Projects
Projects allow Mahmood Al Abadi to test the relationship of the letter to place, scale and use. The idea develops in dialogue with its context, and research into material and execution becomes part of building the work. These pages gather projects that show the practice extending into architecture, hospitality, design and digital life, with his role in each made clear.
Projects carry the questions of the artistic practice into other contexts. Scale changes, the relationship with architecture and with those who use the place or the screen widens, and artistic decisions emerge from that encounter.
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Dubai · 2014–2019 · Art, place and art consultancy
Andaz Dubai The Palm
An art programme bringing the Emirati environment and the Arabic letter into a contemporary hospitality experience.
54 works shown here · From the project documentation: 18 images
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2017–2024 · Award design and visual identity
Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Excellence in Horse Racing
Thuluth Jali letters build the form of rider and horse, extending into the award's identity and applications.
From the project documentation: 5 images
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2015 · Works for the senior management offices
Noor Bank
Seventeen handmade works exploring the letter at a large scale, from first experiment to installation.
The project comprises 17 works; 9 are shown here · From the project documentation: 8 images
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Dubai · 2016–2017 · Calligraphy and architectural identity
Al Zarooni Grand Mosque
The calligraphic inscriptions and visual pattern in continuous relationship with the mosque's architecture.
From the project documentation: 5 images
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Dubai · July 2025 · Direct calligraphy on glass
Al Etihad Credit Bureau
Writing that responds to the transparency of glass and to the light and shadow of the place.
From the project documentation: 3 images
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Collaboration since 2020 · Digital art and design
Huawei Themes
Themes and watch faces that carry the Arabic letter into everyday use.
From the project documentation: 12 images
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Dubai · 2019 · Art consultancy and vision development
Hyatt Place Dubai Wasl District
The letter and Emirati visual memory within a hotel experience.
From the project documentation: 5 images
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Abu Dhabi · 9–10 March 2014 · Visual identity and exhibition curation
Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies
From the theme of peace to the logo, the exhibition and the publications.
3 works shown here · From the project documentation: 2 images
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2022 · Calligraphic compositions, watch face and gift design
Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre
Poetry in a form that is used, carried and evokes the city.
From the project documentation: 6 images
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2022 · Artistic collaboration and product design
ALCHIMIE and the Eishi Biladi Collection
Calligraphic studies of "Eishi Biladi" wrapping around product surfaces.
1 work shown here
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Since 2016 · Writing and engraving the championship name
Mohammed bin Rashid Endurance Cup
Thuluth Jali calligraphy on the championship cup.
From the project documentation: 1 image
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2006–2008 · Art direction and editorial design
Al Arabiya Magazine
An early presence of the letter on the cover, the page and the reading experience.