Egyptian artistic voices flourish at Sharjah’s celebrated calligraphy gathering

The Consul-General of Egypt to the UAE celebrates the distinguished contributions of Egyptian calligraphers at the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum, underscoring the enduring cultural bonds between two nations

The galleries of Calligraphy Square in the Heart of Sharjah have become a meeting place for the world’s finest practitioners of an ancient art form. Here, among more than 300 works of Arabic calligraphy and ornamentation, the artistic traditions of nations converge, their scripts interweaving narratives of cultural exchange and creative kinship.

Hossam Hussein Ismail, Consul-General of Egypt to the UAE, moved through the exhibitions with evident appreciation for the calibre of work on display. His visit marked a moment of particular significance, as he acknowledged the notable Egyptian participation in this edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The presence of distinguished Egyptian calligraphers at the forum, Ismail reflected, speaks to the vitality of Egypt’s own artistic legacy. Their work contributes meaningfully to the strengthening of cultural and artistic exchange among creatives from different countries, a dialogue that enriches all who engage with it. The forum itself has become instrumental in deepening the international presence of Arabic calligraphy, elevating the form on a global stage.

As we have reported, the UAE and Egypt maintain longstanding relations that continue to develop, particularly in the cultural field. This gathering of artistic talent serves as a tangible expression of that enduring partnership, where shared aesthetic values and mutual respect for creative excellence create common ground.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum, guided the Egyptian delegation through the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum and the Calligraphers’ Houses, where the main exhibition unfolds. The tour encompassed the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation, where the “My Family Is My Paradise” exhibition showcases works by eleven Emirati artists, as well as the Sharjah Centre for Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation and Dar Al Nadwa, where the delegation observed a specialised Islamic ornamentation workshop for students.

The forum brings together contributions from more than 140 artists representing nations across the world. Three artists are specially honoured in this edition: Ali Al Hammadi from the UAE, Khalifa Al Shimi from Egypt and Belaid Hamidi from Morocco, each representing the geographical and cultural breadth of contemporary calligraphy.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Sharjah Calligraphy Forum exemplifies the Gulf region’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Arabic artistic heritage on an international scale. For the UAE and its neighbours, such cultural platforms serve as expressions of soft power and artistic diplomacy, strengthening bonds between nations through creative dialogue rather than through conventional channels alone.

The forum’s reach and reputation continue to draw leading artistic voices from across the Arab world and beyond, positioning the Emirates as a centre for artistic excellence and cultural stewardship. Through gatherings such as this, Abu Dhabi and its sister emirates reinforce their role as custodians and champions of classical Islamic and Arabic arts, attracting talent, fostering collaboration and deepening the cultural understanding that underpins regional stability and prosperity.

Source: WAM