During the workshop, participants will explore authentic examples from Islamic manuscripts and artworks while gaining an understanding of the key aesthetic principles of ornamentation, such as repetition, balance, and harmony. Through a guided, step-by-step practical process, participants will create their own decorative artwork that reflects the spirit of this rich artistic tradition and showcases their creativity.

Date: April 17, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 الموقع: مكتبة الراشدية- دبي 
Fee: Free

Registration:

https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/ar/e-services-forms/new-unified-form/SOL%20-%20April%202026%20-%20Generic?q=%7B550B043F-A1B0-4763-96DF-FDE75D1864F7%7D

Instructor

Namareq Ali is an artist and researcher specializing in traditional Islamic arts, with a particular focus on illumination and manuscript ornamentation. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Traditional Arts and Book Arts, where her research explores the historical development of illumination and the structure of ornamentation in manuscripts across Islamic cultures.

Her artistic practice is grounded in the study of historical manuscripts and the analysis of the compositional systems that govern traditional ornament. This includes floral elements, patterns of repetition and rhythm, and the visual relationship between calligraphy and ornament within decorated pages.

She also has experience in developing educational programs and workshops that introduce the fundamentals of traditional ornamentation and manuscript arts to beginners and enthusiasts. Her teaching approach combines historical knowledge with practical application.

Through her artistic and academic work, she aims to promote awareness of traditional arts and provide a deeper understanding of the aesthetic and historical richness of Islamic ornamentation.

The post ورشة الزخرفة الإسلامية appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

In this special workshop, international calligrapher Mohsen Nassar will guide participants on a learning journey to discover the secrets of Diwani calligraphy and learn its fundamentals step by step. Participants will learn how to transform Arabic letters into harmonious artistic compositions that combine geometric precision with artistic expression.

During the course, participants will explore the basic principles of letter proportions and how to achieve balance between the distinctive curves and extensions that define this script. They will also learn how to use traditional Arabic calligraphy tools such as the reed pen (Qalam), ink, and specialized calligraphy paper.

The workshop also focuses on understanding the concept of the “dot” as the basic unit of measurement in Arabic calligraphy, which is used to determine the proportions of letters and the spacing between them. Through continuous practical exercises, participants will develop their skills in writing letters and words in the Diwani style and creating beautiful calligraphic compositions.

Learning Objectives

This course aims to help participants build a strong foundation in the art of Diwani calligraphy and understand the aesthetic and geometric principles behind this style of Arabic calligraphy.

Participants will learn how to use traditional calligraphy tools such as the reed pen, ink, and calligraphy paper correctly, while understanding how the angle of the pen affects stroke thickness and the structure of letters.

They will also learn the concept of the dot as a fundamental measurement unit used to determine the proportions and spacing of letters, helping them achieve balance and accuracy in their calligraphic compositions.

Through practical exercises drawing the distinctive curves and extensions of Diwani script, participants will develop their skills in concentration, patience, and visual balance.

The course also encourages creative expression by transforming words and phrases into artistic calligraphic compositions that reflect each participant’s artistic taste and personality.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to write letters and words in the Diwani calligraphy style with greater confidence and precision, while understanding the principles of composition and balance between letters.

Each participant will produce their own calligraphic artwork featuring their name or a phrase of their choice written in Diwani script within a balanced artistic composition.

Participants will also gain improved skills in handling traditional Arabic calligraphy tools such as preparing the reed pen, using ink correctly, and choosing appropriate paper for writing.

They will also learn how to evaluate their own work using the dot measurement system and letter proportions, helping them continuously improve their calligraphy skills.

In addition, the workshop helps develop patience, concentration, and aesthetic awareness while encouraging participants to continue exploring Arabic calligraphy as a rich artistic and cultural practice.

Language: Arabic
Schedule: Sundays | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Duration: 3 Sessions
Total Hours: 6 Hours
Course Fee: 120 AED

Workshop Dates:
July: 12, 19, 26

Trainer

محسن نصار هو خطاط عربي محترف يتمتع بخبرة تزيد عن 25 عامًا في فن الخط العربي. بدأ تعلم الخط العربي منذ سن مبكرة، ثم تابع دراسته في إحدى أهم المدارس المتخصصة في هذا الفن في مصر.

