Sandooq Al Watan and First Dubai Calligraphy Biennale

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan is Chairman of the Board of directors of Sandooq Al Watan and Yasser Algergawi is Director General of Sandooq Al Watan.

Iranart : The private sector is driving the advancement of the arts, and a significant portion of this is made up of powerful economic and commercial cartels and leading oil firms.

Nearly all of the world's major worldwide brands today support the visual arts in order to appear more beautiful and deserving. 

The most recent instance, which also happens to be well-known worldwide, is Coca-Cola. The brand, which appears to not need any promotion, has publicly said that it supports art in order to be perceived differently by showcasing a unique advertisement film. 

The video is located in a gallery of a museum. A can of Coca-Cola is passed amongst works of greatness in the world of art, including Andy Warhol's "Coca-Cola" painting and works by masters like Edvard Munch and Vincent van Gogh, until it inspires a young painter.

However, the Middle East's vast economic sectors and artistic production are developing slowly and cannot be compared to global levels. In this regard, the inaugural Dubai Calligraphy Biennale is a shining example. Sandooq Al Watan is one of the sponsors of this event, which has a special role in organizing the first IFA Dubai Calligraphy Biennale.

Sandooq Al Watan is a social initiative launched by Emirati businessmen in 2016 to embody societal cohesion to achieve sustainable development, a fulfilling life, and a bright future for all of the UAE and the People of the UAE.

Sandooq Al Watan enables the citizens and the society to contribute by providing private-sector employment for Emiratis, accelerating Innovation and Creativity, and promoting UAE's National Identity and Social Innovation.

Sandooq Al Watan is meant to attract investments and community contributions and utilise them to benefit society through creative projects that serve strategic economic and social sectors. It also reflects the private sector's commitment to social responsibility and the positive role Emirati businessmen and women play in supporting social development projects and plans.

Sandooq Al Watan writes in their website:" We provide funding and support for initiatives that contribute to the economic and social development of the United Arab Emirates and that increase the participation of Emiratis, particularly young Emiratis in the private, social and creative sectors of the economy.

We support creative people, innovative organizations, and impactful enterprises to help prepare Emiratis for increased economic and social participation in the emerging knowledge economy as the United Arab Emirates pivots away from hydrocarbon dependence.

We are focused on empowering Emiratis to help solve wicked problems and confront big challenges that currently lack impactful solutions.

We choose to invest in initiatives that are expected to have the biggest impact."

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan is Chairman of the Board of directors of Sandooq Al Watan and Yasser Algergawi is Director General of Sandooq Al Watan.

From October 1, 2023, the first ever Dubai Calligraphy Biennale has begun. Managed by the Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, the event will showcase more than 200 national and international artists using a variety of calligraphy techniques.

Additionally, there are more than 100 workshops and talks exploring the various sides of calligraphy, given by renowned calligraphers and authorities in the subject.