SBA's Quran Radio and TV take part in AQU's exhibition
Quran Radio and TV have established a dedicated booth that includes a studio for students to record their Quranic recitations in a professional environment. The booth features the "Allah's Message to You" initiative, where visitors can select a random Quranic card, contemplate the verse, and enjoy its recitation in the studio.
Highlighting the evolution of radio
The booth also features an exhibition of vintage radio equipment, providing visitors with insights into the evolution of broadcasting devices over the decades and their adaptation to technological advancements in radio transmission. This display showcases the advancements made in broadcasting religious content through the airwaves.
Enhancing cooperation and media involvement
Khalifa Hassan Khalaf, Director of Quran Radio and TV, expressed that involvement in the exhibition demonstrates a dedication to productive cooperation with diverse government bodies, universities, and academic institutions in Sharjah. He highlighted that the participation highlights the strong relationship between the station and Al Qasimia University.
He stated, "We are consistently eager to participate in scientific and cultural events that emphasise the significance of Quranic radio and television in advancing religious media." This involvement highlights the endeavours of the Sharjah Radio and Television Authority to promote initiatives focused on the Quran and its sciences, further solidifying Sharjah's position as a prominent centre for Islamic culture and religious media.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Al Etihad
UAE a global leader in preserving historic art of Arabic calligraphy
14 Aug 2025 00:25 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Art as beautiful as Arabic calligraphy deserves the global spotlight, and the UAE has been at the forefront of keeping this ancient art form alive amid the rapid developments of the modern world. On World Calligraphy Day, marked every second Wednesday of August, Aletihad highlights the significance of this artistic expression as a cultural treasure for the UAE and the Arab world. Arabic calligraphy was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2021, and the UAE is among the 16 countries that have made it happen. UNESCO described the art form as 'the artistic practice of handwriting Arabic script in a fluid manner to convey harmony, grace and beauty.''The fluidity of Arabic script offers infinite possibilities, even within a single word, as letters can be stretched and transformed in numerous ways to create different motifs,' it said. Arabic calligraphy is more than just a writing technique: its flowing lines, curves, and complex forms represent centuries of artistic tradition, as well as the richness and elegance of the was born out of Arab speakers' need to develop the language and create letters and shapes that capture 'the spirit and culture of Arab and Islamic societies,' Abu Dhabi Culture said in a primer on its website. 'Over time, as the importance of the Arabic language grew, specialised art forms and calligraphy schools were established with innovative curricula,' it added. At a time when most writing needs are met by tapping away on screens and keyboards, the UAE ensures there remains a permanent space for the art of putting ink on paper and turning Arabic script into a masterpiece. The UAE has established itself as a leader in preserving and advancing Arabic calligraphy through numerous initiatives – including exhibitions and festivals – within the country and beyond.'This has encouraged new developments and innovations in calligraphy and other arts,' Abu Dhabi Culture said. The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi has been committed to supporting this art form since its early days. Through the years, it has organised events and activities that encourage development in the field. It has also set up a dedicated department for teaching the art. The Ministry of Culture, through awards like the prestigious Al Burda Award, has played a pivotal role in encouraging global participation and recognition of the organisations regularly hold workshops, competitions, and exhibitions, combining traditional techniques with modern resources. In 2023, more than 200 artists from around the world participated in the inaugural Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, which was organised by Dubai beauty and development of Arabic script in visual art were emphasised by exhibitions such as the 'History of Arabic Calligraphy in the UAE' at Al Shindagha Museum and the 'Light Lines' photography entities in the country also ensure the art form remains relevant through impactful discussions and open dialogues. The 2024 panel discussion 'Arabic Calligraphy: Between Creativity and Renewal' at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library was one such effort that brought together well-known calligraphers and artists. Arabic calligraphy has evolved through time, from the geometric Kufic script to the elegant, flowing Naskh, and contemporary freestyle typefaces. While maintaining the discipline and internal logic of the art form, artists today experiment with both traditional and digital forms, developing new designs for branding, book design, posters, and commercial use. By actively supporting and celebrating this heritage, the UAE has not only safeguarded Arabic calligraphy but also elevated it on the global stage, establishing itself as a vibrant centre for creatives, artists, and calligraphers from around the world.
