Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre has proudly concluded its Summer 2024 activities, a series of enriching programmes that ran from July 22 to August 6. Under the patronage of Businessman and Philanthropist Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, these events garnered widespread participation from diverse segments of the community, reinforcing the Centre's commitment to fostering cultural, religious, and artistic knowledge.
The Summer programme featured three distinguished training courses, each meticulously designed to enhance the participants' understanding and appreciation of various cultural and religious disciplines.
The Centre collaborated with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) to present a unique "Art of Arabic Calligraphy" workshop. Led by the renowned calligrapher Zaid Al-Adhami, this three-day workshop provided an in-depth exploration into the world of Arabic calligraphy, covering essential techniques, the distinct characteristics of various calligraphic styles, and the proper use of traditional tools. The workshop was lauded for its ability to teach the fundamentals and inspire participants to delve into the aesthetic nuances of this ancient art form.
Dr Saeed Mubarak Bin Kherbash, Executive Director of the Arts and Literature Sector at "Dubai Culture," emphasised the authority's unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Arabic calligraphy. He noted that Dubai Culture's involvement in this programme at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre aligns with the authority's mission to enrich Dubai's vibrant cultural scene. "Through this collaboration, we seek to highlight the profound significance of Arabic calligraphy as an integral part of our national identity and cultural heritage," said Dr Bin Kherbash. "We are committed to providing platforms for emerging talents and fostering an environment where the art of calligraphy can thrive."
The Centre's dedication to enhancing public communication skills was evident in the "Course on the Jurisprudence of Oratory and the Art of Public Speaking," held in partnership with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai on August 1 and 2. This course drew 89 participants and was led by two esteemed scholars, Sheikh Dr Abdulrahman Al Mulla and Sheikh Adel Al Marzooqi. Over the two days, participants were guided through the intricacies of effective public speaking, including the art of oration and the jurisprudential aspects of delivering powerful messages. The course was praised for its practical approach, which significantly improved the participants' abilities to communicate with clarity and conviction.
The final course in the programme, the "Religious and Tourism Guidance Course," was held on August 5 and 6 and attracted 120 participants. This course was conducted in collaboration with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to guide tours of religious and historical sites with accuracy and engagement. The course was divided into two sessions: one in Arabic, led by Dr Abdullah Ibrahim, and the other in English, led by Dr Mohammed Al Farsi. The participants expressed great enthusiasm for the course, noting that it provided them with valuable insights and techniques to enhance Dubai's cultural and religious tourism.
In reflecting on the success of the Summer 2024 activities, Major General Dr Ahmed Khalfan Al Mansoori, Advisor for Civilisational Communication at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, expressed his deep appreciation to the management of Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre. He extended his gratitude to Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor for his steadfast support, which has been instrumental in the Centre's ability to offer such impactful programmes. "These summer courses have not only provided participants with valuable knowledge but have also underscored the importance of Islamic awareness, cultural education, and the constructive use of time for all members of society," remarked Major General Al Mansoori.
Abdul Salam Al Marzooqi, General Manager of the Centre, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the programme's success and gratitude for the ongoing support from Khalaf Al Habtoor. "We are deeply committed to offering educational content that broadens the horizons of our participants and contributes to their personal and professional development," said Al Marzooqi. "This year's summer activities have been a testament to our mission of fostering a well-informed and educated community."
The success of these courses has further solidified Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre's reputation as a leading cultural and religious institution in Dubai. With a focus on providing high-quality educational opportunities, the Centre continues to play a pivotal role in enriching individuals' lives and enhancing the emirate's cultural fabric.