This Week in Dubai: Annual Ramadan Forum and Arabic Calligraphy

dubai ramadan forum

Although much of Dubai has settled into quiet mode for Ramadan, there are still a few things going on. The art scene in Dubai never truly rests, and this past week we saw shows at the Alserkal Avenue and the Dubai Mall plus the 14th Al Multaqa Dubai Ramadan Forum and an exhibition on the history and art of Arabic calligraphy.

The History and Art of Arabic Calligraphy

dubai calligraphy
Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful art with a rich history.

Photo Credit: Dubaicalendar.ae

An exhibition called the History and Art of Arabic Calligraphy began on Monday at the Dubai Mall, although there’s still time to catch the show if you didn’t get a chance to attend this week. The exhibition lasts until July 6.

The show featured the work of 28 artists from the Middle East, the UAE and Spain, allowing visitors to experience the beauty that is Arabic calligraphy. The exhibition also walks visitors through the history of Arabic calligraphy, covering the different techniques and formats as it evolved over time. The pieces on display are done in 3D sculptures and panels, making the show well worth the trip for both history buffs and art lovers alike.

Alserkal Avenue

alserkal dubai
Alserkal Avenue’s “Here Comes the Sun” film series goes through August 28.

Photo Credit: Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue has been hosting a film series entitled Here Comes the Sun, and the latest edition of the series was Duel in the Sun, which was shown on Thursday and has a second showing today. Directed by King Vidor, the film tells the story of Jennifer Jones, whose father is executed. She was sent to live with wealthy family members after his execution, and she ends up being torn between the two sons of the family.

The gallery’s A4 Space also hosted an exhibition this past week. The show was called Radar Platform, and it was open from June 22 through 24. The first of its kind exhibition included work by several fashion designers who showed off their newest collections of abayas, kaftans and ready-to-wear items. Suhaila and Sarah AlShaali, both Emirati, organized the event, which featured pieces by designers from the UAE and throughout the Gulf Region.

Al Multaqa Ramadan Forum

dubai ramadan forum
The annual Ramadan forum in Dubai includes lectures from some of Islam’s most learned scholars.

Photo Credit: Dubaicalendar.ae

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation held its annual Al Multaqa Ramadan forum at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Every year the forum attracts both tourists and Dubai residents who flock to the event to learn from some of the most prominent Muslim scholars and teachers from all over th world.

This year the foundation offered the forum in English, Urdu, Tagalog and Malayalam.