Córdoba, February 11, 2026

The Congress Palace of Córdoba hosts, for the first time, the international Arabic calligraphy exhibition Al-Raqim from Qatar

Córdoba is hosting, for the first time, the international Arabic calligraphy exhibition Al-Raqim, a cultural project of international scope promoted by the Art & Culture Without Borders Foundation (ACWB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

Official Opening Ceremony

The exhibition brings together the winning works of the International Al-Raqim Arabic Calligraphy Competition, organized by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar together with the Museum of Islamic Art of Qatar, an international reference in the promotion of this ancient art.

In Al-Raqim, the letter ceases to be merely written word and becomes art; and that art, filled with beauty and symbolism, transforms into a profound message of culture, dialogue, and coexistence among peoples.

The exhibition is presented for the first time outside Qatar at the Congress Palace of Córdoba, the foundation’s technical headquarters.

The official opening was attended by authorities from the State of Qatar and Spain, institutional representatives from the Regional Government of Andalusia and the City Council of Córdoba, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Spain, and distinguished figures from the cultural sphere.

Among them was Her Royal Highness Beatrice d’Orléans, Honorary President of the ACWB Foundation, whose presence underscored the institutional character and international scope of the event.

As part of the program, the delegations visited the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, a historic symbol of dialogue between cultures and religions.

During her speech, Soumaya Akbib, President of the ACWB Foundation, emphasized that “ACWB’s mission is to promote dialogue, coexistence, and peace through art and culture,” highlighting the significance of Córdoba being the first international city to host this exhibition.

During the institutional ceremony, the ACWB Foundation presented official recognitions to:

The Honorable Chapter of the Cathedral of Córdoba, represented by its Dean, in recognition of its commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of intercultural understanding.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar, represented by Dr. Saleh Al Marry, Head of the Al-Raqim International Competition delegation, in recognition of its work in organizing and promoting the competition internationally.
Sheikha Al Nasser, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, for her contribution to the promotion and dissemination of Islamic artistic heritage.

Likewise, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Qatar presented the Congress Palace of Córdoba with a work of Arabic calligraphy bearing the verse:

«يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا»
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.”

as a symbol of mutual respect and intercultural encounter.

Additionally, the appointment of Juan Salado as ACWB Goodwill Ambassador was formally announced.