Exploring the Richness of Arabic Calligraphy

The two-day workshop introduced participants to the history of Arabic calligraphy. It also covered the influential schools that shaped this artistic tradition and the contributions of renowned Arab calligraphers. More importantly, the event provided a deep dive into Ruq’ah script, its structure, and the artistic rules that define its form.

To make the experience more engaging, attendees were encouraged to practise writing Ruq’ah script firsthand. Under the guidance of Mohammad Altamimi, they refined their skills and gained a better understanding of this unique style.

A Platform for Learning and Creativity

The workshop attracted a diverse group of calligraphy enthusiasts, including beginners and experienced artists. Since the session combined theory with hands-on practice, it allowed participants to develop their skills in an interactive setting. Furthermore, the event served as a space for cultural exchange, where attendees shared their passion for Arabic calligraphy.

Many participants expressed their appreciation for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and its commitment to preserving Arabic heritage. In fact, events like this play a crucial role in ensuring that Arabic calligraphy continues to inspire future generations.

Commitment to Arabic Heritage

Since its establishment, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Arabic calligraphy. As part of this mission, the library regularly hosts educational programs, workshops, and cultural initiatives that highlight the importance of this traditional art form.

For those interested in attending future events, visit www.mbrl.ae or follow the library on social media to stay updated.

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Skill-building and Personal Development

The programme will focus on professional growth, game design, programming, and creativity through a wide range of sessions. Participants can look forward to short courses on strategy development, Arabic calligraphy, Emirati dialect, and healthy nutrition tips. These workshops aim to empower individuals to develop talents and gain knowledge in diverse fields, especially for those visiting the Dubai Public Libraries.

Educational Sessions for School Students

As part of the ‘Space and Innovation’ theme, three special sessions have been designed for school students. At Al Safa Art & Design Library, the workshop ‘Mechanism of Astronomical Observation’ will introduce children to mapping stars, planets, and creating a 3D map of the galaxy using real data. ‘Game Development’ at Al Twar Library will guide kids through the basics of game design, programming principles, and coding concepts. Meanwhile, ‘Vertical Farming’ at Al Mankhool Library will offer a hands-on introduction to sustainable agriculture.

Workshops at the 13th Sikka Art and Design Festival

The 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival, held in the Al Shindagha Historic District from January 31 to February 9, will feature two additional sessions. Dr. Saeed Abdullah Al Wayel will lead a session on ‘Doors and Wooden Carvings,’ where participants can learn the traditional art of wooden door carving and explore Emirati heritage. Additionally, Ola Allouz will guide visitors through ‘Sikka Art & Design Festival: The Best Moments’, focusing on photography and how to transform everyday moments into artistic shots.

Health and Wellness Activities

The Al Safa Art & Design Library will also host wellness-focused workshops under its Wellness and Nutrition Club. Participants can enjoy a ladies-only Pilates class to improve strength and flexibility, followed by a ‘Making Healthy Dairy Products’ workshop led by Nada Saeed Kattan, teaching attendees how to prepare labneh and cheese using fresh, natural ingredients.

The library’s Art Club will offer sessions such as ‘Texture in Acrylic Painting’ by Benedicte Gimonnet, which uses acrylic mediums and basic printing techniques to create unique surfaces. ‘Drawing Characters in Traditional Art’ by Abeer Al Edani will explore character drawing inspired by cultural identities. Medaf Creative Studio will also conduct ‘Art 101: Design Your Umbrella’ and ‘Art 101: Lobster in Watercolour’ workshops.

At Al Mankhool Library, the Chess Academy will hold a series of activities, including ‘Chess Etiquette & Principles’ for kids aged six and above, focusing on respect and sportsmanship. The library will also offer ‘Effective Chess Strategies’ and a ‘Chess Hackathon’ to challenge participants with strategic and tactical thinking.

The Calligraphy Club at Al Mankhool Library will feature workshops on the Baybayin script, allowing participants to create personalized t-shirts and tote bags with this ancient script. Mohammad Altamimi will also offer workshops on Ruq’ah Calligraphy, both at Al Safa Art & Design Library and during the Sikka Art & Design Festival.

The Career Club, part of the Creative Track, will host a series of events at Al Mankhool Library and LinkedIn HQ to empower participants with skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, persuasive communication, and networking. The STEM Club’s Impact Track will focus on scientific research and sustainable solutions, preparing participants to use AI in creating solutions for global challenges and competing in international STEM competitions.

