Doha: The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), celebrated students who participated in the second school Arabic calligraphy competition, "Al-Raqeem", recognizing their efforts and participation. The event targeted male and female students from both public and private schools.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony was attended by prominent figures including HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanim Al-Thani and HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, along with educators and members of the Al-Raqeem competition committee.
HE the Undersecretary of Awqaf highlighted the partnership between the ministries, stating that the Al-Raqeem competition is a model of institutional cooperation aimed at instilling values among students. He emphasized that the initiative strengthens students' connection to the Holy Qur'an and Arab-Islamic identity through Arabic calligraphy.
HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education praised the organizing committee's efforts, noting that integrating traditional arts into education helps develop students' aesthetic sensibilities and moral values. He remarked that the strong participation in the competition reflects its success and the educational field's engagement.
The competition, which ran from October to December 2025, involved 479 students from 24 schools, including schools for students with disabilities, demonstrating the competition's inclusivity and educational impact. Participants wrote in the Ruq'ah script, focusing on the 23rd verse of Sourat Al-Isra to link calligraphy skills with moral values.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Akhn Al Marri, stated that the competition aims to restore Arabic calligraphy's status as a cultural identity component. He explained that targeting school students nurtures appreciation for artistic beauty rooted in Qur'anic values, emphasizing the wide participation and inclusion of students with disabilities as indicators of the initiative's success.
The competition included workshops and programs for students, covering the history of Arabic calligraphy and its styles. Students received training booklets and Ruq'ah calligraphy pens to enhance their skills for final evaluations.
The competition is organized under the supervision of Awqaf and the Museum of Islamic Art, in cooperation with MOEHE and participating schools. The 2025 edition saw engagement from 479 students from public and private schools, including 110 Qatari students.
Public school participants included 258 students from schools such as Ibn Khaldoun Preparatory School for Boys and Al-Hidaya School for Boys with Disabilities. Private schools had 221 participants from schools like My School Academy and Al-Maha Academy for Girls with Disabilities. These figures highlight the competition's success in engaging diverse student groups and promoting Arabic calligraphy in education, reinforcing Arab-Islamic identity and connecting younger generations with aesthetic and Qur'anic values.