Abu Dhabi: An urban planner who pursues Arabic calligraphy as a hobby has won Dh100,000 in the National Day calligraphy contest organised by Al Dar Properties in Abu Dhabi.
Egyptian expat Deyaa Allam, 35, beat more than 290 entries to clinch first prize in the competition held at Yas Mall to mark the 45th UAE National Day. Jalal Al Mohareb came in second, winning Dh50,000 followed by Fatima Al Hammadi who got Dh25,000.
“It is a great honour. The final round was very tough and I am so happy to get my work recognised,” said Allam.
Love for the UAE
Winners were honoured by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, in a glittering ceremony at the Yas Mall on November 15.
Al Dar launched the competition last month, calling on calligraphy artists to demonstrate their love for the UAE. Participants were asked to interpret an Arabic poem produced by Al Dar in collaboration with famed Emirati artists, poets and composers.
The judging panel, led by Emirati calligrapher Mohammad Mandi, shortlisted 10 artists to recreate their calligraphic art at Yas Mall over a 10-day period. The pieces were chosen based on artistic hand lettering, creative interpretation of the poem, and effective use of colour and design.
Allam’s stunning interpretation of the poem portrayed UAE as the centre of a planetary system.
“I wanted to showcase UAE as a place that pulls everything towards it. My style is to blend traditional Arabic calligraphy with modern art,” said Allam, who grew up in the UAE.
