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event

The Kitabat conference

The first major Arabic calligraphy and typography conference in the Middle East.

Hosted by the Visual Communication Department at the American University in Dubai, in partnership with the Khatt Foundation (Center for Arabic Typography, Amsterdam) and Linotype GmBH (Germany), and in collaboration with the Association Typographique Internationale (ATypI).

  • Kitabat opening ceremony

    Kitabat opening ceremony - 

    Opening speech by Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares

The aim of this conference was to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures, and lead to a two-way cultural exchange. It also seeks to enhance the dialogue between calligraphy and typography.

The main topics of Kitabat

• History of Arabic calligraphy and printing
• Arabic type design and technology
• Arabic typography and graphic design in the Middle East

  • Kitabat Keynote

    Kitabat Keynote - 

    Keynote speaker Dr. Nabil Safwat

  • Kitabat opening reception

    Kitabat opening reception - 

    Conference delegates at the Kitabat opening reception

  • Kitabat calligraphy exhibit

    Kitabat calligraphy exhibit - 

    Conference delegates (Brody Neuenschwander and Jean-François Porchez) at the Kitabat calligraphy exhibition

  • Kitabat student exhibition

    Kitabat student exhibition - 

    Delegate (Erik Brandt from VCU Qatar) at the special student typographic posters exhibition, for the Kitabat Conference

  • Calligraphy workshop

    Calligraphy workshop - 

    Kitabat calligraphy workshop with Mohammad Zakariya

  • Font technology workshop

    Font technology workshop - 

    Font technology workshop with Aida Sakkal and Adam Twardoch

  • Spontaneous calligraphy demo

    Spontaneous calligraphy demo - 

    Spontaneous calligraphy demo by Brody Neuenschwander during lunch break

  • Kitabat closing ceremony

    Kitabat closing ceremony - 

    All conference speakers at the Kitabat closing ceremony (with Willem Velthoven and Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares - first 2 from the left)

  • Kitabat desert safari

    Kitabat desert safari - 

    Conference delegates at the Kitabat desert safari (group photo)

  • conference program: 

    Khatt Kufi Kaffiya, the printable symposium program

    Lectures are described in detail with timings and links to the speakers' biographies.

    The symposium program has been evolving and includes topics of every aspect of contemporary Arabic visual culture and identity, going ...
  • Book: 

    1Typographic Matchmaking

    This book is now available for ordering online from Nijhof & Lee and BIS Publishers.

    Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares - As the world moves forward towards a more international (design) society, the need for fonts that can support multi-scripts becomes ...
  • Khatt projects

    We live to work!

    Here is an overview of our projects past, present and future.
  • event: khatt kufi & kaffiya

    The Typographic Matchmaking Project: Developing Dual-Script Fonts

    24 Aug 07 16:10 Willem Velthoven - Willem Velthoven interviewing the Typographic Matchmaking Type Designers: Nadine Chahine, Gerard Unger, Tarek Atrissi, Peter Bilak,...
  • event: Emirates Palace Auditoriu, Abu Dhabi

    Arts of Islam Symposium Program

    23 Jan 08 Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares - The Symposium held in association with the exhibition The Arts of Islam: Treasures from the Nasser D. Khalili Collection . Master of...
  • Book: 

    Arabic Typography

    A comprehensive sourcebook

    Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares - This is a comprehensive study, and practical reference, of Arabic letterforms and styles beginning with a concise historical overview of ...
  • event:

    Exhibition: the Dutch influence on Arabic type

    Dutch designers' involvement in the production of Arabic printing types from the 17thC to present day

    A timely and positive way to promote cultural exchange and tolerance between the West and the Arab world.
  • event: Emirates Palace

    The Arts of Islam

    Treasures from the Nasser D. Khalili Collection

    23 Jan 08 10:00 > 22 Apr 08 22:00 Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares - Exhibition and Symposium at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
  • event: Dubai, American University in Dubai

    Typographic Matchmaking Launch in Dubai

    Lecture, book signing, and exhibition

    8 Nov 07 19:30 > 18 Nov 07 19:30 Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares - For those of you in or near Dubai, you are welcome to join us for this multi-faceted event at the American University in Dubai....