Muhammad Al-Sharqi witnesses the signing of a memorandum of understanding between…"School of calligraphy and decoration" and"School of Oriental Studies, University of London"

FUJAIRAH, 2nd February, 2018 (WAM) – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, witnessed, in his office at the Emiri Diwan, the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the “School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation in Fujairah” and the “School of Oriental and African Studies – University of London (SOAS), marking the start of academic cooperation to launch a specialized program in manuscript arts that combines theoretical study and practical application in accordance with the highest academic standards.

The memorandum was signed by Dr. Israa Al Hamal, Director of the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation in Fujairah, and Professor Adam Habib, Vice President of SOAS University in London.

His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah stressed the importance of cultural partnerships in strengthening the system of the culture and arts sector in the Emirate of Fujairah, and exchanging experiences in a way that advances the creative process and its pillars in a way that serves the Arab-Islamic heritage and its various arts.

His Highness praised the support of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, for intellectual and development projects that contribute to developing cultural work and making Fujairah a leading center for the creative industry and the promotion of art and culture.

The memorandum stipulates cooperation between the two parties to create two academic degrees: the Postgraduate Diploma in Manuscript Arts and the Master of Arts in Manuscript Arts. The path was designed to allow students to complete one academic year and obtain a diploma, or continue for a second year to complete a master’s degree, according to their academic aspirations and progress in learning.

The program contains practical courses on traditional Arabic calligraphy, geometric and floral decoration, bookbinding and miniatures, in addition to theoretical courses related to manuscript cultures and its Arab and Islamic history.

The program begins in September 2026, and is an exclusive program designed specifically for the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, and is offered in the Emirate of Fujairah only.

The program is based on preserving the heritage of manuscripts by combining specialized theoretical knowledge and precise traditional skills, ensuring the preparation of a generation capable of understanding the manuscript and producing it in accordance with its artistic and historical origins.

This program is also a qualitative opportunity for graduates of graphic design, advertising, architecture, preservation and restoration, libraries, Arabic language and other university specializations, as it gives them a deeper understanding of the visual language of manuscript arts, and opens the door to specialization in a precise and rare field that does not have opportunities to study it in this comprehensive manner in many places.

The impact of the program is not limited to academic knowledge and practical skills, but also extends to enhancing the professional paths of the participants. It qualifies them to work as artistic practitioners and specialized designers, or to engage in the fields of university education, advertising, libraries, language centers, and cultural, media, and heritage institutions related to the book arts and visual heritage.

The signing was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah, and a delegation from the University of London.

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