Doha: The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, represented by the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, has launched the second edition of the Qatar International Arabic Calligraphy Competition (Al Raqim), in cooperation with Qatar Museums through the Museum of Islamic Art.
According to Qatar News Agency, the launch was announced at a news conference attended by key figures including HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani, and various experts in calligraphy. The organizing committee highlighted that the new edition aims to be more advanced and comprehensive, enhancing its reputation as a leading international event in Arabic calligraphy with a prize pool of QR 1 million.
The theme "mercy" was chosen for this year's competition to emphasize cultural awareness and the universal messages of Islam. The theme aims to transform Arabic calligraphy into a message rooted in values, inspired by Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions, and to promote tolerance and coexistence through art.
Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Akhn Al Marri, chairman of the organizing committee, stated that the competition has evolved based on evaluations of the inaugural event, enhancing both organizational and artistic elements. He emphasized that Al Raqim serves as a cultural project that integrates the aesthetic beauty of calligraphy with Islamic values, aiming to elevate the global presence of Arabic calligraphy and highlight Qatar's role in supporting Islamic arts.
The competition is instrumental in identifying and nurturing emerging talent, with various local events and training courses organized to engage young people in the art form. Exhibitions in Qatar and abroad underscore Arabic calligraphy's cultural importance and Qatar's position as a center for Islamic arts.
The partnership with Qatar Museums bolsters the competition by providing cultural resources, helping participants connect with Islamic heritage and raising artistic standards. Al Raqim balances classical calligraphy rules with contemporary artistic experimentation, offering a platform for creative expression while preserving traditions.
The substantial prize fund reflects Qatar's commitment to supporting the art form and attracting international artists, contributing to building a specialized community focused on advancing Arabic calligraphy. The competition is part of broader cultural initiatives to preserve the Arabic language and encourage cultural exchange through art.
Al Raqim invites global participation from calligraphers over 18, helping discover and encourage new talent. The competition underscores the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center's efforts to promote Arabic language and Islamic culture, aligning with a vision to serve the Quran and preserve artistic heritage.
Shaika Nasser Al Nassr, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art, expressed pride in the museum's role in the competition, which aligns with its mission to preserve Islamic heritage and strengthen its global cultural presence. The museum emphasizes supporting Arabic calligraphy, recognizing its aesthetic and intellectual significance within Islamic civilization.
The competition's professional judging system ensures quality and integrity, with categories covering various calligraphy scripts. Participants can access competition details via the dedicated website: www.alraqim.qa.
This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' strategic plan and Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing to human and cultural development by promoting national identity and values in the context of sustainable development.