The First Dahab Arab Forum for Painting and Photography Launches
Dahab Forum Artists: We Aim to Document Sinai with a Contemporary Vision, and the Forum is a Space for Arab Cultural Interaction
The First Dahab Arab Forum for Painting and Photography launched in South Sinai Governorate, under the patronage of Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture. The forum is organized by the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, headed by Major General Khaled El-Labban, in cooperation with the Ministry of International Cultural Relations. This event is part of the Ministry of Culture's programs aimed at strengthening cultural relations and exchanging expertise among Arab artists, and activating art studios in the border governorates. The first day of the forum included a field trip to Saint Catherine's Monastery, attended by Vivian Al-Batanooni, Director General of the General Administration of Fine Arts, Dr. Islam Al-Hawari, the forum's Commissar General, and the participating artists: Ala bint Asaad bin Nimr (Saudi Arabia), Ammar Farouk Al-Nahhas (Syria), Charles Souma Al-Khoury (Lebanon), Maryam bint Muhammad bin Abdul Karim (Oman), Kamal Al-Din Khaled Mahmoud Abu Halawa (Jordan), Wisal bint Mahrez bin Sulayman (Tunisia), Murad Abdel-Lawi (Algeria), Jaber Farhan (Iraq), Ilham Saleh Al-Mahdi (Libya), Najat Hassan Makki Saleh (UAE), and Rima Abdul Rahman Al-Muzain (Palestine).
From Egypt: Dr. Fakhri Al-Azzizi, Dr. Amal Ahmed Nasr, Dr. Reda Abdel Salam, Dr. Muhammad Ghaleb Hassan, and Dr. Imad Abu Zeid.
Hossam Sobhi, Director of Antiquities at Saint Catherine and Feran, accompanied the artists to introduce them to the history of the monastery. He gave them a detailed explanation of the Church of the Transfiguration, the Museum of the Holy Treasures, the Hanging Tree, and the Mount of the Great Transfiguration, highlighting the historical and spiritual value that has made the monastery one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Dr. Islam El-Hawary, the forum's general commissar, said the idea stemmed from the General Authority for Cultural Palaces' interest in documenting the city of Dahab and many areas in South Sinai, with the aim of producing works that would serve as the nucleus for the establishment of a fine arts museum that documents Egypt's various regions with contemporary perspectives.
Regarding the forum's first tour, he noted that Saint Catherine's Monastery was chosen, considered one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in the world. He continued, "It was essential that our first field trip be to this holy site," emphasizing that this tour was intended to inspire the artists by blending the unique geographical nature with the spiritual and cultural richness of the area. For her part, Vivian Al-Batanooni, Director General of the General Administration of Fine Arts, noted that the city of Dahab was chosen to host the forum due to its unique location in Sinai as Egypt's eastern gateway, which gives it a unique opportunity to connect with the Arab world, both in Africa and Asia.
She explained that Dahab is a rich and inspiring environment for hosting artistic events, as it retains its authentic natural character, whether in the mountains or the simple nature of the place.
Al-Batanooni added that the project began locally and then launched its first Arab edition from the city of Dahab in South Sinai, as it is the meeting point of the continents of Asia and Africa. She explained that the participating artists were selected based on their artistic history and distinctive artistic imprint, with the aim of promoting cultural exchange between Arab countries within the framework of the protocols signed between the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and its counterparts in the Arab world.
The participating artists expressed their happiness at participating in the forum and expressed their amazement at what they saw in the area of ​​Saint Catherine's Monastery, stressing that this visit would be reflected in their artwork. Emirati artist Najat Makki said she was proud to participate and grateful for the warm welcome and organization. She emphasized her pride in Egypt, where she studied fine arts until earning her master's and doctorate degrees from Helwan University.
She noted that her artistic style leans toward abstraction and the integration of symbols inspired by heritage and the environment, and that the forum's presence in Dahab opens the door to drawing visual elements from nature, the sea, and the surrounding environment.
Lebanese artist Charles Khoury noted that this was his first artistic participation in Egypt, despite his previous visits to Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Dahab. He praised the value of art forums, which allow artists to break out of routine and immerse themselves in a new environment that is reflected in their artwork. He explained that his works are closer to the new school of photography, where he deals with perspective and image according to his own vision, and that contemporary artists should strive to discover more methods and experiments. Tunisian artist Wissal Silman, president of the Tunisian Association of Fine Arts and professor at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts, explained that the city of Dahab inspires and opens up new horizons for artists. She added that its artistic style leans toward contemporaneity and modernity, while allowing space for coincidence and spontaneous events to form part of the composition of the painting. She emphasized that meeting with artists at this forum will undoubtedly leave a clear imprint on her work.
