Arabic #YearOverHere

Resources to help you immerse yourself in the language!

Cultural events across the UK!

January 2015

12th Jan - 17th March:Arabic Language Courses, Arab British Centre, London

These Arabic classes will be taught by Ibrahim Othman who has several years' experience of teaching Arabic at various levels, both in his native Syria and in the UK.

14th Jan - 4th Feb:Introduction to Materials and Geometry, Arab British Centre, London

This short course is an introduction to art materials and the basis of geometry, which is relevant both to Kufi calligraphy and as an art form in its own right.

28th Jan: Fairytales for Grown-ups: 1001 Nights, The Forge, London

The fabulous Egyptian storyteller and performer, Chirine El Ansary, returns to the Crick Crack Club to tell some of the most intriguing and seductive episodes from The Nights, stories that explore the deepest passions and desires of men and women. 

31st Jan (deadline): Call for new fiction in modern standard Arabic for children, Neem Tree Press

Neem Tree Press are seeking new, passionate and eloquent voices in Arabic fiction for young people. 

February 2015

8th Feb: The Narcicyst & Omar Offendum + Negash Ali live in London, 2-4 Hoxton Square, London

Arabian North American Duo Omar Offendum & Narcy return to London, with their special blend of Hip-Hop and spoken word. 

12th Feb - 14th March: Fireworks: a new play from Palestine by Dalia Taha, Royal Court Theatre, London

'Fireworks' was developed during the Royal Court's International Residency in August 2013. The play gives us a new way of seeing how war fractures childhood. 

March 2015

25th March: 8th Annual Conference for Arabic Language and Culture, SOAS, London

As part of the British Council's partnership with Qatar Foundation and Greater London Authority, this free conference will include workshops on how to introduce the teaching of Arabic in schools, professional development sessions, classroom tips and the chance to network with other Arabic teachers. 

31st March (deadline): Internship at Saqi Books, Westbourne Grove, London

Saqi Books is offering an eight-week full or part-time internships to bright individuals with an interest in publishing and the Middle East and North Africa. 

April 2015

1st April - 6th May: Creative Calligraphy, Arab British Centre, London

This course will guide students toward finding their own approach to the art of Arabic calligraphy, with each session consisting of a theoretical and a practical component. All materials are provided and a knowledge of Arabic is NOT required.

May 2015

2nd May - 4th July (every Saturday): Oud Beginners Course, Arab Britsh Centre, London

The Taqasim Music School presents an Oud Beginners Course, which will focus on teaching the fundamental techniques needed to play the Oud.

7th May: Screening of 'Champ of the Camp' by Mahmoud Kaabour, Arab British Centre, London 

'Champ of the Camp' is the first ever feature-length documentary filmed in the labour camps of the United Arab Emirates.

11th - 24th May:Exhibition 'World Civil War Portraits' by Sara Shamma, StolenSpace GALLERY, London 

The StolenSpace GALLERY presents a major solo exhibition of acclaimed paintings, inspired by the terrible civil war in Syria.

15th May: Rosa de Papel Contemporary Flamenco Night, Rich Mix, London

This contemporary flamenco night features musician Myriddin in collaboration with Syrian Kanun player, educator and composer Maya Youssef.

16th May: The Palestinian Children's Relief Fund: London Chapter, Grand Connaught Rooms, London 

A Gala Dinner to raise funds for the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund.

18th May: Preview Screening: 'Tell Spring Not To Come This Year' + Q&A with Directors, The Frontline Club, London

A documentary focused on an ANA company stationed in Helmand, an extremely dangerous province where attacks by Taliban fighters are the order of the day. The documentary won the Amnesty International Human Rights Award and the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Berlinale in February of this year.

27th May: Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East needs a Sexual Revolution, Free Word, London

The Literary Consultancy and Free Word present award-winning journalist Mona Eltahawy in conversation with celebrated Turkish author and activist Elif Shafak. The women will discuss Eltahawy's groundbreaking new book.

28th May: Gaâda Diwane de Béchar (UK Premiere), Rich Mix, London

The Saharan group appear in the UK for the first time with their unique Saharan rhythms and vocals.

June 2015

July 2015

11th - 25th July: Shubbak Festival: A window on comtemporary Arabic culture, venues across London

The Shubbak team are now planning their 3rd annual festival! In 2013, the festival attracted 55,000 visitors from London and the Arab world to see 52 events from 16 Arab countries.

August 2015 

28th - 29th August: Edinburgh Arab Festival 2015, Edinburgh

This summer, the first ever cultural Arab festival will be held in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Arab Festival 2015, organised by the Islamic & Middle Eastern Department at the University of Edinburgh, will run during the international Fringe festival on 28-29th Aug. This year's event will be a vibrant 2-day festival to introduce the rich cultural, literary and historical heritage of the Arab world using a variety of events namely: distinguished keynote addresses from world renowned scholars, art galleries, exhibitions, live entertainment, film screening, food tasting and multiple live workshops in language, poetry, and art; and much more.