لم يكتف بما تعلمه في الدراسة الأكاديمية، بل واصل تطوير مهاراته من خلال التعلم على يد عدد من كبار الخطاطين في مصر والعالم العربي، مما ساعده على إتقان العديد من أنواع الخطوط العربية مثل الديواني والنسخ والثلث والكوفي.

حصل محسن نصار على العديد من الجوائز الدولية في مسابقات الخط العربي.

كما يتمتع بخبرة تعليمية تزيد عن 12 عامًا في تدريس الخط العربي لطلاب من جنسيات مختلفة حول العالم، وقد عمل مدرسًا للخط العربي في أكاديمية الفجيرة للفنون الجميلة لمدة خمس سنوات متتالية.

وهو أيضًا مؤلف كتاب في خط الثلث، مما يعكس مساهمته في نشر وتعليم هذا الفن العريق.

The post الخط الديواني – يوليو appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Participants will learn how to prepare the marbling surface, mix natural pigments, and use traditional tools specific to this art form. They will also explore fundamental techniques such as Battal, wave patterns, and combed styles, in addition to learning how Ebru is used in calligraphic decoration.

The course also includes artistic applications in creating simple floral designs, helping participants develop both their technical skills and creative expression.

The workshop provides a calm and meditative environment that encourages focus and reflection, combining precision and creativity in an enjoyable artistic experience.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn the fundamentals of Ebru art, including material preparation, color control, and pattern formation on water. They will also become familiar with traditional tools and techniques such as Battal and combed patterns.

The course also aims to develop hand control, patience, and artistic observation, as well as introduce traditional compositions such as floral motifs and how to apply them in a balanced and aesthetic way.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to create their own artworks using traditional Ebru techniques.

Participants will leave with several finished pieces that reflect their newly acquired skills, along with a clear understanding of the materials and techniques used in this art. They will also gain greater confidence in artistic expression and a deeper appreciation for this traditional craft.

Language: Arabic
Schedule: Tuesday – Thursday | 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Duration: 3 Sessions
Total Hours: 12 hours
Course Fee: 240 AED

Workshop Dates:
June: 16, 17, 18

Instructor:

Bedia Ferhan Ak is a specialized artist in traditional Turkish Ebru. She was born in Türkiye and trained under several leading masters in this field.

She began her studies in illumination before specialising in Ebru, where she trained for several years with certified masters and continued to refine her skills through advanced training and ongoing practice. She has also received an official ijazah (mastery certification) in this art.

She is currently active in the art field in the Middle East, where she shares this traditional art through teaching and workshops, focusing on preserving its authenticity while presenting it in a contemporary way.

The post فن الإبرو التركي التقليدي (الرسم على الماء) appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Participants will create decorative designs using lines and shapes inspired by Islamic art, then enhance them with transparent colors that give the glass a luminous and visually striking effect.

The workshop focuses on developing artistic sensitivity and precision in execution, while introducing participants to the beauty of Islamic ornamentation in a practical and enjoyable way.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will develop artistic precision, learn Islamic ornament principles, and apply them in glass art techniques.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will produce a decorative glass artwork inspired by Alhambra motifs, combining traditional aesthetics with personal creativity.

Language: Arabic
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Duration: 1 Session
Total Hours: 3 Hours

Workshop Dates:
June: 14

Instructor:

Rawaa Rashed Alhelo is a visual artist based in the United Arab Emirates, holding a diploma in fine arts and specializing in creative handmade design.

Her artistic practice spans various disciplines including macramé, decorative arts, glass painting, and craft-based art inspired by Islamic ornament. She has participated in multiple workshops and artistic activities focused on presenting Islamic patterns through contemporary approaches.

Her work combines craftsmanship with artistic sensitivity, aiming to present art in a simple, engaging, and accessible way for all audiences. She is particularly passionate about developing creativity and focus through hands-on workshops.