The School of Life programme is an exceptional opportunity for the community to explore space, innovation, and creativity, offering workshops that foster personal growth, professional skills, and sustainability awareness. This series of events contributes to Dubai’s goal of providing lifelong learning and enhancing the quality of life for all.

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January 5, 2025 – Art Intervention in Al Satwa
The project’s narrative commences with an art intervention in Dubai’s historic Al Satwa district, where contemporary Arab artists Khalil Abdulwahid and Karim Jabbari explore the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Guided by a leading expert in Arabic and multilingual typography Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, the artists engage in a dérive – an unplanned single-day urban exploration – to immerse in street life and local conversations, intentionally seeking out traces of lost ways of living, while documenting their practice. The intervention captures the neighborhood’s stories, textures, and fading memories, offering a poetic reflection on its transformation. The art intervention draws inspiration from a 2024 project Sikka by Emirati urbanist and scholar Dr. Khaled Alawadi, highlighting the cultural significance of traditional alleyways, as hubs of social interaction and community life.

January 29, 2025, 7:00 PM – Live Performance and Video Art Screening
The narrative deepens through a dynamic live performance combining light, calligraphy, video art, and music. Jabbari will create light calligraphy in real time, with his evolving artwork projected on a large screen. Simultaneously, Abdulwahid’s video art will showcase Al Satwa’s disappearing cultural fabric, blending documentary footage with artistic intervention. The performance will be accompanied by vocal and musical improvisation by Faisal Salah (FACESOUL), whose music will become a featured show theme.

January 29, 2025, 8:00 PM – Solo Exhibition by Karim Jabbari
Featuring works created during his residency in Dubai, the show reflects on the artist’s engagement with tradition, urban nostalgia, and the reinterpretation of cultural heritage. Collectors and friends of the gallery are invited to an exclusive preview event to explore Jabbari’s innovative approach to blending ancient calligraphic traditions with contemporary design.

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The award was launched by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) to recognise and celebrate notable works of Nabati poetry, folklore studies, and research that spotlight the heritage of Nabati poetry and its inherent values.

The ceremony was held as part of the Al Ain Book Festival 2024 and attended by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC; and His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Archives and National Library and Chairman of the award’s Higher Committee, along with a number of high-ranking officials.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Kanz Al Jeel Award embodies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to creativity and cultural innovation. The award nurtures talent and encourages new generations to draw inspiration from the creative traditions of their ancestors. The remarkable success of the award in its previous editions is a testament to the unwavering support of the UAE’s wise leadership in promoting cultural heritage and cultivating a community of creative expression.“

In his speech during the ceremony, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim congratulated the award winners, praising the high level of competitiveness of the works submitted and their ability to reinforce the aesthetic and humanitarian values of the poetry and verses of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE.

His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim emphasised the importance of reviving Nabati poetry and traditional arts as essential pillars of the cultural identity of the United Arab Emirates, highlighting their role in conveying emotions, aspirations, and achievements that reflect the hopes and dreams of the community. He also stressed the need to preserve these art forms and pass them down to new generations to deepen their connection with their authentic past.

His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: “The Kanz Al Jeel Award has been given to you because you have met its high artistic standards, offering works that reflect what the founding father Sheikh Zayed embodied through the eloquence of his unique poetic experience. You have enriched the legacy of Nabati poetry and the creative industries associated with it, adding precious gems worthy of recognition. We hope these efforts will continue in the service of our authentic heritage, and we trust that you will uphold this responsibility and continue on this path.

“Over the course of its three editions, the Kanz Al Jeel Award has firmly established its presence and reputation among pioneers of this esteemed Arab art form, and scholars, translators, and visual artists. It has become a beacon that inspires new generations to appreciate the repertoire of our heritage and encourage them to explore its aesthetics through a fresh lens and contemporary tools,” H.E. added.

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan awarded the Arts category prize to artist Mahsa Davachi from Iran for her painting titled UAE, which she skilfully executed, adhering to principles of composition and colour distribution to achieve a remarkable golden ratio.

