The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) is organising the event "Beauty of Arabic Calligraphy" on 24 and 25 June at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.

Held as part of the 2025 Summer Programme, the event aims to highlight the significance of Arabic calligraphy as a vital element of cultural heritage, celebrating its aesthetic richness and historical depth while promoting greater awareness of its role as a refined form of artistic expression rooted in the Arabic language.

Aligned with the UAE’s vision to cultivate future generations of intellectual, cultural, and artistic pioneers, the first day of the event will focus on the visual beauty of Arabic calligraphy. It will feature a range of curated sections, including displays of rare and illustrated Arabic manuscripts, interactive workshops, and immersive creative experiences. Visitors will also gain insights into traditional writing tools and techniques through live demonstrations of calligraphic and lettering practices, accompanied by a performance on the Qanun, a classical Arabic musical instrument.

The event's opening day will commence with a lecture on the history of Arabic calligraphy, presented by renowned artist Khalid Al Jallaf, President of the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy.

In the lecture, Al Jallaf will trace the evolution of Arabic calligraphy from its pre-Islamic origins to the modern era, highlighting the distinctive features of its various styles. The lecture will also incorporate an interactive component designed to engage children, adolescents, and young adults, offering them a hands-on opportunity to practise writing Arabic letters in an encouraging and stimulating environment.

The second day will be dedicated to workshops for children, during which professional calligraphers will demonstrate a range of techniques. These sessions will be conducted in collaboration with exhibition coordinator and artist Dhai Al Nuaimi, a member of the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy.

The event reflects the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s commitment to showcasing the creative talents of individuals aged 9 to 35 in the field of Arabic calligraphy, spanning a range of styles from foundational to traditional and advanced. It contributes to deepening participants’ understanding of the art form and supports emerging talents in the later stages of their artistic development by encouraging the innovative shaping of Arabic letters.

Emphasising both the visual and technical aesthetics of calligraphy, the initiative aims to elevate the practice from a personal interest to a professional pursuit. In doing so, it helps cultivate a distinguished artistic community capable of transmitting knowledge, creativity, and cultural passion to future generations in the UAE.