عن المدرسة - School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation

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.

The school offers a variety of workshops and programs dedicated to the traditional arts of the book, including calligraphy, ornamentation, gilding, miniature painting, and bookbinding crafts.

These courses are open to adults interested in learning these artistic skills from anywhere in the world.

Fujairah is a beautiful city overlooking the Indian Ocean and surrounded by mountains, which makes it the perfect destination for an artistic escape.

Mission & Vision

Vision

Preserving and revitalising the arts of manuscript illumination, Arabic calligraphy, and Islamic and Arabesque decoration, as living expressions of cultural identity, guided by traditional practices, rooted in Fujairah, and engaging with the world..

Mission

To elevate, preserve, and develop the arts of manuscripts, Arabic calligraphy, and Arab and Islamic ornamentation, through accredited education, traditional practices, creative production, and innovative cultural initiatives, starting from Fujairah and reaching a global audience..

The core values of the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation:

The School’s Core Values are based on six key principles

Cultural care

Preserving Arab and Islamic artistic heritage with institutional responsibility and integrity.

Scientific authority

Basing institutional decisions on rigorous scientific research, documentation, and recognised knowledge frameworks.

Organisational Excellence

Applying high standards of quality in all academic, technical, and administrative functions.

Disciplined innovation

Developing contemporary applications while respecting fundamental principles.

General cultural value

Creating a sustainable cultural impact that serves the community and the wider creative ecosystem.

Responsible Partnership

Building institutional relationships based on trust, integration and shared responsibility.

School Departments

The school has five departments, each with a range of experts , including calligraphy, ornamentation, gilding, miniature, and bookmaking crafts..

Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy is a fundamental element of Islamic art and lies at the heart of the arts of gilding and ornamentation. The school specialises in teaching Arabic calligraphy in its various styles, such as: Ruq'ah, Diwani, Kufi, and Thuluth and other styles of calligraphy.

Ornamentation (Gilding, Biomorphic, and Geometric Decoration)

This department provides students with a deep understanding of patterns biomorphic (Nabati) patterns and geometric patterns, through a combination of freehand skills and the use of a compass and straightedgeto create intricate decorative designs inspired by Islamic art.

Gilding

Gilding is a beautiful art that involves the use of reflective metals, especially gold. Its techniques can be applied to artworks produced in other departments, whether on paper or various surfaces
The school will teach both Islamic and Western gilding techniques.

Miniature Art

The art of drawing and painting in the traditional miniature style, as found in historical manuscripts, combines intricate ornamentation with gilding to create richly detailed and visually stunning scenes.

The Art of Bookmaking

This department is an essential part of the art of manuscript production, covering the various stages of bookmaking, from hand-binding the pages to making leather coversusing traditional techniques that combine precision and beauty.

The staff

Director General of the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation

Dr.Esra Alhamal

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.