"Kitabat" Conference to discuss the history, present & future status of the Arabic Calligraphy & Typography

Dubai, April 6, 2006 - The Visual Communication Department at the American University in Dubai (AUD) is hosting "Kitabat", the First International Arabic Calligraphy & Typography Conference opening on April 5th, 2006 and closing on April 8th, 2006. The conference is organized in partnership with Linotype Library GmBH (Germany), Dubai Government - Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Stichting Khatt (Center for Arabic Typography, Amsterdam).

The opening ceremony was attended by HE Mr. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, UAE's Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, along with a number of dignitaries notably Mr. Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of Dubai Cultural Council.

The aim of this conference is to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures, and lead to a two-way cultural exchange. It also seeks to enhance the dialogue between calligraphy and typography.

On highlighting the significance of the conference, Dr. Huda Abi Fares, Chair of the Visual Communications Department at AUD, said: "The Middle East is experiencing a change in its relationship with the West and with its own cultural heritage. In the emerging economies of the Arab world there are conflicting feelings about globalization and westernization that sometimes manifest themselves in mutually negative misconceptions.

Improving channels of communication amongst the two camps can only help to bring about better understanding and tolerance, and starting from the base of writing, we can better communicate and convey our message in the right manner. On the other hand, there has been an increase in international interest in Arabic typography. All this put together added to the absolute necessity of holding such a conference. "

International publications are racing to print articles about Arabic typography and even online forums and email lists are continuously getting into Arabic related topics.

However, there is a lack of knowledge among many Arabic typographers about what is possible for the Arabic script in the new generation of digital text technologies hence the lack of Arabic fonts in computer software packages, and a lack of dialog between typographers and calligraphers.

The conference aims to portray to the international eye, the beauty and grace of the Arabic culture as manifested in its calligraphic art, and to map a future for the Arabic script that is fully engaged with both the latest technologies and knowledge of its rich past.

The main topics to be addressed at "Kitabat" are history of Arabic calligraphy and printing, Arabic type design and technology, and Arabic typography and graphic design in the Middle East. There will also be workshops and panels on Arabic calligraphy, typeface design, type technology, and type education.

The conference's keynote speaker is the renowned art historian, author and broadcaster, Dr Nabil F. Safwat, author of "The Art of the Pen" and the title of the keynote is Word as Insight: Visual Understanding in the Contemporary Culture.

The conference is sponsored by major local and international organizations in the region that believe in supporting the Arabic Language. Conference Platinum sponsors include Emaar, Diwan Software Ltd, Gold Sponsors include Dubai Cultural Council, Team Young & Rubicam, Gargash Enterprises, All Prints, Microsoft, Winsoft and the Silver sponsors include International Media Production Zone, Dubai Knowledge Village, Al Mohtaraf Assaudi and ITP.

-Ends-

Notes to editor:
The American University in Dubai is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1995. Fall 2005, enrolment is 2,356 students representing eighty nationalities.

AUD offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. A four-year Bachelor's degree is offered in Business Administration (BBA), Visual Communication (BFA), Interior Design (BFA) and Information Technology (BIT).

The AUD School of Engineering, established in 2001 through collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology, offers the Bachelor's of Science (BS) degree in Civil, Computer and Electrical Engineering.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is offered as a generalist degree, with the option to specialize in either Marketing or Finance.

Through its Center for English Proficiency, the University also conducts Intensive and Academic English programs designed to develop university-level English language skills.

The University's faculty possesses outstanding academic credentials, and the vast majority are or have been practicing professionals of note. AUD's multi-complex facility has been conceived with the objective of supporting the University's programs (both academic and extra-curricular) to an American standard. The campus surroundings include Dubai Internet City and Media City. This reflects HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision for Dubai as the technological hub of the Middle East, together with the University's role as a technological reference point.

For more information, please contact:
Lina Anani/Sami Al Shorafa
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide
in Middle East and North Africa
P O Box 28063
Dubai,
UAE
Tel : (971 4) 3344550
Fax : (971 4) 3344556
info@asdaa.com
www.asdaa.com

© Press Release 2006