Kaaba Kiswa Calligrapher Wins First Place at Cairo International Arabic Calligraphy Forum

The kiswa covering the Kaaba in the Holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The kiswa covering the Kaaba in the Holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Kaaba Kiswa Calligrapher Wins First Place at Cairo International Arabic Calligraphy Forum

The kiswa covering the Kaaba in the Holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The kiswa covering the Kaaba in the Holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Maliki, a distinguished calligrapher from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa, has won first place at the Cairo International Forum for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy, receiving the prestigious Authentic Trend Award for Arabic Calligraphy.

Al-Maliki won the award at the forum’s ninth session, where he competed with a group of talented calligraphers from around the world, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The Cairo International Forum for Arabic Calligraphy honors the significance of Arabic calligraphy as an integral part of Arab and Islamic cultural heritage.

The event celebrates the diversity and creativity of calligraphers, encouraging ongoing development and innovation in this art form.

This year’s competition featured 80 contestants from Arab and international backgrounds, along with renowned calligraphers and honored guests.



Dubai Culture Concludes 'Emirati Creatives in Venice Program'

As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale - Photo by WAM
As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale - Photo by WAM
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Dubai Culture Concludes 'Emirati Creatives in Venice Program'

As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale - Photo by WAM
As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale - Photo by WAM

Dubai Culture has successfully concluded its ‘Emirati Creatives in Venice Program,’ aimed at showcasing Emirati talent on the global stage and promoting engagement with prominent art practices at the 60th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, themed 'Foreigners Everywhere'.

Supported by the Sikka Platform, the program reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to creating opportunities for local talent to flourish and connect with the international arts community, state news agency WAM reported.

As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists — Anood Al Khoori, Duha Al Hallami, Elham Karimi, Fatima Abdulrahman, Fatma Al Mheiri, Hend Al Murid, Maryam AlHemeiri, Mezna Suwaidan, Nawal Ahmad, and Sara Al Khayyal — participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale. They visited the UAE Pavilion at Arsenale’s Sale d’Armi, where they experienced Abdulla Al Saadi’s exhibit, ‘Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia’, a portrayal of his 40-year creative journey through his travels and explorations of the UAE’s natural heritage and landscapes.

The artists further explored Venice’s rich cultural landscape, visiting landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, renowned for its Venetian Gothic architecture; the Rubelli Foundation, focused on textile arts; the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, dedicated to glass arts; and the ‘Vatican Chapels Pavilion of the Holy See’ within the Venice Biennale, showcasing unique glass installations. This journey offered insights into the interplay between art and environment, encouraging the artists to reflect on their creative approaches. During their time in Venice, the artists met with design experts and university representatives to discuss contemporary trends in art and design. They also met with artist Fabrizio Plessi, who highlighted the role of storytelling and the integration of technology in art. They participated in an interactive workshop by Fernando Masone on combining traditional and modern art techniques.