Arab News launches special project for the Year of Arabic Calligraphy

Its latest Deep Dive takes an in-depth multimedia look at the history and development of Arabic calligraphy. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 21 December 2020
Follow

Arab News launches special project for the Year of Arabic Calligraphy

  • The online Deep Dive looks at the ancient craft and modern art of Arabic calligraphy
  • The multimedia project includes an interview with French-Tunisian street artist eL Seed

DUBAI: To round out the Year of Arabic Calligraphy, as declared by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, Arab News has launched a special online project.

Its latest Deep Dive takes an in-depth multimedia look at the history and development of Arabic calligraphy, with animations and videos of well-known calligraphers, including the Dubai-based French-Tunisian street artist eL Seed.

Arabic calligraphy: Ancient craft, modern art
For the Saudi Ministry of Culture's Year of Arabic Calligraphy in 2020/21, we take an in-depth look at how the craft has developed from ancient to modern times.

Enter


keywords

“This year,  we profiled several individual calligraphers in the Arab world,” said arts and lifestyle editor Saffiya Ansari. “But this Deep Dive allowed us to go way back in time and look at its development, showing readers its various styles and how it has evolved as a modern art form.”

Arab News, the Middle East’s leading English-language daily, launched its Deep Dive documentary series last year as a new way to showcase its most in-depth storytelling on key topics, enlivened by audio, video and animated graphics. 

One of its Deep Dives, “Juhayman: 40 years on,” recently won a European Newspaper Award for multimedia storytelling, and another, “The rebirth of AlUla,” was shortlisted by Shorthand for best editorial story in 2019. They can be accessed here: https://www.arabnews.com/deepdive.

The Deep Dive “Arabic calligraphy: ancient craft, modern art” is also available online in French and Japanese.


Review: Voyna 19 — ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision

Voyna 19 represents a rising success story in contemporary fashion, redefining how modesty and elegance can coexist. (Supplied)
Updated 30 January 2026
Follow

Review: Voyna 19 — ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision

  • The collection features pieces such as the trench jumpsuit and signature belts, which highlight attention-to-detail and create garments suited for fast-paced urban life

In today’s fashion landscape, a few brands stand out not just for selling clothes but for presenting a clear lifestyle vision.

Among these emerging names gaining attention regionally and internationally is Voyna 19, a contemporary women’s fashion label that blends modesty with modernity and offers a forward-looking take on elegance. 

At its core, Voyna 19 focuses on ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision, combining comfort with a bold artistic touch.

The brand recently launched its “Silence” fall-winter 2025/26 collection, which marks an evolution in its identity toward more structured, contemporary pieces.

The capsule emphasizes clean lines, geometric cuts and layering techniques that balance strength and femininity. Each piece is designed for flexibility and movement, catering to women seeking elegance that fits seamlessly into a modern, urban lifestyle.  

The collection features pieces such as the trench jumpsuit and signature belts, which highlight attention-to-detail and create garments suited for fast-paced urban life.

The use of textures, precise tailoring and layered silhouettes demonstrates the brand’s commitment to blending practicality with high-concept design.  

While Voyna 19 excels in blending modernity with modesty, the brand could further diversify its palette and materials to appeal to a broader range of climates and cultural contexts.

Some pieces, though visually striking, may lean toward conceptual styling that might not fully translate into everyday wear for all women. Expanding accessibility in sizing and experimenting with more versatile, seasonless designs could help the brand to strengthen its global presence.  

Voyna 19 represents a rising success story in contemporary fashion, redefining how modesty and elegance can coexist.