Jordanian artist Kamal Abu Halawa, former president of the Jordanian Artists Association, also noted that his participation in forums in Egypt has become an annual tradition, given the diverse experiences and expertise they bring to him.
He explained that he has participated numerous times in Egypt with governmental and private institutions, most notably the Luxor Forum and the Burullus Forum.
Regarding his artistic style, he said, "I present works inspired by the naturalistic expressionist school, and I am keen to connect with human reality." He hoped that the forum would produce creative works that reflect the richness of this experience. Syrian artist Ammar Al-Nahhas emphasized that this was his first visit to Egypt. He explained that the forum's importance lies in its role as a space for cultural and artistic interaction between artists from different countries, allowing him to learn about diverse schools and styles and, consequently, develop new artistic themes. Libyan artist Dr. Ilham Al-Farjani, a professor at the Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Tripoli and a muralist, also expressed her happiness at participating. She considered the forum a valuable opportunity to return to the Egyptian art scene after an absence since 2010, noting that the forum represents a special case as it is the first academic forum dedicated to drawing and photography.

Artist Dr. Emad Abu Zeid, Professor of Art Criticism and Appreciation at Helwan University, explained that the forum promotes identity and cultural belonging, emphasizing that art is a visual medium capable of uniting Arab peoples and highlighting their shared civilization. He noted that his artistic style blends abstraction and figuration, relying on symbols and visual signs inspired by popular heritage and ancient antiquities.
Artist Dr. Mohamed Ghaleb, Professor and Head of the Special Program Department at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Helwan University, also noted that the forum represents a new experience in a culturally rich place.
He expressed his happiness at participating, explaining that he works in a realistic style inspired by the natural landscapes of Dahab using acrylic paints. His nomination was based on his previous participation in the Rashid Drawing and Painting Ateliers Forum, during which he presented works of a unique nature.
Artist Dr. Amal Ahmed Nasr, Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Alexandria University, explained that her style leans toward expressive abstraction with roots derived from nature. She emphasized that learning about the experiences of artists from different countries is the real gain, and it's wonderful to discover a place through the eyes of an artist or photographer.
In his speech, artist Dr. Fakhry Al-Azazi, a professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Helwan University, thanked the organizers of the forum, praising the organization and the presence of a large group of artists, which enriches the experience and enhances the diversity of artistic ideas and techniques. This will be reflected in the expected artistic output, making it more distinctive and diverse.
He explained that his works blend realism with emotional expression to convey a clear message to the recipient.
Saudi artist Ola Hijazi emphasized that participating in the forum represents a strong return after a long hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that visits to heritage sites such as St. Catherine enrich the artistic experience. Traveling to new places restores the element of surprise, renews the artist's spirit, and breaks the daily routine. She explained that Egypt has been a cornerstone of her artistic career, ever since she visited Cairo as a child and was influenced by the works of great artists. She later participated in several forums, including the Luxor International Forum and the Cairo Forum, in addition to art exhibitions at the Egyptian Opera House.
Palestinian artist Rima Al-Muzain, who holds a master's degree in art education from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University, noted that this was not her first time participating in Egypt, but that she had previously participated in numerous group exhibitions and workshops, in addition to personal exhibitions.
She explained that the forum's atmosphere is unique, as it offers an opportunity to learn about Sinai culture through tourist visits to archaeological sites, providing artists with an inspiring visual resource that helps them produce artworks inspired by the surrounding environment.
Omani artist Maryam Abdul Karim, a pioneer of the visual arts movement in the Sultanate of Oman, emphasized that bringing together this number of Arab artists in one place is a great achievement, praising the organization's efforts in creating a conducive environment for creativity, including materials, tools, and a comfortable atmosphere that helps artists produce their works in a manner befitting the level of the visual arts movement in the Arab world. Artist Dr. Reda Abdel Salam, a professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, noted that holding the First Arab Forum for Drawing and Photography in Dahab represents a unique artistic and human experience, providing artists with the opportunity to meet directly through human dialogues that create a sense of familiarity. He considered this to be one of the most beautiful aspects of these meetings.
The First Dahab Arab Forum for Drawing and Photography is being implemented under the supervision of the Central Administration for Artistic Affairs, headed by artist Ahmed El-Shafei, and includes a comprehensive program that includes field visits to archaeological and natural sites in the governorate.
The activities are being implemented by the General Administration for Fine Arts and Environmental Crafts until September 2, in cooperation with the Canal and Sinai Cultural Region and the South Sinai Culture Branch. They will conclude with an art exhibition featuring the works of participating artists, from September 3 to 7, at the Hangar Center of the Egyptian Opera House.