The First Gathering of Emirati Calligraphers at the School of Calligraphy
On 26 June 2025, the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation hosted the first gathering of Emirati calligraphers, welcoming a select group of artists and calligraphers from across the UAE.
The gathering aimed to strengthen cultural and artistic collaboration, build a sustainable network that bridges talent and experience, and reinforce the significance of Arabic calligraphy within the local community.
The meeting began with a welcoming speech delivered by Dr. Khalid Al-Yami, Programme Coordinator at the School He emphasised the school’s commitment to supporting and empowering Emirati calligraphers, and announced the launch of a monthly meeting series to be held on the last Sunday of every month.
Dr Khalid also highlighted the upcoming events and initiatives
Such events include the Annual Conference, Art Week, and curated exhibitions, with a dedicated category exclusively for the works of Emirati calligraphers within these programmes.
The meeting featured rich discussions around the challenges faced by calligraphers
Among the key issues raised were: the lack of specialised workshops, the need for continuous artistic mentorship, and the difficulty of regular attendance due to long travel distances.
Several proposals were put forward, including: offering remote participation options, organising advanced workshops, and arranging side meetings alongside major art conferences.
The attendees agreed on the importance of holding training sessions dedicated to showcasing and critiquing calligraphy artworks.
and exploring tools and materials, as well as studying various styles of calligraphy — all of which have a significant impact on skill development and the exchange of expertise among participants.
يُعدّ هذا الاجتماع بداية موفقة لشراكة فنية واعدة بين المدرسة وخطاطي الإمارات
This reflects the school's ongoing commitment to its cultural role in supporting visual arts and providing a stimulating environment for creativity and professional growth.