The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is hosting the Al-Raqim Exhibition, a celebration of Arabic calligraphy. Running through 21 June 2025, this show displays the outstanding artworks from the inaugural Al-Raqim Calligraphy Competition, an international initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the art of Arabic calligraphy.
Organised in collaboration with the Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre and Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), the competition attracted talented calligraphers from around the world. Participants competed in five categories, each highlighting various styles of Arabic calligraphy: Thuluth Script (Jeli and regular), Naskh Script, Diwani Jali Script, Nasta’liq Jeli Script, and Kufic Quranic Script.
Among the highlights are award-winning works such as Algerian calligrapher Mounir Tahraoui’s first-place piece in the Naskh category, and the delicate Nasta’liq script by Iranian artist Mohammadjavad Shokouhifar, who secured first place in that category. Also on view are elegant works by Turkish calligrapher Ahmad Ali Namazi, awarded second place in the Thuluth Script (Jeli & Regular) category, and Iranian calligrapher Ali Kheiri Habibabadi, who received third place in the Nasta’liq category.
The Al-Raqim Exhibition underscores the cultural and artistic significance of Arabic calligraphy as a cornerstone of Islamic heritage. Visitors have the opportunity to explore calligraphy as an art form and a representation of cultural identity, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to supporting artistic innovation and fostering global creative dialogue.
About MIA
Opened in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is one of Qatar’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum’s striking geometric architecture was inspired by the 9th-century Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun in Cairo.
The museum houses an extensive collection of Islamic art which spans over 1,400 years, featuring artefacts from across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The collection comprises manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and glassware, reflecting the rich diversity of Islamic heritage. Following a renovation completed in October 2022, the museum enhanced its galleries to provide an immersive cultural experience.
Beyond exhibitions, MIA serves as a dynamic cultural hub, hosting educational programs, workshops, and events that engage the community and promote an appreciation for Islamic art and culture.
To get more information about the Al-Raqim Exhibition, please visit the official web page of the event.
While at MIA, you may be interested in viewing the Damascus Room, the Varanasi-style necklace, and the Sitara of the Ka‘ba. Additionally, we recommend that you visit the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum.
To stay updated with the latest art news, you can join our Telegram channel.