Gulf Today
10-08-2025
- Gulf Today
Helming art: Art maven Elnaz Rajabian speaks on the many sides of creativity
Art manager, curator, gallery director and exhibitions producer Elnaz Rajabian (b. 1991, Isfahan, Iran), was a student of law; however, due to her great interest in art and curation, she began her career as a manager of art. She looked after the art programming in Bazart, the local art market, where handicrafts made in Isfahan were displayed. Later, she opened visual art gallery Aknoon, displaying the artworks of young and emerging artists. She went on to manage Safavi House, a museum of architecture and creativity where international exhibitions with artists from different countries such as Poland, France, Austria and Mexico, were held in cooperation with the embassies of those countries in Iran. In a decade of work in the art field, Elnaz has managed more than 300 exhibitions with Iranian and international artists and has introduced the art of young and creative artists by holding art festivals. At DIFC Art Nights 2024 in Dubai, she took part with artworks from Aknoon art gallery. She has also published a book titled Recognition Letter, an introduction to artists and curators of Iranian visual arts from different generations. Elnaz Rajabian speaks to Gulf Today Why did you pursue a career in curation? For me, curating grew out of a deep passion for storytelling, art history, and the desire to foster meaningful dialogue between artworks and audiences. Curation is not merely about arranging works of art — it is about constructing a space where narratives are juxtaposed through diverse artworks, across media, scale, and technique, yet united by a strong conceptual thread. It can lead audiences on immersive journeys that echo the inner world of the artist. Elnaz Rajabian (left extreme) with artists. Are you an artist yourself? Not exactly — but I've been immersed in Iranian art since childhood, and creativity is woven into the roots of my identity. Imagine waking up every day surrounded by artworks! Even without holding a brush or pen, such an environment inevitably shapes you as an artist in spirit. How is Iranian art different from Arab art? What are their similarities? Iranian art is anchored in an ancient and richly layered cultural legacy, including Persian miniature painting, calligraphy, Safavid architecture, mythology, and Sufi mysticism. These elements continue to inform contemporary Iranian art. Arab art, particularly of the Gulf region, has evolved from a different cultural framework, grounded in tribal heritage, oral poetry, Islamic calligraphy, and the postcolonial experience. Artistic expression here often reflects collective memory, identity politics, and a strong connection to the land and its sociopolitical transformations. Iranian art tends to filter spiritual themes through a mystical and personal lens, often influenced by Sufism. Arab art, especially in the Gulf, tends to take a more communal or ceremonial approach, often reflecting Islamic aesthetics with a focus on geometry, repetition, and abstraction. But both Iranian and Arab contemporary art actively engage with critical issues such as identity, gender, censorship, migration, and the relationship with the West. The visual and conceptual use of Arabic and Persian scripts is also a powerful shared element. Women artists in both Iranian and Arab worlds have played a vital role in reframing dominant narratives, challenging cultural norms, and asserting new perspectives. Elnaz Rajabian with an artwork. Who are the artists whose work you have curated in the UAE? What are the features of their work that attracted you? Among the artists whose artwork I have curated in the UAE are Saliha Hanif and Asma Mehmood. Both work across calligraphy and digital formats, blending tradition with contemporary media. They represent a new generation of voices redefining Islamic aesthetics in the Emirates. Their use of digital tools to reinterpret traditional forms is not only technically refined, but also conceptually bold. What are the qualities of a good curator? Good curators are not simply selectors or arrangers of artworks — they are storytellers, cultural mediators, and bridges between the artist, the work, and the audience. A successful curator must be able to genuinely listen to and understand the artist's intent and needs a wide-ranging understanding of art history, theory, sociology, philosophy, psychology, and even architecture or spatial design. A curator must be able to construct an emotional and intellectual journey for the audience; every element, from lighting to text, contributes to a memorable curated experience. Can curation be taught or is an eye for art inborn? Part of it is certainly innate, such as a natural sensitivity to colour, form, and spatial relationships. However, a significant portion of curatorial practice can be learned: research methods, writing curatorial texts, exhibition design and critical analyses, are skills that can be developed through education and mentorship. How do you suggest the pricing for artworks? Artwork pricing is based on several key factors, including the artist's background and professional history (such as exhibitions, collectors, awards); the technique and materials used; the scale of the work and the current art market for and comparative analysis of similar works. There is often a gap between artistic value and monetary value. Bridging that gap requires sensitivity, market awareness, and an approach that honours both the creative integrity of the work and it's positioning in a commercial context. Whose work would you like to curate in future? I aspire to find an artist whose work is so authentic, groundbreaking and powerful, that it resonates globally and earns a place in art history. I want the synergy between my curatorial approach and the artist's vision to create a moment that cannot be ignored.
