FaceOf: Dr. Hatem bin Hasan bin Hamza Al-Marzouki, deputy minister of education

Dr. Hatem bin Hasan bin Hamza Al-Marzouki
Updated 26 March 2019
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FaceOf: Dr. Hatem bin Hasan bin Hamza Al-Marzouki, deputy minister of education

Dr. Hatem bin Hasan bin Hamza Al-Marzouki has been recently appointed the deputy minister of education for universities, research, and innovation. 

He has been serving as the rector of the Islamic University of Madinah since 2016. 

Al-Marzouki has served the Emirate of Makkah region in different capacities between 2001 and 2009 including as assistant undersecretary of development, the general supervisor of the Information Technology Center, and as the secretary-general of Makkah Region Council.

He worked as an assistant professor of Islamic architecture at the College of Engineering at the Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah between 1999 and 2001. 

He also worked as an assistant researcher at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research at the Umm Al-Qura University. 

Al-Marzouki holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He received two master’s degrees from the University of Colorado in the US — one in urban design and urban economics and the other in architecture and planning. 

He earned his Ph.D. in architecture and planning from the University of Newcastle, UK. Al-Mazrouki has participated in several research projects for the development of the Makkah region and his research papers have been published in several publications.


Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

Updated 23 December 2025
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

  • The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.

He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.

They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.

Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”

He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.

The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.

According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.

The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.

It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.

Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.

The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.