Saudi poet Faisal Al Oteibi was honoured for winning the Poetry Matching category with his poem Al Sheikh Nad, which conveyed values of encouragement and motivation for youth, urging them to hold onto their religion, customs, and traditions, and to take pride in their national identity while arming themselves with knowledge to serve their country. The poet’s unique style demonstrated a great ability in matching, as his work reflected strength and dignity, closely resembling the style of the original poem.

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan bestowed the Poetic Publications category award to Emirati poet Ateeq Khalfan Alkaabi for his collection Signatures, which presents refreshing poems filled with a lively style, reflecting deep human experiences and modern philosophical reflections, while adhering to traditional forms.

In the Creative Personality category, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan honoured renowned artist and calligrapher, Fuad Honda, Japanese by birth and Arab at heart. This award recognises Honda’s remarkable achievements in the field of Arabic calligraphy and his exploration of its aesthetics. The renowned artist has participated in numerous exhibitions worldwide, demonstrating the significance of this artform to diverse cultures and audiences. His exceptional works, characterised by their extraordinary beauty, reflect his deep passion for Arabic culture, earning him the recognition he deserves.

The Kanz Al Jeel award is an initiative organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre in line with its mission to preserve the richness of the Arabic language and celebrate the creativity of its poets, particularly in Nabati poetry. This form of poetry represents an exceptional cultural phenomenon, in the UAE and throughout the wider region. Nabati poetry is a profound expression of identity and cultural memory for a community whose language and thought are marked by eloquence and depth, resulting in timeless verses that resonate with beauty and significance.

This year’s edition of the award, whose name was inspired by a poem of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recorded remarkable growth in participation, boasting a 128 per cent increase from last year. With a total of 600 entries from 24 countries, including 19 Arab nations, this achievement underscores the award’s pioneering journey and the prestigious status it has attained since its inception in 2021.

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In addition, Inloco MetaTalks will be hosted in the project’s metaverse, discussing how digital creators from Arab countries utilize signs and symbols to construct virtual cultural landscapes, with an emphasis on distinctive regional aesthetic trends.

“With Inloco Talks 2024, we launch the gallery’s new thematic season, set the foundation for our curatorial direction, and culminate in an art intervention and exhibition at Inloco Gallery. This initiative reinforces our commitment to building a strong research foundation for contextualized artistic practice while meaningfully contributing to the regional cultural and academic landscape,” says Anna Vetoshkina, Inloco Curator.

Program:

Session 1: Visual Codes and Imagery in Arabic Arts & Culture

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM  

Salwa Mikdadi (NYUAD)
Professor of the practice of art history at NYU Abu Dhabi, Founder and principal investigator of al Mawrid Arab Center for the Study of Art at NYU Abu Dhabi

Khalil Abdulwahid

Emirati visual artist, Visual Arts Manager at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

Nasser Abdullah

Emirati curator and art professional, former Chairman of the Emirates Fine Art Society (EFAS), 2014–2018. 

Session 2: Arabic Languages, Literature and Typography 

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM 

Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares (Khatt Foundation)

Founding Director of the Khatt Foundation, Khatt Books Publishers in Amsterdam specializing in Arabic/multilingual typographic design and Arab design history.

Maurice Pomerantz (NYUAD)
Professor and Executive Director of the NYUAD Institute specializing in Abbasid literature.

Karim Jabbari

Calligraphy and light artist.

Session 3: Regional Social & Historical Context 

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Laure Salma Assaf (NYUAD)
Assistant Professor at NYUAD. Anthropologist focused on youth, urbanity, and migration in contemporary Emirati society and the Gulf region

Nelida Fuccaro (NYUAD)

Historian and Professor of modern Middle Eastern History at NYUAD with a specialized focus on the history of the Gulf region.

Mariam Al-Attar (AUS)

PhD, Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies Department, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.

Public Talk: “Why We Return: Unpacking the Power of Place” 

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Hessa Alghandi (Hessa Archives)

Designer and artist, Founder of Hessa Archives.

Aida Balaš (100architects)

Director of Business Development at 100architects, Civil Engineer.

Sofiane Si Merabet (The Confused Arab)

French-Algerian artist and author living and working in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi Streets
A popular Instagram platform celebrating the city’s hidden urban gems.

Academic advisors of the conference

Khaled Alawadi

Associate Professor of Sustainable Urbanism, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi

George Katodrytis

Professor of Architecture at American University of Sharjah, Sharjah.

