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DIHQA to run Islamic and Arabic calligraphy exhibition

The award is all set to enhance cooperation with the Dubai Culture in the future and run more similar shows to prop up the Islamic and Arabic calligraphy.

Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) is to run an Islamic and Arabic calligraphy exhibition on the sidelines of the 19th edition of the award in full swing.

The exhibition is to be held in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry where the international Award is organised over the period from Ramadan 1 to 18.

The show is in line with DIHQA's tireless effort to improve and promote Islamic and Arabic calligraphy abundantly is used in transcribing the Holy Quran and decorating manuscripts and mosques here, according to a senior official.

Ibrahim Bu Melha, Head of the Award Organising Committee, who is also Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs, said the function is a quantum addition to the diverse activities of the competition annually held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"The exhibition displays how government departments can typically collaborate to run events and exhibitions in an outstanding way, and give a boost to the position of the emirate of Dubai regionally and internationally."

The award, hosting the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Manuscripts, a leading hub for rare and historic Mus'hafs and manuscripts worldwide, is all set to enhance cooperation with the Dubai Culture in the future and run more similar shows to prop up the Islamic and Arabic calligraphy, he stated.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of the Dubai Culture, said the pioneering initiative goes with the authority efforts to perk up the cultural position of Dubai city, inspire and appeal to the residents and visitors of the emirate on the blessed and serene days of the holy month of Ramadan.

“The exhibition shows a stunning collection of Islamic and Arabic calligraphy masterpieces which will always remain a big attraction to original heritage fans from across the planet."

Recently, the Dubai Culture has run a remarkable exhibition for Islamic and Arabic calligraphy under the auspices of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

“His Highness Shaikh Mohammed has given us the honour with some of his exceptional collections of modern Arabic calligraphy.”

Al Nabouda said the exhibition is rather in pursuance of the vision and directives of the UAE prudent leadership to bolster collaboration among government entities, support culture and arts events in Dubai, and keep up the national identity and heritage of the country.

“The scheme, shedding light on the Islamic calligraphy in the holy Quran, will indeed give a special glamour and an authentic heritage touch to the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.”

Meanwhile, the exhibition is to host an elite group of calligraphers from around the world, including some Emirati experts in handwriting, and feature some of their magnum opuses.

Participating calligraphists paid a tribute to the move and hoped that their masterpieces would thrill the audience and quench their thirst for original Islamic and Arabic calligraphy. “We are ready to participate in the global event every year, let alone other relevant events,” they said.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com