The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) yesterday opened a special exhibition by Egyptian Artist Khalifa Al Shaimy, titled Prayers, at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum.

The exhibition, includes 23 innovative works being displayed for the first time, will run until 20 December.

Speaking on the occasion, Manal Ataya, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Department, said: "We, at the Sharjah Museums Department, seek all possible means to host accomplished Arab artists. Hosting the Prayers exhibition by Egyptian Artist Khalifa Al Shaimy forms part of our support to calligraphers, and shows our keenness to maintain this form of heritage art while creating social awareness of Arabic calligraphy among all genders and age groups.

"In addition to the exhibition, and in support of our campaign to promote this form of art, we are hosting workshops on classic and contemporary Arabic calligraphy on 23 and 24 October," Ataya added.

"The Sharjah Museums Department is committed to encouraging art and culture in Sharjah, the cultural capital of the Arab World, and takes all the necessary measures to raise public awareness about the role of Arabic calligraphy, in both the past and the present, and how to maintain this art form as part of our commitment to preserve our Islamic and Arabic heritage," she said.

Expressing his pride at the opening the exhibition at Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Al Shaimy said. "This exhibition is the fruit of tremendous efforts and extended experiences throughout my career, and I am honored to share it with others."