Emirati calligrapher Fatima Saeed Al Bakali, a pioneer in Arabic calligraphy, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, after leaving an indelible mark on the art form.

She was renowned as the first Emirati Gulf woman certified in Naskh, Thuluth, and Diwani scripts from Turkey, holding a certificate with distinction from the Institute of Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Art. Throughout her illustrious career spanning nearly 25 years, she contributed significantly to the advancement and appreciation of Arabic calligraphy.

Fatima Al Bakali’s talent and dedication were recognized through numerous accolades, including winning first place in the Arabic calligraphy competition of the Modern Creativity Centre in 2001. She also received the prestigious Sultan Al Owais Award for the best artwork in young people’s Arabic calligraphy, as well as the Emirati Women’s Award for Arts and Literature.

Beyond awards, Fatima actively contributed to the promotion of Arabic calligraphy through exhibitions, workshops, and festivals both locally and internationally. Until recently, she served as an executive at the Dubai Arabic Calligraphy Centre, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.

In 2021, Fatima Al Bakali was honoured at the Cairo International Forum for Arabic Calligraphy during its sixth edition, named after the great calligrapher Yousef Ahmed.

Born in 1974, she was a dedicated member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society, continually refining her talent through diligent study. Her journey in Arabic calligraphy began with learning its various styles, followed by extensive research and study at the Institute of Arts within the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah.

Under the guidance of the Sharjah Centre for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation, she sought further training through specialized courses in various countries, further enhancing her skills and expertise in the field.

In numerous media interviews, Fatima Al Bakali emphasized her deepening connection to Islamic art and its timeless beauty, especially in the realm of calligraphy. She viewed calligraphy as a medium that not only elevates the artist but also enhances creativity, taste, thought, and artistic expression.

Al Bakali adhered to a professional academic approach in both learning and teaching calligraphy to her students, aiming to advance the art form locally and globally.