Islamic Gilding and Decoration - Annual Programme

Course Description

A systematic and practical programme in the art of Islamic gilding and ornamentation, one of the most important arts associated with manuscripts.
and ornate books. The student gradually moves from recognising tools and materials to executing a composition
A medium-level comprehensive decorative piece.

Students study botanical and engineering elements, and the principles of balance, symmetry, repetition, and rhythm.
and the relationship between colour and gold and line and space within the page. The programme combines the study of manuscripts
Historical and practical organised studio.

Each student develops a portfolio of studies, experiments and completed works, and completes a final project that prepares them
To participate in the end-of-year student exhibition.

Attendance options

The programme offers two alternative times. The student chooses only one attendance option.
Registration does not include attending both appointments together.

Option one: Sunday

Appointment time:
Sunday, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Attendance dates:
September 2026: 27; October 2026: 4, 11, 18, 25; November 2026: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; December 2026: 6, 13; January 2027: 10, 17, 24, 31;
March 2027: 21, 28; April 2027: 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2027: 2, 9, 23, 30; June 2027: 13, 20, 27.

Duration: 29 training sessions.
Total Hours: 72.5 training hours.

Option two: Wednesday

Appointment time:
Wednesday, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM.

Attendance dates:
September 2026: 30; October 2026: 7, 14, 21, 28; November 2026: 4, 11, 18, 25; December 2026: 9;
January 2027: 6, 13, 20, 27; March 2027: 17, 24, 31; April 2027: 7, 14, 21, 28; May 2027: 12, 19, 26; June 2027: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

Duration: 29 جلسة تدريبية | Total Hours: 72.5 ساعة تدريبية | تخفيض 25٪ للتسجيل المبكر 

Learning Objectives

• Using gilding tools and materials correctly.
• Drawing basic botanical and geometric elements.
• Understanding balance, symmetry, repetition, and rhythm.
• The application of colour and gold within a cohesive decorative composition.

Learning outcomes

• The execution of precise and organised decorative elements.
• Building a balanced composition using colour and gold.
• Analysis of selected Islamic manuscript models.
• To complete a final piece of work of an intermediate standard, ready for presentation.

About the Teacher

Namaraq Mohamed Ali is an artist and researcher specialising in traditional Islamic arts, with a focus on
Gilding and manuscript illumination and the arts of the book. Their style combines historical knowledge
Systematic and practical application.

Certificates and grants

The course is accredited for Continuing Professional Development.
CPD.
Limited scholarships are exclusively available to UAE citizens from the Emirate of Fujairah.
Subject to eligibility, seat availability and final approval.