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Sharjah Art foundation cultural events:

Vantage Point Sharjah 12: If I Were Another
28 September 2024–8 December 2024

Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS) is an annual exhibition showcasing emerging photographers. The 12th edition, titled *If I Were Another*, features four artists selected from an international open call. Their works explore themes like displacement, ecology, and motherhood through diverse photographic methods, offering a platform for documentary and experimental approaches. Curated by Sara Al Mheiri.

Emily Karaka: Ka Awatea, A New Dawn

7 September 2024–1 December 2024

*Ka Awatea, A New Dawn* surveys the work of Senior Māori artist Emily Karaka, an abstract expressionist and colourist rooted in Māori rights and the Treaty of Waitangi. Her vibrant, large-scale paintings advocate for iwi justice and environmental care. This exhibition spans five decades of her career and includes new work. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi and Megan Tamati-Quennell.

Bouchra Khalili: Between Circles and Constellations

7 September 2024–1 December 2024

*Between Circles and Constellations* explores Bouchra Khalili’s examination of hidden solidarities among transnational and stateless communities through her projects over the past 15 years. Her multimedia work, which blends personal and collective histories, emphasizes “radical citizenship”—a community beyond identity norms. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, the exhibition spans film, photography, print, and installation, highlighting global networks of solidarity.

William Kentridge: A Shadow of a Shadow

28 September 2024–8 December 2024

*A Shadow of a Shadow* surveys 17 of William Kentridge’s performances from the late 1980s to the present. Known for his theatrical, musical, and operatic projects, Kentridge’s work critiques South Africa’s social and political realities. The exhibition features drawings, stage props, and installations, emphasizing his use of shadow plays and political satire. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi.

Antonio Dias: The Search for an Open Enigma

28 September 2024–8 December 2024

*The Search for an Open Enigma* showcases the work of Antonio Dias (1944–2018), an artist who pushed material and conceptual boundaries to address sociopolitical issues. Spanning from the 1960s to the late 1990s, the exhibition highlights his mixed-media works critiquing Brazil’s dictatorship and later explorations of conceptualism and abstraction. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi.

Perform Sharjah

October 2024–January 2025

Sharjah Art Foundation’s performing arts season returns this October with a programme that engages with the city’s urban fabric, public spaces, heritage houses and theatres through a range of cross-disciplinary performances.

Sharjah Film Platform 7

15 November 2024 –24 November 2024

The seventh edition of the Sharjah Film Platform, the annual festival of independent and experimental filmmaking, returns this November. Featuring UAE premieres, the nominated films will compete in four categories: Best Fiction Feature, Best Fiction Short, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Documentary Short. The festival also includes a diverse screening programme, including the *Director in Focus* section, which honors influential regional filmmakers.

Focal Point 2024

22 November 2024 –24 November 2024

Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair highlights independent bookmaking globally, with a focus on regional publishers. It serves as a critical platform for knowledge-sharing and community building, showcasing works from artists’ presses, self-publishers, and non-commercial cultural producers who push the boundaries of publishing. The event also features talks, workshops, book launches, and signings.

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Exhibition

14 October 2024 – 28 February 2025

The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) will unveil a remarkable series of exhibitions in Abu Dhabi, including *Hour Eternal*, which highlights two decades of Emirati abstract art. The gallery will also feature *Visions of the Orient* from H.E. Bassam Freiha’s collection and monumental sculptures by Anthony James and Tarek Elkassouf, exploring cultural identity and societal boundaries.

Dubai Culture promotes Arabic calligraphy through the Ornamentation and Gilding project

October 2024 -24 November 2024

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) offers workshops as part of its Arabic Calligraphy, Ornamentation, and Gilding project to nurture emerging talent. Hosted at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children under the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, the courses cover Ruq’ah, Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani Al Jali, and Ijaza scripts, taught by renowned calligraphers Abdul Razzaq Al Mahmoud, Musab Doori, Uday Alaraji, and Zaid Al Athamy.

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The week-long program featured cultural and artistic exhibitions, live performances, and interactive displays, showcasing the best of Saudi Arabia’s heritage. According to Abdulrahman Almutawa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, the Culinary Arts Commission played a significant role in the event by presenting traditional Saudi dishes and Saudi coffee to visitors. “We wanted to highlight the authenticity and hospitality of the Saudi community through our culinary traditions,” Almutawa shared.

