Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Opens Moroccan Edition of "Folktales Reimagined" at Rabat Book Fair

Riyadh, April 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – 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, 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 who have reinterpreted each other’s folktales through contemporary visual art. The initiative bridges generational and cultural gaps by reimagining centuries-old stories for today’s audiences.

This sixth edition of Folktales Reimagined follows earlier iterations in Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Greece, and Russia. It continues the project’s mission to present folklore as a living, evolving form of cultural exchange, inviting artists to explore unfamiliar mythologies and reinterpret them through their own artistic language.

“The Moroccan edition reflects our ongoing commitment to turn Folktales Reimagined into a sustainable cultural movement,” said Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY. “Since its debut at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 2022, the project has grown beyond a simple exhibition. We are creating a platform for mutual exploration—where artists study each other’s symbolic traditions, social meanings, and collective memories.”

She added that the exhibition helps restore the educational and cultural value of folktales, turning them into a shared language that transcends national boundaries. “It’s not just about reviving old stories—it’s about using those stories to understand each other,” she said.

The featured artworks, created by ten artists from the UAE and Morocco, reflect a cross-cultural journey into myth, memory, and imagination. Each artist reinterpreted a traditional tale from the other’s heritage using illustration, digital design, and poster art—resulting in striking visual narratives that blend heritage with innovation.

From the Emirati side, Amna Al Ketbi reimagined Hadidan le Rusé, a Moroccan tale of a clever boy who outwits a monstrous ogress with the help of a house made of iron. Khalid Al-Khawar’s work interpreted The Weaver’s Daughter, the poignant story of a blind girl lost in the forest who regains her sight and begins a new life. Reem Ahmed explored the complex figure of Aïcha Kandicha, a woman of legend symbolising allure, rebellion, and danger.

Dalal Al Jabri visualised Haïna and the Ogre, a Moroccan tale of bravery and magical birds, while Rafia Al Nassar reinterpreted The Forest Monster, a story rooted in resilience and wit.

Moroccan artists in turn tackled Emirati folklore. Mohamed Haïti took on the tale of Al-Hama, a bird-like creature symbolic of insatiable hunger. Sophia Alami portrayed Oum Rukheesh, a ghostly, ominous bird that preys on the vulnerable. Hind Kharifi created a surreal and haunting rendition of Bou Sola, a wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes.

Lamia Hmaiddout brought energy and colour to the story of Jinni Al-Raqqas, Sharjah’s dancing cannon, while Mickaël El Fathi interpreted Jinni Al-Marijah, a spectral figure resembling a child, feared for its strange daylight appearances and haunting presence.

The exhibition’s diverse artistic styles aim to resonate with today’s visual-centric, digital-native audiences, using colour, shape, and texture to convey complex narratives. Through this approach, traditional folktales are reframed as immersive, emotionally resonant experiences.

Launched in 2019 during Sharjah’s UNESCO World Book Capital celebrations, Folktales Reimagined is an initiative by UAEBBY that fosters cultural exchange through the artistic reinterpretation of oral storytelling traditions. Its success across multiple countries highlights the global relevance of folklore and its potential to create enduring connections across societies.

As the Rabat edition opens to the public, it reaffirms the value of narrative heritage in shaping mutual understanding and artistic collaboration. Through reimagined legends and shared symbolism, the exhibition offers a powerful reminder that storytelling remains one of the most enduring tools of cultural diplomacy.