The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) recently concluded a series of workshops organised to empower People of Determination to master the Arabic language through performing arts and Arabic calligraphy, with special attention given to nurture the participants exhibiting outstanding talent. 

The sessions were implemented in collaboration with the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services at the Art for All Centre (Falaj) in Sharjah, under the title ‘Arabic Through People of Determination Eyes’. Led by Muhammad Bakr, Supervisor of the Art for All Centre, they brought together a select group of students from the People of Determination community, in collaboration with 10 artists across various fields related to calligraphy, visual arts, and acting. 

The initiative aligns with the directives of the wise leadership to support and empower People of Determination and prepare them to be active contributors to the creative landscape. It embodies the ALC’s strategic vision to support People of Determination by spotlighting their creative potential, making culture and art accessible to all, and transforming talents into tangible literary and cultural achievements that enrich Arabic content with unique human and artistic perspectives.  

The initiative also highlights the values of tolerance and coexistence within Emirati society, promoting social inclusion across various cultural activities through comprehensive creative programmes that reflect the cultural and societal objectives the Centre seeks to achieve. 

The workshops took place in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. In the acting sessions, participants received theoretical lessons and practical training in public speaking, recitation, improvisation, emotional memory, rhythmic movement, expressive performance, pantomime, and body language. Particular emphasis was placed on language clarity, articulation, reading proficiency, and dialogue memorisation.  

The workshops also included training for a short theatrical performance inspired by ALC publications, which revealed the trainees’ diverse skills and their success in performing a full integral dramatic work. 

Meanwhile, the Arabic calligraphy workshops focused on mastering the fundamentals of Arabic calligraphy. Participants were introduced to techniques for using tools and materials, creating coloured backgrounds for artworks, and blending calligraphy with visual arts to produce innovative art pieces. 

The 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will showcase the artistic creations completed at the workshops, alongside the live theatrical performance, his showcase aims to enhance the participants’ ability to engage with the community and face audiences, while fostering positive dialogue between them and the wider public, in line with the principles of the UAE’s ‘Year of Family’. 

The workshops remain committed to the objectives of the ‘Arabic Through People of Determination Eyes’ initiative, which aims to integrate People of Determination into the cultural and social scenes, and to reinforce the presence of the Arabic language as an effective tool for empowerment and ensuring equal social participation. This aligns with the UAE’s vision to support People of Determination and highlight their abilities and contributions to society.  

The initiative is part of the Community Campaign to Support Sustainable Reading, launched by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre to reach various segments of society, offering them specialised programmes to enhance their engagement with Arabic language and culture through specialised programmes, further cementing the principles of cultural inclusivity and enabling all community members to actively participate in the cultural landscape.