Photo essay: Arabic calligraphy thrives at the heart of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

Mohamed Mandi is helping to nurture tradition through the use of visual art

Bait Al Khatt calligraphy workshops and classes are led by Mohamed Mandi, who is known for his stylised form of the Arabic alphabet, at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Mandi began teaching the art of calligraphy 15 years ago

Mariam is a student learning Arabic calligraphy at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi

The first session is a workshop that provides an introductory lesson to calligraphy in various styles

Mandi teaches the intricate art of traditional calligraphy to all levels of student, who are free to choose the style of calligraphy they wish to learn

It takes approximately three months to learn each style of calligraphy

Mandi shaves wood for calligraphy design at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi

Mandi joined the Cultural Foundation in 1986 and takes great pride in teaching students

Mandi's work can be seen on the current UAE passport

It can also be seen on the UAE currency

Mandi studied under Turkish calligrapher Hassan Chalabi in Istanbul in 2004

Mandi believes that with effort every school in the UAE could potentially produce a calligrapher

Bait Al Khatt is a dedicated space for Arabic calligraphy. Its home is the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, which was founded in 1981 and is set on the capital's oldest historical site, Qasr Al Hosn.

In addition to its history, the site offers numerous workshops, events and classes, including one on traditional Arabic calligraphy. It is open to residents and visitors and led by artist and calligrapher Mohamed Mandi. The centre provides comprehensive training from A to Z for each chosen calligraphy type, which typically consists of 12 lessons.

“Teaching calligraphy benefits the instructor as it helps to reinforce the rules of calligraphy and spreads awareness about the practice of calligraphy art," Mandi, an Emirati teacher at Cultural Foundation Qasr Al Hosn for Calligraphy, tells The National.

"The goal is to ensure that calligraphy is preserved and practised in the Arab world, because it originally originated from this region. Crucially, there needs to be collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Department of Culture and Tourism to introduce calligraphy education to the new generation."

The programme is open to beginners, intermediates and even professionals, and combines theoretical and practical learning to foster the growth of Arabic calligraphy.

“Unfortunately, there are no longer writing classes, calligraphy pencils, or chalkboards in schools. It is my hope that a dedicated effort will be made to inspire a new generation interested in this refined art form," Mandisays.

“The calligrapher must rely on three fundamental elements: love for the art, patience, and consistent practice."