetry, particularly in Al Majidi bin Dhaher’s celebrated “Rain” poem, while Fatima Al Mughni highlighted how geographers documented the eastern coastal cities of the UAE as vital crossroads of trade and culture. The session concluded with Sultan Al Mazrouei, who presented the significance of the Ibn Battuta Prize in reviving the legacy of historical travelers and reinforcing their presence in contemporary culture.

Workshops and Upcoming Encounters
The Forum also continued to draw large crowds to its diverse workshops, which ranged from heritage crafts and storytelling for children to creative evening sessions on traditional Emirati arts. These hands-on activities reinforced the Forum’s mission of safeguarding intangible heritage while inspiring future generations. Looking ahead, the Forum will host two notable travelers in its upcoming program: Emirati pediatric gastroenterologist and travel writer Dr. Nafea Al Yasi, and Kuwaiti author and explorer Abdulkarim Al Shatti, both of whom will share their experiences and insights into the enduring significance of travel literature.