Doha, September 06 (QNA) - The first phase of the International Arabic Calligraphy Competition, titled "Akhlaq Award," wound up on Saturday.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event was intended to consolidate ethical values through the art of classical Arabic calligraphy, which is part and parcel of the long-lasting Islamic heritage.

Director of the Culture and Arts Department at the Ministry of Culture, Abdulrahman Al Dulaimi, heaped praise on the high artistic level showcased by the female participants, which reflected the success of the first competition.

Alongside this event, a cultural program was held, which drew several intellectuals and innovators, as well as tremendous interaction from the public, Al Dulaimi pointed out.

He highlighted that the judging panel would embark on weighing the works that made the cut starting today, and winners ought to be announced in a special ceremony on Tuesday.

The award formed the nucleus for the community members who practice the art of Arabic calligraphy, both on the regional and global stages, amid prestigious engagement and a terrific artistic level throughout the week.

Besides this event, a seminar on calligraphic ornaments and the formation of meaning was held, presented by the calligrapher and artist Abdullah Yousuf Al Fakhro, a member of the Qatari Society of Fine Arts and founder of the Calligraphers' House, alongside the Iraqi calligrapher Hameed Al Saady, one of the most skilled masters of Arabic letters.

The seminar was concluded by encouraging the calligraphers to present their innovations and contributions within frameworks that preserve art rules and authenticity, in order for the addition to reflect the profound artistic exploration and nurture creative works in a rational and meticulously learned style. (QNA)