Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition: The Power of Words, The Beauty of

The bi-annual Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy exhibition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and has held ten editions to date.

Taking place at Wafi Mall, the exhibition is divided into sections, focusing on classical, modern and decorative illuminated calligraphy. It displays diverse examples of traditional forms of calligraphy and how it is being interpreted in contemporary design and fine art.

As well as leading artists from across the Islamic world who specialise in calligraphy have showcased their work, such as Nja Mahdaoui and Khaled Ben Slimane from Tunis, Jamal Abdul Rahim from Bahrain and Lulwah Al Homoud from Saudi Arabia.

There are many important practitioners working in the UAE. Some produce work using Kufic styles, such as Omran Ali Al Blushi and Fatma Yasin.

Leading artists such as Abdulqader Al Rais combine geometric forms with Arabic calligraphy to create great masterpieces.

Mattar Bin Lahej extends his playful experiments with calligraphy into sculptural forms.

Wissam Shawkat is an artist at the forefront of current trends to expand the discipline through typography and graphic design. He is part of a wider movement explored by organisations such as the Khatt Foundation in matching Arabic design with visual culture.

The exhibition highlights the importance of maintaining a connection to traditional letter forms whilst being responsive to developments in the field of Arabic typography.

Through a universal approach, the exhibition ensures that a large audience have access to the learning resources it provides, both from Islamic and Arabic communities as well as those with international backgrounds.