Cairo: The 21st Sharjah Narrative Forum concluded its two-day programme in Egypt under the theme ‘The Novel and Artificial Intelligence’, drawing participation from over 60 writers, academics, and critics from Egypt and the broader Arab world. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the forum focused on the critical study of narrative across various creative forms.
According to Emirates News Agency, the closing ceremony was hosted at the Supreme Council of Culture in Cairo. The event was attended by notable figures including Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Culture; Dr Ashraf Al-Azzazi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Culture; Mohamed Ibrahim Al Qusair, Director of Cultural Affairs and Forum Director; and Hussein Al-Qabbahi, Director of Luxor Poetry House. Numerous critics, academics, and specialists were also present. To recognize the contributions of participants and to encourage ongoing creative work, certificates of appreciation were distributed.
The forum’s final day was devoted to exploring the second, third, and fourth themes, along with a session featuring testimonies from participating creators. The second theme, ‘Will Artificial Intelligence Create New Narrative Elements?’, delved into the potential for AI to influence narrative structures. The third theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on the Disintegration of the Human Condition in the Novel’, examined how AI could alter the portrayal of human experiences in literature. The fourth theme, ‘Will the Novel Disappear or Remain a Chronicle of Humanity and Place?’, addressed the challenges and future of novel writing in the context of evolving technology.
A dedicated session allowed authors to share their experiences in narrative writing, underscoring the novel’s enduring ability to connect with the inner self and the human condition.