Dubai, 16th Feb. 2012 (WAM): The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the capital of Arabic calligraphy due to the high priority given to the preservation and promotion of this ancient art form through exhibitions, competitions and other initiatives.

In his remarks after the opening ceremony of the 7th Dubai International Exhibition for Arabic Calligraphy at the Scientific and Cultural Association in Al Mamzar in Dubai on Thursday, Mohammed Al Murr, Speaker of Federal National Council, said the UAE leaders have been highly supportive of the initiatives designed to develop and promote the art whose beauty appeals to a global audience.

Mr. Al Murr, whose Arabic calligraphy works are being displayed in a special wing at the eight-day exhibition, said the successful hosting of Arabic calligraphy shows in the UAE, especially Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, reflects the significance attached to this art form by the people and rulers of the UAE. Factors like the strong desire among the Emiratis to preserve the unique Arab identity and their pride in the Islamic and Arab heritage behind the popularity of Arabic calligraphy in the technology-driven modern times, he added.

He said shows like the Dubai International Exhibition of Arabic Calligraphy will go a long way in encouraging younger generations to practice this age-old art which offers immense scope for creativity development.

The opening ceremony was performed by Mr. Al Murr and DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, in the presence of Director of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), subsidiary of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Khalid Eran, Mr. Bilal Budoor, Undersecretary for Arts and Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and others. Officials from Sharjahs Department of Culture and Information were also present.

During the tour of the exhibition, the participating calligraphers explained their works to the visitors, while Mr. Al Murr took time to offer insights into his works about Arabic calligraphy.

The exhibition has been organized by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Running until February 23 and open to public without any entry fee, the exhibition features 42 selected works of 22 calligraphers from 12 countries, including the UK, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey and Islamic Republic of Iran.

The exhibition is being organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and with the cooperation of Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), the Istanbul-based cultural arm of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The educational seminars and technical workshops will deal with the history and evolution of Arabic calligraphy and different schools of Arabic calligraphy in the Islamic and Muslim communities around the world.

Mr. Ahmed Hassan, General Coordinator of the exhibition, said the works were selected by an experts' panel based on the criteria set for the works to be displayed at the exhibition.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.