SFAL explores Arab–African cultural exchange

January 19, 2026 / 3:26 PM

Sharjah24: The second edition of the Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) hosted a panel discussion examining the historical roots of cultural exchange between Africa and the Arab world beyond the African continent. The session brought together Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; writer Ali Baharoon; and author Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, and was moderated by Dr Huda Al Shamsi.

Speakers highlighted centuries of cultural interaction, shaped by trade, migration and shared history, and explored how language, literature, music and customs contributed to a rich, interconnected cultural legacy that continues to inspire creativity and dialogue today.

Emirati–African narratives intertwined

Al Musallam said relations between Africa and the Arab world predate Islam and Christianity, noting that the first Muslim migration to Abyssinia marked a pivotal moment in shared history. He pointed to Zanzibar as a key gateway for exchange through travel, trade and maritime routes, adding that African storytelling and folklore became embedded in Gulf popular memory and Emirati heritage.

Living dialogue across generations

Ali Baharoon described Zanzibar as a formative space for Arab–African interaction, shaping agriculture, music, dance and literature. Ndlovu said the festival enabled her to reconnect with overlooked cultural links, praising the platform for fostering shared storytelling and cross-cultural understanding.