ArtDayME: Under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated, Wednesday evening, the 11th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum. Organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, the forum runs under the theme "Numerals" and will run until November 30.

According to WAM, Upon his arrival, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed toured the main exhibition, receiving a detailed overview of the diverse artworks on display. The exhibition features paintings of Quranic verses and poetry, showcasing various calligraphy styles created by artists from the UAE and other Arab and Islamic countries.

This year’s edition of the exhibition features a diverse collection of works by 153 calligraphers from around the world. With 300 pieces on display, the artworks showcase a rich variety of styles and themes, exploring letters as visual elements shaped by creativity and imagination. The fonts represented include Thuluth, Naskh, Ta'liq, Diwani, Kufi, Sunbuli, and more.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also honoured this year's forum award winners, including Calligrapher Mohammed Al Farouk from Syria, who received the grand prize for his work "Have Mercy on Me." The Authentic Trend Awards went to Calligrapher Ziad Al Muhandis from Iraq for "Surat Al Najm," Calligrapher Fardin Qozloo from Iran for "Surat Yasin," and Calligrapher Ahmed Al Bashir from Syria for "Surat Ar-Rahman."

The winners of the Modern and Contemporary Calligraphy Awards are: Rashid Aghli from Morocco for his piece "Fi," Sanaz Al Barzi from Turkey for "Bird of Life," and Jaafar Ali Sarwi from Iran for "He is the Mighty and Wise." Sheikh Sultan also honored Imran Ali Al Balushi, who received the Special Jury Award for Emirati Calligrapher for his work "The Conscience of the Union."

The forum's activities are spread across various locations, including the Calligraphy Square in the Heart of Sharjah area, Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, University of Sharjah, Al Qasimia University, and more. This year's forum features 94 events, ranging from exhibitions and specialised art workshops to lectures and seminars, organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah in collaboration with over 30 local entities and institutions. It showcases more than 600 artworks from 260 artists worldwide, including 30 exhibitions highlighting artists from diverse countries.

During the tour, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was accompanied by Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority; along with a large group of artists, calligraphers, media professionals, and enthusiasts of Arabic calligraphy.