Three International Calligraphy Masters Coming to Sharjah This October
The Sharjah Department of Culture will host three internationally recognized calligraphers at the 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial this October and November. The event honors Ali Al Hammadi (UAE-based), Belaid Hamidi (Morocco/Indonesia), and Khalifa Al Shimi (Egypt) through solo exhibitions, live demonstrations, and workshops.
Why This Matters for Residents
• Free public access: Exhibitions and live demonstrations are open to all residents at no cost
• Learning opportunities: Paid workshops offer technical instruction in traditional and modern calligraphic techniques
• Rare expertise: Three accomplished artists representing different regional approaches and career paths will be present
• Two months of programming: October through November will feature exhibitions, seminars, and workshops
About the Biennial
The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, established in 2004 under patronage from His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, operates as a major platform for Arabic calligraphy scholarship and practice. This year's theme is "Mizan," meaning "scale" or "balance"—a principle governing proportional relationships between letterforms in calligraphic work.
The Three Honored Artists
Ali Al Hammadi, based in the UAE, specializes in Kufic—one of Arabic script's oldest and most geometrically demanding forms—combined with illumination and gold leaf. He conducts workshops and lectures on Islamic arts throughout Sharjah and has participated in regional calligraphy exhibitions.
Belaid Hamidi, born in Morocco in 1959, holds teaching credentials in five distinct classical scripts and has taught at prestigious institutions across Morocco, Egypt, and Indonesia. He brings experience from formal ijazah-based calligraphy instruction and has conducted extensive mentorship programs in Southeast Asia.
Khalifa Al Shimi, based in Egypt, specializes in Thuluth calligraphy and works as a designer for governmental and corporate entities. His work is visible on the American University of Sharjah's exterior facades and in signage across Sharjah's public and private sectors.
What's Planned for October-November
Solo exhibitions for each artist will launch at Calligraphy Square and expand across multiple Sharjah cultural venues, displaying selections from their bodies of work and artistic journeys.
Workshops, seminars, and live demonstrations will cover technical subjects including gilding techniques, composition theory, and proportional systems. Programming will bridge traditional crafts and contemporary calligraphic arts.
The general exhibition will divide into two sections: Traditional Calligraphy (works adhering to classical standards) and Modern Calligraphic Arts (contemporary and conceptual work informed by calligraphic principles).
Admission to exhibitions and demonstrations is free. Workshops and advanced seminars may carry fees; pricing details have not yet been announced.
Practical Information for Residents
Exact opening dates and detailed program schedules remain to be confirmed by the Sharjah Department of Culture. Residents interested in participating should monitor announcements from the department's official channels for confirmed dates, workshop fees, and registration details.
For those new to calligraphy, October provides an opportunity to observe working practitioners and explore both casual viewing and formal technical instruction. The presence of three artists with different career models—local practitioner, international educator, and design professional—illustrates the range of paths calligraphy can take in contemporary practice.