Through her artistic and educational practice, she aims to promote appreciation for Islamic art and reconnect participants with cultural heritage through modern creative expression.

The post لوحة زجاجية مستوحاة من قصر الحمراء appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Participants will learn how to shape cords using simple geometric techniques to create a structured ornamental piece.

The workshop also includes adding colour accents and beads to enhance the artistic quality of the desig

Learning Objectives:

Participants will develop handcraft skills, creativity, and an understanding of Islamic geometric aesthetics through practical application.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will create a decorative macramé star inspired by Islamic ornament, reflecting their creativity and newly acquired skills.

Language: Arabic
Wednesday & Thursday | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Duration: 2 Sessions
Total Hours: 4 Hours
Course Fee: 80 AED

Workshop Dates:
June: 3, 4

Instructor:

Rawaa Rashed Alhelo is a visual artist based in the United Arab Emirates, holding a diploma in fine arts and specializing in creative handmade design.

Her artistic practice spans various disciplines including macramé, decorative arts, glass painting, and craft-based art inspired by Islamic ornament. She has participated in multiple workshops and artistic activities focused on presenting Islamic patterns through contemporary approaches.

Her work combines craftsmanship with artistic sensitivity, aiming to present art in a simple, engaging, and accessible way for all audiences. She is particularly passionate about developing creativity and focus through hands-on workshops.

Through her artistic and educational practice, she aims to promote appreciation for Islamic art and reconnect participants with cultural heritage through modern creative expression.

The post تصميم نجمة مكرمية مستوحاة من الزخارف الإسلامية appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Participants will learn how individual letters are constructed using a grid-based system of squares and straight lines, forming the foundation of this structured and visually striking script. They will then explore how letters connect to form cohesive words within a balanced composition.

The course also covers essential compositional principles such as symmetry, repetition, spatial balance, and geometric interlacing. These concepts are applied in creating traditional texts such as the Basmala and the declaration of faith.

Participants will also be introduced to three-dimensional Kufic design, exploring how compositions can be interpreted from multiple perspectives, inspired by historical architectural and tilework applications.

Learning Objectives

Participants will understand the structural and mathematical principles of Geometric Kufic, learn to construct letters using grids, and develop skills in creating balanced calligraphic compositions.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will produce complete Geometric Kufic compositions, including traditional texts, and gain foundational experience in both two-dimensional and introductory three-dimensional design.

Language: English

Schedule: Sundays | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Duration: 3 Sessions
Total Hours: 6 Hours
Course Fee: 120 AED

Workshop Dates:
July: 12, 19, 26

Instructor:

Elif Hale Gökçen is an Arabic calligraphy artist from Türkiye, based in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, with more than ten years of experience in the field of Arabic calligraphy. She works primarily in the Thuluth, Naskh, and Jali Thuluth scripts.

She studied Arabic calligraphy under Ustadh Ahmed Fares Rezq and holds a degree in Computer Engineering. In addition, she studied traditional illumination (tezhip) for three years and received one year of training in oil painting.

She has been recognised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Türkiye as a bearer of intangible cultural heritage. She has also received awards in international Arabic calligraphy competitions and has exhibited her work at art festivals and galleries in Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

She is the founder of Sincere Gallery and currently teaches Arabic calligraphy at the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation in Fujairah.

The post مدخل إلى الخط الكوفي الهندسي appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Participants will construct patterns using small repeated square units, exploring symmetry, repetition, and balance.

The final design is assembled into a functional clock, combining artistic expression with practical design.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand geometric pattern construction and develop spatial awareness and composition skills.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will create a functional decorative clock that reflects both Islamic design principles and their own creative interpretation.

Course Language: Arabic / English
Schedule: Sunday | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 1 Session
Total Hours: 2 Hours
Course Fee: 180 AED

Workshop Date
July: 19

Instructor:

Abeer Daoud is a digital artist and founder of a creative design studio, where she focuses on custom illustrations, portraits, and miniature artworks.

