About - School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation

About SOCO

The School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation is a specialised art school in Fujairah, UAE. It was established in 2023 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Alsharqi.

تقدم المدرسة عددًا من ورش العمل والبرامج المتنوعة المخصصة في الفنون التقليدية للكتاب التي تشمل الخط والزخرفة والتذهيب ورسم المنمنمات وتجليد الكتب.

هذه الدورات مفتوحة للمهتمين بتعلم هذه المهارات الفنية من أي مكان في العالم.

الفجيرة مدينة جميلة تطل على المحيط الهندي وتحيطها الجبال مما يجعلها وجهة مثالية للاستجمام الفني

Mission & Vision

The School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation in Fujairah aims to be a centre for the art and culture of Arabic manuscripts, calligraphy, and ornamentation and to contribute to preserving Arab and Islamic aesthetics and transmitting them to future generations. It also seeks to develop artistic talents, create new job opportunities, and diversify income sources.

The vision is for the school to become a leading institution in preserving, enhancing, and innovatively developing Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, Arabic calligraphy, and ornamentation. It aspires to be globally recognised for its excellence in education, research, and artistic production, and for its role in promoting cultural identity and nurturing creativity.

Core Values

The school’s core values are structured around six key areas:

Preservation of Heritage: Commitment to protecting and transmitting traditional Arab and Islamic arts.
Excellence in Education: Providing high-quality, accredited education and fostering a learning environment conducive to mastery.
Cultural Identity: Strengthening the connection of Arab and Islamic communities to their artistic traditions.
Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging the contemporary use and development of calligraphy and ornamentation.
Professional Development: Empowering artists and calligraphers and preparing them for professional opportunities.
Cooperation and Community: Collaborating with other institutions and engaging the community to advance the arts.

أقسام المدرسة

للمدرسة خمسة أقسام متخصصة: الخط، الزخرفة، التذهيب، المنمنمات، وحرفة صناعة الكتب.

SOCO Team

Managing Director

د. إسراء الهمل

Dr. Esra Alhamal is a Saudi artist, educator, and published author. Educated in the UK, Dr. Alhamal completed her PhD in London with a specialisation in ornamental patterns found in historic Islamic architecture. She has taught extensively in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, contributing to the preservation and teaching of traditional arts. In 2025, she published her book Islamic Biomorphic Patterns. Dr. Alhamal is also the host of the Art Illuminated and Golden Pages podcasts, where she explores the intersections of art, culture, and creativity.