In addition to culinary presentations, several other commissions participated in the event, each offering a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s creative and cultural landscape.

The Libraries Commission, for instance, displayed rare Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, emphasizing the elegance of Arabic calligraphy. This showcase was part of a collaboration with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy Initiative, which featured skilled Saudi calligraphers demonstrating their artistry.

Traditional Saudi fashion was also a highlight of the event. The Fashion Commission not only displayed traditional attire but also curated an exhibition showcasing the creativity of Saudi designers. It emphasized the aesthetics and diversity of Saudi fashion while presenting short films that further illustrated the country’s artistic flair.

The Music Commission added to the cultural experience by offering performances by Saudi musicians playing traditional instruments, while the Theater and Performing Arts Commission brought traditional dances and performances from different Saudi regions to life on stage.

Visitors also had the chance to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich archaeological heritage, as the Heritage Commission set up an archaeological tent where they could learn about the Kingdom’s history, cultural treasures, and traditional games.

The Culinary Arts Commission provided live cooking demonstrations of iconic Saudi dishes, using local ingredients to give visitors an authentic taste of the Kingdom’s cuisine. Meanwhile, a pavilion dedicated to the Year of the Camel initiative aimed to highlight the cultural and historical significance of camels in Saudi and Arab heritage. “We aimed to showcase the important role camels have played in our history and culture,” Almutawa added.

The Saudi Cultural Week offered a comprehensive platform for the global audience to experience the Kingdom’s deep-rooted traditions and cultural richness, while fostering cultural understanding and exchange.

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Al Twar Public Library will be a hub for calligraphy enthusiasts, featuring Abdulrazzak Almahmoud, who will conduct a workshop on the ‘Diwani Jali’ script, highlighting its historical context and traditional tools. Ghaleb Hawila will also facilitate a session titled ‘Freehand Expressions with Modern Calligraphy,’ showcasing the creativity inherent in Arabic calligraphy. Additionally, Mousab Doori will offer a hands-on workshop focused on traditional ornamentation, while experts from thejamjar will lead a printmaking session.

As part of the Language Club, Allahjah Institute will hold two informative sessions—‘How do I Speak Emirati?’ and ‘Emirati Dialect Grammar’—to guide attendees in mastering sentence construction in the local dialect.

The Calligraphy Club will continue its offerings at Al Safa Art & Design Library, with Mohammad Altamimi sharing insights into the Ruq’ah script. Azza Al Qubaisi will invite participants to collaborate on a community art installation, enhancing the library’s outdoor area through the ‘Palm Tree Calligraphy: Family Art Installation’ workshop. The Wellness and Nutrition Club will host Nada Kattan’s ‘Pickle-Making’ workshop, engaging families in the art of pickling fresh vegetables.

Al Safa Art & Design Library will also feature the Art Club sessions, where Magdi Kafraoui will guide participants through ‘Monochrome Art’ and ‘Nature: Colours Without Limits.’ Additionally, Medaf Creative Studio will hold two sessions focused on painting techniques for pots and tote bags. The Book Club will offer ‘Story Explorers 01: Dive into the Pages,’ led by Naouel Chaoui, aimed at encouraging critical thinking and lively discussions among young readers. Ghaf Publishing will facilitate a workshop called ‘Stories Inspired by Art,’ where participants will create unique narratives inspired by the painting ‘The Harmony of Innovation.’

Dubai Al Rashidiya Library will host Azza Al Qubaisi’s ‘Design Your Own Hoodie’ workshop for youngsters, blending art and calligraphy. Hatta Public Library will offer sessions for the Family Developing Club, with Nour Khouri teaching adults how to create eco-friendly centrepieces.

At Al Mankhool Public Library, the jamjar will present a session on ‘Modern Calligraphy with Traditional Roots,’ merging calligraphy and colors into unique 3D artworks. The library will also host Photography and Cinema Club sessions led by Ola Allouz, where participants will learn about essential photography techniques. Nada Ajjan will present workshops on ‘Fundamentals of Film Production’ and ‘Crafting a Script,’ guiding adults through the nuances of filmmaking.