Her work is based on blending visual storytelling with personal expression, and she has delivered numerous artistic projects across events and creative design fields. She also leads interactive art workshops aimed at developing participants’ creative skills and enhancing their ability to express themselves artistically.

The post تصميم ساعة هندسية مستوحاة من الزخارف الإسلامية appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Participants will learn about different paper types, grain direction, and how to prepare and assemble signatures.

he workshop also covers hand-stitching techniques and basic binding methods to create durable and aesthetically refined books.

Learning Objectives

Participants will understand material selection, stitching techniques, and binding processes while developing both technical and artistic skills.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will create a complete handmade book and gain the knowledge to continue producing their own book projects independently.

Language: Arabic
Schedule: Sunday | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 1 Session
Total Hours: 4 Hours
رسوم الدورة: 160 درهم إماراتي

Instructor:

Sherooq Tantawi is a researcher and specialist in Islamic art heritage and conservation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Art Archaeology and works in research, documentation, and the preservation of artistic heritage.

She began her academic journey studying law, but later pursued her true passion in the history of Islamic art. She has contributed to raising awareness of its aesthetic and intellectual value through lectures and workshops at specialized centers such as Darb Al Labana in Cairo.

Since 2015, Sherooq has been working in the field of restoration and artistic documentation, gaining hands-on experience in preserving artworks and manuscripts. This has given her a deep understanding of the material and aesthetic structure of traditional books.

Her teaching approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, helping participants understand bookmaking techniques in a structured and precise way while developing real skills in this traditional craft.

The post أساسيات صناعة الكتب يدويًا appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Participants will learn colour mixing, layering, and techniques to create realistic light, tone, and form.

Learning Objectives

Participants will develop observational drawing, colour mixing, and watercolour techniques including wet-on-wet, glazing, and dry brush.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will complete a realistic botanical painting and gain confidence in watercolour techniques.

Language: English
Schedule: Sundays | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Workshop Dates

17, 14, 21, 28 June + 5, 12, 19, 26 July

 Instructor:

Shevaun Doherty is an award-winning botanical artist from Ireland, specialising in watercolour painting on paper and vellum. Her work is distinguished by its remarkable ability to capture the beauty of nature with extraordinary precision, combining careful scientific observation with artistic expression.

Shevaun has designed four sets of Flora and Fauna postage stamps for Ireland, and her work has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Ireland. She is internationally recognised for her contribution to the development and promotion of botanical art.

She currently teaches at the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, where she shares her expertise and passion for painting and nature with her students, encouraging them to develop their artistic skills and discover the beauty of the natural world through art.

The post رسم النباتات الصيفية بالألوان المائية appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Participants will learn how to construct Shamsa compositions using traditional geometric and ornamental principles.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand compositional balance, symmetry, and repetition, and learn how to apply these concepts in ornamental design.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will create a complete Shamsa design reflecting their understanding of traditional Islamic illumination principles.

Schedule: Sundays | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 3 Sessions
Total Hours: 9 Hours
Course Fee: 180 AED

Workshop Dates:
July: 12, 19, 26

 Instructor:

Namareq Ali is an artist and researcher specializing in traditional Islamic arts, with a particular focus on illumination and manuscript ornamentation. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Traditional Arts and Book Arts, where her research explores the historical development of illumination and the structure of ornamentation in manuscripts across Islamic cultures.

Her artistic practice is grounded in the study of historical manuscripts and the analysis of the compositional systems that govern traditional ornament. This includes floral elements, patterns of repetition and rhythm, and the visual relationship between calligraphy and ornament within decorated pages.

She also has experience in developing educational programs and workshops that introduce the fundamentals of traditional ornamentation and manuscript arts to beginners and enthusiasts. Her teaching approach combines historical knowledge with practical application.

Through her artistic and academic work, she aims to promote awareness of traditional arts and provide a deeper understanding of the aesthetic and historical richness of Islamic ornamentation.

The post مبادئ تصميم وإنشاء شكل الشمسة في فن التذهيب appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.