The future of Arabic calligraphy in Saudi Arabia: a digital library and a specialized institute
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the position of Arabic calligraphy as an authentic symbol of Arab and Islamic identity, and reaffirming its cultural leadership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a package of new initiatives that chart a promising future for this ancient art. These initiatives center around the establishment of a comprehensive digital library and a specialized institute, two significant projects designed to preserve, develop, and transmit the heritage of Arabic calligraphy to future generations using innovative and contemporary methods.
Historical context and extended cultural heritage
Arabic calligraphy holds a unique place in Arab and Islamic culture. It is not merely a tool for writing, but a refined visual art form historically linked to the writing of the Holy Quran, which has endowed it with a special sanctity and beauty. Throughout the ages, schools and styles of Arabic calligraphy have evolved at the hands of master calligraphers across the Islamic world, becoming a vessel for preserving the language, transmitting knowledge, and symbolizing Islamic aesthetics. These Saudi initiatives come within the context of broader efforts to preserve this heritage, especially after the Kingdom spearheaded the nomination of “Arabic Calligraphy: Knowledge, Skills, and Practices” for inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021, reflecting an international commitment to its importance.
The importance of new initiatives and their expected impact
The establishment of a specialized institute for Arabic calligraphy represents a qualitative leap from individual practice to structured academic education. The institute will provide advanced educational and training programs for students and enthusiasts, cultivating a new generation of professional calligraphers capable of innovation and renewal while preserving the art's fundamental principles and rules. The digital library will serve as a comprehensive global archive of Arabic calligraphy treasures. It will collect, digitize, and preserve rare manuscripts, artworks, and classical and contemporary pieces, making them accessible to researchers, artists, and the public worldwide, thus facilitating the study of this art and ensuring its preservation and documentation for future generations.
Local, regional and international impact
Domestically, these projects will contribute to strengthening national and cultural identity, creating educational and professional opportunities for Saudi youth, and revitalizing the Kingdom's artistic and cultural scene in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Regionally, these initiatives solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading and pivotal center for Arab and Islamic arts, and a hub for key heritage preservation initiatives. Internationally, these new platforms will present Arabic calligraphy to the world as a vibrant and evolving global art form, opening new horizons for cultural dialogue and artistic exchange between civilizations, and affirming that this art is not merely a relic of the past, but a living part of the future.
