As part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour cultural programme at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, officially 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 is a cultural crossover featuring five Emirati and five Moroccan artists. Each artist reinterprets a traditional folktale from the other’s culture, blending modern artistry with timeless storytelling.
Since its debut at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 2022, the exhibition has evolved into a global cultural movement. “This Moroccan edition is a testament to the growing global interest in rediscovering folklore through the lens of art,” said Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY. She added, “We aim to turn folktales into a universal language for cross-cultural connection.”
This sixth edition follows successful runs in Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Greece, and Russia. It features striking works by Emirati artists such as Amna Al Ketbi, who reimagined Hadidan le Rusé, and Reem Ahmed, who tackled the enigmatic Moroccan legend of Aïcha Kandicha. On the Moroccan side, Mohamed Haïti drew inspiration from the Emirati tale of Al-Hama, while Sophia Alami interpreted Oum Rukheesh, a mythical omen-like bird.
The exhibition showcases a range of visual styles—from digital illustrations to poster art—bringing heritage tales into the modern era and engaging younger, digital-native audiences.
Launched in 2019 during Sharjah’s UNESCO World Book Capital celebrations, “Folktales Reimagined” continues its mission to preserve and reinterpret narrative traditions, turning ancient tales into bridges of cultural understanding.
