logo
Bodour Al Qasimi opens 'Folktales Reimagined' exhibition in Rabat

Bodour Al Qasimi opens 'Folktales Reimagined' exhibition in Rabat

Al Etihad19-04-2025

19 Apr 2025 14:19
SHARJAH (WAM)As part of Sharjah's Guest of Honour cultural programme at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, inaugurated the Moroccan edition of the "Folktales Reimagined" exhibition at the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco.Organised by the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) in collaboration with IBBY Morocco and the National Library, the exhibition brings together five Emirati and five Moroccan artists, each reimagining a folktale from the other's culture. These contemporary visual interpretations offer a unique fusion of heritage and modernity, introducing new generations to characters and legends that have long shaped the cultural identity of both the UAE and Morocco.Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, said, "Since the project launched at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in 2022, our aim has been to evolve beyond a simple exhibition format into a cultural movement that takes folktales across borders. This Moroccan edition is a testament to the growing global interest in rediscovering folklore through the lens of art."She continued, "We're working to establish 'Folktales Reimagined' as a sustainable platform where artists from different countries can dive into each other's narrative traditions, understand their symbolism, and explore their social contexts. In doing so, we restore the educational and cultural value of folktales and turn them into a universal language for cross-cultural connection."This is the sixth edition of the traveling exhibition, following previous editions in Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Greece, and Russia. Each stop has served as a creative hub for cultural dialogue, where artists and audiences engage beyond the visual, exploring shared values, societal memories, and the dreams that bind us all.The Moroccan edition featured innovative artworks by ten artists from the UAE and Morocco, each reimagining a traditional tale from the other's culture through a personal, contemporary lens.Emirati artist Amna Al Ketbi revisited the story of Hadidan le Rusé, about a clever boy who survives a monstrous ogress thanks to a house made of iron. Khalid Al-Khawar interpreted The Weaver's Daughter, a touching tale of a blind girl who, after being lost in a forest, finds a new beginning and miraculously regains her sight. Reem Ahmed explored the legend of Aïcha Kandicha, one of Morocco's most enigmatic folktale figures—part heroine, part ghost—who symbolises beauty, danger, and rebellion.Dalal Al Jabri offered her vision of Haïna and the Ogre, a story of a brave girl who disguises herself to escape a monstrous creature and ultimately rescues her fiancé with the help of magical birds. Meanwhile, Rafia Al Nassar reimagined The Forest Monster, a compact yet symbol-rich tale of a boy who defeats a fierce beast through wit and courage.From the Moroccan side, artist Mohamed Haïti drew inspiration from the Emirati tale of Al-Hama, a gluttonous, bird-like creature that embodies chaos and unrelenting hunger. Sophia Alami presented her interpretation of Oum Rukheesh, a terrifying omen-like bird that preys on the vulnerable, haunting cemeteries and darkened skies.Hind Kharifi redefined the infamous Bou Sola, a wolf-like beast with glowing red eyes and a haunting presence, offering a bold, surreal vision of fear and the unknown.Lamia Hmaiddout infused warmth and vibrancy into Jinni Al-Raqqas—the legendary cannon of Sharjah said to dance only to music and joy—transforming it into a spirited symbol of festivity and resistance.Lastly, Mickaël El Fathi tackled the eerie figure of Jinni Al-Marijah, a haunting child-like jinn that emerges in broad daylight, unsettling the community with his ghostly appearance and deep-rooted symbolism.The artists employed techniques ranging from digital art and illustration to poster design, using vibrant visual languages to reinterpret these folktales for modern, digital-native audiences. Their works transformed traditional stories into immersive experiences, using colour, shape, and form as narrative tools.
"Folktales Reimagined" was first launched in 2019 during Sharjah's UNESCO World Book Capital celebrations. Created by UAEBBY, the initiative promotes cultural understanding through artistic storytelling, reviving the narrative heritage of diverse communities. The exhibition has since toured multiple countries—including the UAE, Italy, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, Greece, and Russia—and has been widely embraced by audiences.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SFRA holds Eid hospitality event
SFRA holds Eid hospitality event

Sharjah 24

time3 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

SFRA holds Eid hospitality event

What is 'Fuwala Al Eid'? 'Fuwala Al Eid' is a traditional Emirati custom symbolising generosity and hospitality during Eid celebrations. It involves gathering and sharing sweets, gifts, and joyful moments among family, friends, and colleagues, reinforcing social bonds and festive spirit. Festive activities The celebration included competitions and the distribution of symbolic gifts to employees, reflecting the Authority's commitment to fostering team spirit and strengthening social bonds among staff. Reflecting Sharjah's cultural and social values Abu Ghazin expressed his happiness on the occasion and stressed the importance of such initiatives in creating a motivating work environment filled with positive energy. This initiative aligns with the Authority's ongoing efforts to promote human connections among its employees and celebrate national and religious occasions in a way that reflects the cultural and social values of the smiling Emirate of Sharjah.

