Early Arabic sources mention several calligraphic styles in reference to the cities in which they were used. They generally fit into two broad categories with some minor variations; these are the “dry styles”, the early predecessors of Kufic, and the “moist styles”, the early predecessors of the cursive family.

Since several letters of the Arabic alphabet share the same shape and vowels are not clearly indicated, some reform was needed to avoid confusion. Thus a system of Naqt or I'jam (letter-pointing) and Tashkeel (vowel indication) was developed.

DPS Sharjah conducted an Arabic calligraphy workshop for the students in collaboration with Sharjah Art Museum on 10th November 2012. The calligrapher Mr. Ridha Jumu’a from the Museum explained the students the history of Arabic Calligraphy and the different styles of it. Mr. Marwan Hasan and Ikhtiar Ahmed also accompanied Mr. Ridha. All the participants were given their names written in beautiful Arabic calligraphy. It was a wonderful experience for the students. Dr. Safeeya of DPS Sharjah coordinated the program.