مسابقة الفجيرة الدولية للخط والزخرفة

n an exceptional cultural and artistic atmosphere, the Fujairah School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation organized the award ceremony for the winners of the fourth edition of the Fujairah International Calligraphy and Ornamentation Competition. Held under the gracious patronage and esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, this artistic initiative reaffirms Fujairah's status as a cradle for creativity and a center for cultural and artistic dialogue. His Highness honored the ceremony with his presence, graciously awarding the winners across various categories—a scene embodying his unwavering support for the arts and creative talents, and his commitment to strengthening the presence of Islamic arts both locally and internationally.

The awards ceremony featured a distinguished artistic segment presented by Darat Al Shi'r (The House of Poetry), delving into the life and creative works of the poet and philosopher Omar Khayyam. This formed part of the competition's cultural program, adding a profound literary dimension and unique beauty to the event's opening and emphasizing the harmony between word, color, and script. His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah also toured the accompanying exhibition, where he viewed the winning entries and their exceptional artistic experiences in the fields of calligraphy, ornamentation, and miniatures. The works reflected the diversity of artistic schools, the richness of creative visions, and the high level of professionalism among the participants.

This year, the competition reached new horizons with global participation exceeding 500 male and female artists from 30 countries, including 16 Arab nations, alongside an honorable Emirati participation highlighting the development of the art movement in the UAE and the continuous support for local talent. An international jury committee comprised of elite calligraphers and ornamentation artists oversaw the evaluation of entries based on precise criteria balancing authenticity, creativity, and technical skill, ultimately selecting works that carry a contemporary vision and add genuine value to the global art scene.

This year's edition was inspired by the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. The calligraphy works drew inspiration from the spirit of the poetic texts, while the ornamentation and miniature categories derived their visual elements from the aesthetics of these quatrains. The result was artworks that blend poetry with color, spirit with composition, reflecting a rich visual dialogue between literature and art.

The day following the awards ceremony witnessed accompanying artistic and cultural dialogue sessions attended by a select group of artists, calligraphers, and those interested in Islamic arts, forming a knowledge platform for exchanging experiences and discussing specialized artistic topics. The sessions covered multiple themes, including the aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy between heritage and contemporaneity, the art of gilding (Tazhib) and ornamentation with its contemporary techniques, schools of miniature art between difference and confluence, the art of Nastaliq and Siyah Mashq (Black Mashq), in addition to an interactive session titled "Yalla Nihki Khat" (Let's Talk Calligraphy).

these sessions contributed to deepening artistic dialogue and enriching the cultural experience for participants, fostering a contemporary understanding of Islamic arts while preserving their authenticity. Through these initiatives, the Fujairah School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation continues its mission of empowering a new generation of artists, reviving the aesthetics of the Arabic manuscript, and enhancing its role in preserving Islamic artistic heritage.

With the scope of participation expanding year after year, the Fujairah International Calligraphy and Ornamentation Competition is cementing its position as one of the most prominent specialized artistic events on the international level—a cultural platform that combines authenticity and innovation, contributing to showcasing Islamic arts within the global cultural landscape.