Three new shows launch on Al Sharqiya from Kalba in June
Three new shows launch on Al Sharqiya from Kalba in June

Sharjah 24

time8 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

Three new shows launch on Al Sharqiya from Kalba in June

From the University: Spotlight on academic life Directed by Ismail Issa Al Housani, the channel's director, the new programmes cover various aspects of life in the Eastern Region with meaningful content aimed at Emirati families. The flagship programme, 'From the University,' airs every Thursday at 18:15. It showcases academic disciplines and student activities at local universities, including University of Khorfakkan, University of Kalba, and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. The show encourages youth to pursue higher education and benefit from advanced learning environments. You Are the Future: Celebrating young talents The second programme, 'You Are the Future,' airs Thursdays at 18:00. It features talented children and youth sharing their experiences and ambitions, while highlighting government efforts to nurture young talent through specialised centres. This programme is produced by Somaya Al Khouri. From Jubail Market: Exploring local commerce Finally, 'From Jubail Market,' airing Thursdays at 20:45 and produced by Osama Zahdi, takes viewers on a tour of one of Kalba's key commercial and heritage sites. It showcases a variety of goods from fish and vegetables to spices and meat, along with price trends, offering a vivid insight into the richness of the Emirati environment.

Moscow sees increase in UAE tourists; offers tailored experiences for Gulf visitors
Moscow sees increase in UAE tourists; offers tailored experiences for Gulf visitors

Al Etihad

time10 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

Moscow sees increase in UAE tourists; offers tailored experiences for Gulf visitors

10 June 2025 12:25 MOSCOW (WAM) Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, Evgeny Kozlov, confirmed that the Russian capital witnessed a notable rise in the number of tourists arriving from the UAE, with 62,100 visitors in 2024 compared to 18,000 in to WAM, Kozlov highlighted the tourism offerings available in Moscow, especially those tailored for visitors from the Gulf pointed out that the city is home to lots of halal restaurants, and that Arabic-speaking services are readily available to enhance the comfort of Gulf visitors. For example, five tourist information centres have been opened in the capital, including locations in the city centre, at the river stations, and in the Dream Island amusement information centre specialists provide support in English and Arabic. A new Tourist Information Centre with Sber's banking services has opened, where travellers can get a Tourist card and 2024, a Muslim-Friendly Guide to Moscow was prepared for travellers from the Middle East, which features recommendations on restaurants and hotels, popular winter and summer activities, sights, parks, and shopping also highlighted the availability of electronic visas (e-visas), which have simplified the entry process for citizens of many countries, making travel to Moscow more convenient and further noted that Moscow offers a variety of cultural, fashion, and culinary experiences, in addition to year-round entertainment and international summer Moscow has launched a vibrant season of festivals and cultural events. The Moscow Estates Festival offers immersive programmes hosted at more than 40 historic estates across the Boulevard will feature 600 performances by 3,000 artists across 14 outdoor venues with a record-breaking 92-day Gardens and Flowers Festival turns city spaces into blooming landscapes with rare plants and floral art."Street. Dance and Street. Art" projects bring open-air dancing, musical evenings, and plein-air art sessions to life in central Moscow, with free master classes and exhibitions on Strastnoy addition, Moscow offers a rich variety of cultural and historical landmarks for visitors including key sites such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and Alexander Garden. Tourists can explore the Bolshoi Theatre and visit the Moskino Film Park, offering immersive cinema tours. Moscow-City adds a contemporary touch with skyscrapers and one of Europe's highest observation visitors can also explore 14 'Made in Moscow' art pavilions, offering locally crafted souvenirs and unique gifts. The Green Market showcases more than 700 top brands from the "Made in Moscow" mentioned that Moscow is one of the greenest megacities, with over 140 parks and natural like Zaryadye Park and Gorky Park combine ecological design with public engagement. Smart lighting, waste management systems, and ecological transport contribute to sustainability goals. Moscow, he added, remains committed to providing a welcoming, comfortable, and modern tourism environment for travellers from across the world.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store