Gulf Today
08-08-2025
- Gulf Today
Mural, mural on the wall makes Dubai the prettiest city of all
Public art is a core element of Dubai's broader arts ecosystem. Through diverse projects, the emirate continues to showcase its undeniable appeal and the vibrancy of its art scene, projecting its diverse and exceptional aesthetic side. Dubai is home to inspiring works, installations and murals that support the strength of its Public Art Strategy – an initiative to transform the city into an open-air art gallery, accessible to all. The vision aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which seeks to achieve sustainable urban development centered around people, while reinforcing the emirate's position as a priority destination for living, working and leisure, as well as being a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Through the mural projects being implemented across various areas in the city, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) aims to support creatives and talent, ignite their innovation, and enable them to contribute to turning Dubai's neighbourhoods, public spaces and districts, into inspiring cultural and tourism destinations. The murals reflect the emirate's distinct identity and fosters a civil and interactive space between artists and audiences, from numerous nationalities and cultures. It also helps establish a sustainable environment that encourages artists to pursue their passion, express themselves, engage with the community, raise public artistic taste, and beautify living and working areas. The initiative is in line with the goals of Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy and supports Dubai Culture's sectoral priorities and responsibilities in strengthening cultural and creative industries. Recently, the Authority completed the presentation of a wide range of mural artworks. Ahmed Amine Aitouche at work. Among the most notable projects is the heritage-inspired, gypsum mural adorning the facade of the Al Safa Art and Design Library, created by Lebanese artist Chafa Ghaddar. The work depicts the city's diversity and vibrancy, reimagining the original architecture of the library and showcasing the aesthetic and precision of Islamic ornamentation that once adorned the building before it underwent comprehensive restoration. Ghaddar used the classic Azulejos ceramic technique - a key element of Portuguese architectural styling influenced by Islamic, Chinese, and Spanish art. In another case, UAE-based Argentinian Yubran Gosne (aka Sanctum), created the mural 'The Tide' in Umm Suqeim Park, drawing on the movement of waves and the meeting of water and sand, echoing Dubai's deep-rooted connection to the sea. It consists of a large four-part panel using shades of green, blue and turquoise to express the relationship between water and land. Meanwhile, Algerian artist Ahmed Amine Aitouche (Sneak Hotep) is responsible for the mural 'Amalgamation' in Nad Al Sheba Park, made up of three surfaces seamlessly painted to appear as one. Through it, the artist reflects how Dubai embodies cultural coexistence and balance between tradition and modernity, freedom and discipline, and how the balance contributes to both urban and social growth. Set in Abu Hail Park, Aitouche's 'Epitome' is a silent message for all striving to become better versions of themselves every day. One of the earliest permanent public artworks in Al Quoz Creative Zone was 'Unified', a collaborative mural by Tunisian calligraffiti artist Karim Jabbari and American designer Jaime Brown. Created five years ago, the piece signalled a shift in the district's evolution from an industrial zone to a cultural destination. Inspired by the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, the mural reflects on how art transcends language and background to bring people together. Developed through on-site improvisation and community dialogue, it fuses Arabic calligraphy and contemporary design, capturing the spirit of Al Quoz Creative Zone as a place where heritage and innovation meet in public and for general view. Chafa Ghaddar before her installation. During the Sikka Art and Design Festival, a flagship initiative under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy, Dubai Culture presents a collection of inspiring murals that provide a platform for artists to express their visions and perspectives, every year. The 13th edition of the festival, held last February in the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, featured 13 murals distinguished by their artistic styles and innovative ideas. Through colour, movement and form, the artworks explored themes central to the city's ongoing social and cultural evolution, including the role of Emirati women in shaping its identity. Murals are one of the most expressive elements of Dubai's modern cultural landscape. They bridge eras, perspectives and communities. Dubai Culture, as a body which promotes this form of art among many others, continues its work in public spaces with governmental initiatives that support new districts and neighbourhoods, presenting fresh surfaces for artists to explore. The artworks that ensue undoubtedly bring colour to the city, create enduring moments of connection and provide memorable experiences. According to AI, murals, which are large artworks painted directly onto walls, can play a significant role in a city's identity and culture. They can express community history and values, and also help preserve local traditions. They add colour, texture, and dimension to buildings, streets and public areas, making them more inviting and visually appealing. This, in turn, improves the quality of life for the community and helps attract visitors, which have positive social and economic benefits for the community. Cities with significant mural art often become tourist destinations. Murals also bring people together, creating a sense of community. Many murals are created through collaborative efforts that involve local artists, residents and community organisations. The collaborative process helps build relationships, fosters a sense of ownership over public spaces, and inspires pride in community.
