Celebrating the Gulf Narrative: Insights from the Fifth Gulf Narrative Forum
The Fifth Gulf Narrative Forum, held in Doha, concluded successfully, showcasing the rich tradition of storytelling in Arab and Gulf culture. Organized by the Qatari Ministry of Culture, this two-day event brought together writers, critics, and academics from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jordan, and Morocco to explore contemporary narrative trends and the significance of storytelling in society.
The forum featured 15 participants who engaged in discussions across various sessions, addressing the technical and structural aspects of narrative art. Notable presentations included Qatari writer Sheikha Al-Ziyara's exploration of symbolism in children's literature and Kuwaiti writer Basma Al-Anzi's insights on the universal citizen in narrative forms. The discussions emphasized the need for clarity in symbolism to enhance children's understanding and the potential of Gulf narratives to connect diverse cultures.
Participants were honored at the forum's conclusion by Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al-Dulaimi, Director of the Department of Culture and Arts, and Ahood Al-Haif, Director of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities at the GCC General Secretariat. Their recognition highlighted the contributions of writers and narrators in enriching Gulf narrative art.
The second day featured critical discussions on Gulf novels and contemporary Omani short stories, with insights from Saudi writer Dr. Abdullah Al-Aqabi and Omani writer Al-Khattab Al-Mazroui. Their presentations showcased the evolving landscape of narrative forms and the importance of innovation in storytelling.
The forum also included a symposium on the impact of podcasts in storytelling, led by Saudi critic Lubna Al-Khamis, who highlighted how this medium merges voice and narrative, expanding the reach of storytelling in the digital age. The event concluded with a broader discussion on the role of narration in promoting Arab and Gulf culture, solidifying the importance of narrative art in contemporary society.
