Arabic calligraphy enthusiasts learn the art in Baha festival

Around 500 artists and non-artists from the Baha region explored the art of calligraphy in the Aramco Arabic Calligraphy Workshop held during the 34th Baha Summer Festival.
Saudi Aramco organized the program in order to understand, learn and promote Arabic calligraphy as a cultural and traditional art of Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries.
The Baha festival activities were launched by Prince Mishari bin Abdulaziz, the region’s governor, and will continue until Aug. 30, comprising a number of cultural, traditional and educational activities for children and families.
Mohammed Mashat, deputy director of Saudi Aramco Affairs in the Western Region, said the Arabic calligraphy workshop offers several training sessions for both men and women.
He said Aramco also offers several other programs aimed at developing skills and income and so everyone should benefit from these.
Mashat said the training program comes when those who excel in calligraphy will be participating in the International Toastmasters Organization competitions in the US.
This is the first of its kind activity in the Baha region, “which is helping in removing from people the fear of rejection and making them confident to present themselves in front of an audience.”
Mashat thanked Saleh Dima, coach and member of International Toastmasters Organization, for participating in Baha’s summer festival. Dima said that their mission is to strengthen and increase the self-confidence of participants, while developing their abilities, thoughts and providing confidence to overcome the obstacles of misunderstanding between people. “All this will help them become members in international organizations,” he said.
Workshop participant Abdul Majid said there is a huge demand for Arabic calligraphy, especially in the West.
“I think this is an excellent opportunity for us to learn something which is related to our heritage and culture. Writing Arabic is what all Saudis can do at school level, but writing beautifully is something we should learn. It’s not difficult; one has to show some interest,” he said.