Final Round of Arabic Calligraphy Competition Opens at Riyadh Book Fair

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 launched the final round of the second edition of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy competition, with nine contestants from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, and Indonesia competing in Thuluth, Ruq’ah, and Jali Diwani scripts. A panel of experts will evaluate the works, with winners to be announced on October 4.
The finalists were selected from more than 300 participants representing over 20 countries in earlier rounds. Prizes exceed SAR 500,000, with first-place winners in each category receiving SAR 80,000, second-place SAR 60,000, and third-place SAR 40,000.
Organizers said the initiative aims to encourage innovation in Arabic calligraphy, revive its traditions, and highlight its role as a central element of Saudi cultural identity and Arab-Islamic heritage. The competition also seeks to position the Center as a global platform for preserving and promoting Arabic calligraphy as a cross-cultural art form.