Fujairah Annual Conference for Calligraphy and Ornamentation – 18-20 October 2025
The Fujairah Annual Conference for Calligraphy and Ornamentation was organised from 18 to 20 October 2025under the kind patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, and hosted by the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation. The conference was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and lasted for three days, featuring various events and rich discussions. The opening ceremony was distinguished by the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, which added a distinctive official and cultural dimension to this global artistic celebration.
This conference is a leading international event of its kind in the Emirate of Fujairah, opening with a presentation by the well-known Emirati artist and presenter Saud Al Kaabi, who delivered a speech that ignited the enthusiasm of the attendees. The Director General of SOCO, Israa Al Hamal, welcomed the attendees, commending the achievement of this gathering that brought together participants from around the world to exchange experiences and knowledge, opening the door for a deep and fruitful artistic dialogue.
The conference aligns with the mission the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation In restoring Islamic art and emphasising its importance in the contemporary art scene. Through meetings and workshops, the conference highlighted the authentic cultural heritage and Islamic arts, encouraged innovative approaches and collaboration among artists, while ensuring the continuity of this heritage with a new and inspiring spirit.
The conference was attended by an elite group of speakers and researchers from over 20 countries, including prestigious academic institutions such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Cape Town, Dokuz Eylul University (Turkey), and others, which lent the event a sophisticated international character.
These distinguished guests added significant knowledge value to the conference through enriching lectures and workshops, reflecting global appreciation for calligraphy and ornamentation, and presenting diverse techniques and insights that showcase the richness and plurality of Islamic art.
The diversity of speakers not only highlighted the importance of international cooperation, but also contributed to fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas that transcended cultural barriers. Through lectures, demonstrations, and interactive sessions, participants were encouraged to explore new approaches and innovations in their artistic practices. This collaborative atmosphere not only celebrated traditional techniques, but also inspired the next generation of artists to integrate these rich histories into contemporary art, ensuring the evolution of this vital cultural heritage.
Among the most prominent lecturers:
- Professor Dr. Nassar Mansour
Review Arabic calligraphy schools and the challenges of classifying their styles despite their shared rules, and then present modern trends in Arabic calligraphy related to thought and philosophy. - Filiz Adıgüzel
The discussion covered the integration of traditional miniature designs with contemporary art, showcasing successful experiences of artists who maintained authenticity while blending it with modern touches. - Dr Omar Qassem Kahya
He presented his biography to his calligrapher ancestors, among them “my calligrapher grandfather, Muhammad Shawqi,” and how he carefully published it as a valuable source for a grandson's story of artistic heritage. - Dr Omnia Abd Elbar
The Arabic calligraphy texts in “Beit el-Zarir” in Cairo were analysed, starting from a study of the scripts, decorations, and Quranic texts used in the architecture. - Yasmine Fagehi
I discussed the evolution of manuscripts through the ages, and specialised research methods for digital manuscripts in the modern era. - Dr Susanna Molins Lliteras
I reviewed the manuscript illuminations in West Africa and studied the stylisation of their art. - Dr Mamdouh Saqr
He lectured on the architectural designs of mosques in the Nile Delta, highlighting their similarities and differences with mosques in Cairo. - Ms Nuria Garcia
The origin of the linear painting and the criteria that determine when a work is considered a “painting” in calligraphy art have been studied. - Dr Sarah Chaudhry
I compared circular geometric patterns in Islamic architecture and manuscripts, and designed new works inspired by them. - Professor Pablo Rosa Candas
The study of Arabic calligraphy in Spanish heritage among Muslims in Spain. - Professor Doctor Avtandil Erkinoov
Introduce the calligraphers who copied Turkish manuscripts in Central Asia, especially the works of Sheikh Ali Nawra'i, and discuss their developments. - Dr Mohammed Hassan
Present a contemporary reading of Arabic calligraphy, emphasising its aesthetic and Islamic values, and the impact of modern technology on its appreciation. - Ms Alia Rafia
The “House of Art” showcased how it incorporated Arabic calligraphy into contemporary spaces to convey its aesthetics to a wider audience.
This conference contributed to raising the standard of artistic and cultural dialogue, and encouraged participants to adopt modern artistic techniques linked to Islamic heritage. It also gave a strong impetus to young people passionate about calligraphy and decorative arts to innovate within a well-established cultural framework.
In summary, the Fujairah Conference for Calligraphy and Ornament 2025 provided an effective platform for knowledge exchange and deepening artistic interaction between cultures, underscoring the institution's commitment to Arabic calligraphy and Islamic crafts as a vibrant creative language pulsing with identity and modernity.