The Chess Club at Al Mankhool Library will teach participants aged 6 and up the fundamentals of chess, covering everything from basic rules to advanced tactics. Doaa Farhat will lead the ‘Mind Your Manners: Etiquette Essentials for Youth’ workshop, empowering children with crucial life skills. Additionally, the Career Club will host a session titled ‘Excel Mastery & Data Management’ by Mohammed ElMaakki, offering practical techniques for enhancing productivity.

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Al-Sulaimani’s innovative approach combines classical Arabic script with vibrant graffiti elements. “Calligraffiti is a fusion of Arabic calligraphy and graffiti art,” Al-Sulaimani explained. “While graffiti often uses English letters, I incorporate Arabic calligraphy into graffiti-inspired styles.”

This creative fusion has garnered significant attention, leading to notable projects such as a mural collaboration with Jeddah Municipality.

“This project showcased my ability to integrate Arabic calligraphy into large-scale murals,” he said, which spurred further opportunities, including mural designs in 10 Saudi cities.

A major highlight in his career was designing Arabic signage for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Al-Sulaimani created towering structures adorned with Qur’anic phrases, bringing Arabic script to an international audience. “The towers, some reaching 40 meters, highlighted the diversity of the human experience,” he added.

Beyond public art, Al-Sulaimani has taught Arabic calligraphy at Harvard during workshops for visiting students. “I want to showcase the richness and versatility of the Arabic language,” he noted.

He is also developing a new Arabic font, set to be released later this year, which blends various calligraphic styles to reflect Saudi culture. “This font represents a unique Saudi identity and will be used digitally,” Al-Sulaimani said.

Despite facing challenges, including skepticism from established artists and misconceptions about his work, Al-Sulaimani persists. His calligraffiti is not just art but a means to share the depth of Islamic culture with a global audience.

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A Foundation in Fine Art and Graphic Design

Born and raised in London, Ruh’s artistic inclinations were nurtured from a young age. His formal education at the prestigious Central St. Martins College of Art & Design, where he studied Graphic Design with a focus on illustration and film, laid a robust foundation for his diverse career. This period was instrumental in shaping his understanding of visual communication and typography, skills that would later become integral to his work in Arabic calligraphy.

The Calligraphic Journey

In 2003, driven by a deep-seated passion for the traditional art of penmanship, Ruh embarked on a transformative journey to Egypt. There, he immersed himself in the study of Arabic calligraphy, learning from some of the foremost masters of the craft. This experience not only refined his technical skills but also enriched his artistic repertoire, enabling him to develop his own unique calligraphic scripts such as Spirit, Jude, and LatinArabi. His innovative approach to Arabic typography, seen in styles like Kufica, Arabic Didot, and Moda, showcases his ability to blend tradition with modernity, creating works that resonate across cultural boundaries.

Innovative Agency and High-Profile Commissions

Ruh’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own creative agency, Make Me Believe, in the early 2000s. Now rebranded as Archetype, the agency has carved out a niche as a leading specialist in Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Global Halal markets in the West. Under Ruh’s visionary leadership, Archetype has undertaken numerous high-profile projects for renowned clients such as Sony, Channel 4, BBC, National Portrait Gallery, and several luxury brands in the Middle East. His work in these projects often merges traditional calligraphic elements with contemporary design, creating visually stunning and culturally rich pieces.

Exhibitions and Media Appearances

Ruh’s artistic achievements have been showcased in various exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. His most recent exhibition in Sharjah, UAE, received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach and profound cultural insights. Additionally, his expertise has been highlighted in media appearances, including the BBC’s documentary ‘The Hidden Art of Islam’ and BBC Radio’s Asia Network, where he shared his knowledge and passion for Islamic art and calligraphy.

Collaborations and Workshops

Beyond his solo endeavours, Ruh is deeply committed to collaborative projects and education. He regularly conducts branding and design workshops, fostering a new generation of artists and designers. His collaborative projects often focus on social causes, using art as a medium to address and promote cultural understanding and social justice.

Ruh Al-Alam’s work is a testament to the power of art to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. His unique blend of traditional calligraphy and contemporary design not only redefines artistic expression but also promotes a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Islamic art. As Ruh continues to evolve and innovate, his contributions to the art world serve as an enduring inspiration, showcasing the endless possibilities of creative fusion.

In Ruh Al-Alam, the worlds of fine art, calligraphy, and design converge, creating a legacy that is both timeless and forward-looking. His journey is a reminder of the beauty that lies in the intersection of tradition and modernity, and his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.

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