Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Officially Inaugurates Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, inaugurated the ninth edition of the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition yesterday, 18th April 2017. The exhibition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,

Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and organised by Dubai Culture & Art Authority (Dubai Culture) – the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage.

The official inauguration took place in the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of MBR Library Foundation, His Excellency AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and the Chairman of Dubai Arts & Culture Authority, His Excellency AbdulGhaffar Hussain , His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, His Excellency Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of Dubai Culture, in addition to senior officials including Dr. Salah Al Qassim, Head of Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition Committee and Advisor to Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and Dhaen Shaheen, Advisor to the Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. The exhibition will continue its activities until 30th April in Wafi Mall, Dubai.  

As one of the main highlights of this year’s exhibition programme, a panel discussion with His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr and the reputed calligrapher Mohammed Ozcay will highlight the beauty of this art form. The programme will also include rich knowledge sharing workshops including sessions focusing on the use of calligraphy in public spaces.

Saeed Al Nabouda commented: “The Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition is the ideal platform for supporting cultural collaboration between the UAE and other countries, and plays a crucial role in enhancing cultural exchange between local and international artists. The exhibition also serves as an interactive platform that connects artists with the public, allowing visitors to acquire a better understanding of this art form and shedding light on Emirati talents and young artists to support their professional progress.”

Al Nabouda added: “The exhibition supports the Authority’s mandates to strengthen the cultural and national identity of the UAE both regionally and internationally, to celebrate the beauty of our Arabic language, and to support Dubai’s position as a hub for Islamic arts while also highlight their contribution in enhancing the Islamic economy.”

The exhibition is a flagship initiative under the Dubai Art Season umbrella and will also serve as a conclusion to the season, presenting works from over 50 international calligraphy artists. Dedicated sections for ‘Classic’, ‘Modern’ and ‘Illuminated’ calligraphy works will be complemented by the collection of His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr, to offer visitors an evocative blend that celebrates the myriad facets of Arabic calligraphy.

Alongside the exhibition, Dubai Culture will offer 24 workshops and lectures for all ages, where visitors can learn first-hand about both classic and modern calligraphy techniques, This year, a dedicated section has been created for children at the exhibition, which includes a reading corner with bilingual books for all ages, and an area for workshops such as, ‘Islamic Tiles’, ‘Poetic Geometry’, ‘Layers of Meaning’, ‘Words In Imagery’, ‘Pattern and Perspective’, and ‘Positive & Negative Designs.’

Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the Emirate’s rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year. This is the second edition of the exhibition organised by the Authority, fulfilling its mandate to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures through enriching initiatives that benefit the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors.