Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, has launched the 8th Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council at Wafi Mall, Dubai.

The event is part of the second Dubai Art Season, the umbrella arts initiative organised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) that includes some of Dubai's most notable cultural and creative events.

A number of dignitaries attended the opening ceremony and toured the exhibition including Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Federal National Council; Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Saeed Al Nabooda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture; Bilal Al Budoor, President of the Arabic Conservation Organisation; Dr. Salah Abdul Aziz Al Qassim, Advisor, Dubai Culture; Ahmed Ben Essa Al Serkal, Chairman of Al Serkal Group; Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim and Ali Khalifa Bin Thalith, Secretary General of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid International Photography Award (HIPA).

With the participation of more than 50 accomplished calligraphers from Arab, Islamic and European countries, the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition celebrates calligraphy as one of the most powerful art forms that highlights the brilliance of the written word and puts forth powerful ideas that are related to Islamic heritage, as well as the region's cultural and social identity, which will be reflected in the Exhibition's eclectic selection of artworks.

The Exhibition will display part of the exceptional, modern style calligraphic collection owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and sections of the Holy Quran of King Hussein bin Talal that features engravings in Mamluk Islamic style calligraphy, which is being showcased in coordination with Tiba traditional Islamic Book Arts in Jordan.

The Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition will feature several sections including Classic Calligraphy, by renowned and expert calligraphy artists. There will also be several exceptional pieces from the collection of the Ministry of Culture as well as those owned by leading collectors in the UAE. A section on Modern Calligraphy reflects new trends in this versatile art form that marks a new realm in calligraphy. Another section is devoted to light calligraphy technology.

More than 70 workshops for all ages will be held during the month-long exhibition where visitors and calligraphy enthusiasts can learn more about its styles and techniques.