Ahmed Hassan, general coordinator of the Dubai International Exhibition of the Art of Arabic Calligraphy, said there would be lectures, seminars and workshops on various facets of Arabic calligraphy alongside the annual exhibition.

The educational seminars and technical workshops will deal with the history and evolution of Arabic calligraphy and different schools of Arabic calligraphy in Islamic and Muslim communities around the world, he added. “The show will be displaying the best work of Arabic calligraphy by 21 artists from 12 countries to the multi-cultural residents of the emirate,” he added.

Ahmed Hassan said the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has been keen to promote the ancient art of Arabic calligraphy though the dedicated Arabic calligraphy exhibition and has improved the show format building on the success of the previous editions and the visitors’ feedback.

Such exhibitions not only uphold Dubai's heritage and culture but also promote the art form of Arabic calligraphy. The eight-day exhibition, being organized in cooperation with the Istanbul-based Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture, is being held at the Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association in Al-Mamzar. Mohammed Al-Murr, speaker of the Federal National Council and renowned cultural personality of the UAE, will be attending the seminar to be held on the sidelines of the exhibition.

Ahmed Hassan pointed out that Dubai has a long history of maintaining and enriching the successful Arab and Islamic experiences at various levels, and its continued support to the Arabic calligraphy art was always directed toward this aim.