Calling All Calligraphers to Demonstrate Their Spirit of the Union

• Emirati calligrapher Mohammed Mandi to lead the judging panel
• First and second place winners set to be awarded prizes of AED 100,000 and AED 50,000

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 22 October 2016:  Calligraphy artists in the UAE are invited to participate in a National Day Calligraphy Competition launched by Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi’s leading listed property development, investment and management company, to celebrate the UAE's 45th National Day.

The competition has been launched following the release of a poem “الدار عامرة بأھلها” (meaning the beauty of our home comes from its people), produced by Aldar in collaboration with famed Emirati artists, poet Hassan Al Obaidly, composer Moussa Mohammed, and singer Aida Al Menhali. 

The competition aims to engage the community by providing a unique opportunity to express national pride and love for the UAE, while promoting the classical form of art and unique artistic talents.

Participants are invited to submit designs representing either the full poem, its title, or specific verses in Arabic calligraphy before 27th October.  The contest is open to all ages and nationalities. All submitted materials should be in accordance with the terms and conditions set out on Aldar’s website. 

Emirati calligrapher Mohammed Mandi will lead the judging panel and select a shortlist of 10 designs. Each shortlisted entrant will receive AED 10,000 to arrange supplies for the preparation of their artwork in Aldar’s purpose built space in Yas Mall, from 3rd to 12th November. 

Winners will be chosen based on artistic hand lettering, creative interpretation of the poem and effective use of colour and design. The final awards ceremony will be held on November 13 at Yas Mall, with first and second place winners set to be awarded prizes of AED 100,000 and AED 50,000 respectively. 

Registration for artwork submission for the calligraphy art competition is now open through Aldar’s official website, www.aldar.com. Submissions will be accepted until 27th October 2016.