Jali Diwani calligraphy – Annual programme

Course Description

An integrated annual programme that introduces participants to the art of Jali Diwani calligraphy, one of the most elegant and fluid Arabic scripts. This script is characterised by its graceful letters, curved lines, interlocking compositions, and balanced visual rhythm.

Participants begin by getting to know the traditional tools and the method of preparing the calligraphy pen and using ink and paper, then they move gradually to studying the letters and their proportions according to the dot system, practising letter connection, writing words and sentences, and building balanced calligraphic compositions.

The programme gives participants enough time for regular training and to develop their skills throughout the academic year. At the end of the programme, each participant completes a comprehensive artwork in Jali Diwani calligraphy according to classical rules, to take part in the school's annual programme student exhibition.

Attendance options

The course is offered at two times, and participants choose only one time for weekly attendance:

• Option one: Sundays, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
• The second option: Mondays, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Sunday choice times

27 September 2026 | 4 October | 11 October | 18 October | 25 October | 1 November | 8 November | 15 November | 22 November | 29 November | 6 December | 13 December | 10 January 2027 | 17 January | 24 January | 31 January | 7 February | 21 March | 28 March | 4 April | 11 April | 18 April | 25 April | 2 May | 9 May | 23 May | 30 May | 13 June | 20 June | 27 June

Monday Club times

28 September 2026 | 5 October | 12 October | 19 October | 26 October | 2 November | 9 November | 16 November | 23 November | 7 December | 4 January 2027 | 11 January | 18 January | 25 January | 1 February | 15 March | 22 March | 29 March | 5 April | 12 April | 19 April | 26 April | 3 May | 10 May | 24 May | 31 May | 7 June | 14 June | 21 June | 28 June

Programme Details

• Duration: 30 sessions
• Session duration: Two hours
• Total Training Hours: 60 training hours
• Level: Foundational
• Course Language: Arabic
• Study system: Attendance
• Location: Calligraphy and Decoration School, Fujairah

Fees

• Full price: 1,200 AED.
• Early bird price:   900 UAE dirhams.
• Early bird booking deadline: 17th September 2026.

Learning Objectives

• Learning about the history of the Diwani Jali script and its technical and visual characteristics.
• Learning about the tools and materials used and preparing the calligraphy pen correctly.
• Study of single letters and their proportions using the dot system.
• Developing pen control and executing curved lines smoothly.
• Understanding the rules of letter joining, word building and balanced sentences.
• Studying the relationship between mass and void within the linear composition.
• developing the visual sense and the ability to evaluate works according to technical rules.
• Independent design and execution of an integrated calligraphy board.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Setting up the calligraphy pen and choosing the appropriate ink and paper.
• Writing the letters of Jali Diwani calligraphy according to approved standards.
• Connect the letters and write words and sentences correctly.
• Maintaining the flow of the line and its visual rhythm.
• Create balanced linear configurations that combine mass and void.
• Following a systematic methodology for independent training and level development.
• The application of Jali Diwani script in contemporary arts, design and crafts.
• Produce a final calligraphic artwork suitable for exhibition.

About the teacher

Mohsen Nassar is a calligrapher and teacher with over 25 years of experience in the art of Arabic calligraphy, including more than 12 years teaching participants of various nationalities. He studied Arabic calligraphy in Egypt under a number of Egyptian and Arab calligraphers, and specialised in several scripts, including Diwani, Naskh, Thuluth and Kufic.

He has won awards in prominent international competitions, including the Future Masters Competition in Turkey, the Al Baraka Bank Competition, Okaz Souq in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Al Burda Award in Abu Dhabi, and the Al Rqeem Competition in Qatar. He also worked as an Arabic calligraphy teacher at the Fujairah Academy of Fine Arts for five consecutive years, and he is the author of a book specialising in Thuluth script.

The Certificate and Student Exhibition

Participants who complete at least 90% of the programme hours receive an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificate. Students who complete their final works also take part in the school's annual programme student exhibition.

Scholarships

Limited scholarships are available for UAE nationals from the Emirate of Fujairah, subject to admission requirements and seat availability.

Registration policy

Seats are limited, and registration is confirmed upon completion of the payment process. Participants may choose only one date, and registration does not include attendance for both the Sunday and Monday options. Fees are non-refundable after registration is confirmed.