Deira City Centre together with Montblanc showcase ‘Letters of Love’ exhibit by renowned Arabic calligrapher Wissam Shawkat

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 8 February 2012 – As a tribute to the month of love, Deira City Centre is showcasing an exclusive exhibition by acclaimed Arabic calligrapher, Wissam Shawkat. Presented by Montblanc, a luxury maker of writing instruments and other accessories, ‘Letters of Love’ is an expression of art, beauty and the power of the written word that will be on display on the Centre Stage from now until Valentine’s Day on Tuesday February 14th.

The ‘Letters of Love’ exhibition at Deira City Centre will take a selection of the best works from Wissam’s debut exhibition in New York City last year, to make a tailor-made collection exclusively for Dubai. Representing a fusion of classical calligraphy with new forms, shapes and styles, ‘Letters of Love’ is a tribute to contemporary Arab art and culture, setting a romantic tone for Valentine’s Day. Montblanc is adding to the occasion by giving away red roses throughout the 10-day exhibition, and offering complimentary Valentine’s Day cards inviting visitors to write their own ‘letters of love’.

On Monday February 13th only, Wissam Shawkat will make a special guest appearance at Deira City Centre in the early evening to discuss his ‘Letters of Love’ exhibit, sign autographs and Valentine’s Day cards and interact with visitors. Born in Iraq and now residing in Dubai, Wissam is among the world’s youngest and most talented Arabic calligraphers who has stimulated the art of calligraphy by mixing new and innovative forms with classical Arabic scripts.

“We’re honoured to be welcoming Wissam Shawkat and his prestigious calligraphy works to Deira City Centre and showcasing the theme of ‘love’ with our visitors,” said Fuad Al Najjar, Senior Asset Director, Shopping Mall Asset Management. “Presented by Montblanc, the ‘Letters of Love’ is a celebration of Arab art and culture, and we’re pleased to feature this unique and visually stunning exhibition leading up to Valentine’s Day on the 14th.”
The ‘Letters of Love’ exhibition by Montblanc will be hosted at Deira City Centre from Monday February 6th to Tuesday February 14th at the Centre Stage. During this period, shoppers who make a purchase at Montblanc at Deira City Centre will receive a complimentary fragrance. Special conditions apply.

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About Deira City Centre:
Deira City Centre is the original flagship mall in the Majid Al Futtaim Properties portfolio.  Launched in 1995, it pioneered the concept of combining shopping and entertainment in the region.  It remains one of the region’s most visited destinations, attracting over 19 million visitors a year.
The Centre has over 360 stores including its anchors – Carrefour, Debenhams, Iconic, Sharaf DG, Virgin Megastore and Paris Gallery.  It prides itself with its wide range of mid-market popular brands such as Zara, New Look, Forever 21, H&M, Gap and Splash, as well as a host of electronic stores.
In addition to offering a great and convenient shopping experience, the Centre also features City Centre Hotel and Residence, managed by Pullman; VOX Cinemas, an 11-screen multiplex cinema, Magic Planet family entertainment centre, as well as a food court and several international restaurants and cafes; dedicated tourist services; and a Metro Station at its doorstep. 

About Majid Al Futtaim Properties:
Majid Al Futtaim Properties is leading developer of ‎shopping malls together with hotels and ‎mixed-use community ‎projects in the MENA region. Majid Al Futtaim Properties has changed the face of shopping, leisure and entertainment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It currently owns and operates ten world-class shopping malls in the region with three of its flagship projects based in Dubai. Majid Al Futtaim Properties has earned numerous accolades and awards from international organizations that have recognized its leadership and the quality of its properties. The Company’s shopping malls continue to witness a steady increase in footfall with more than 135 million visitors during 2010.

Deira City Centre pioneered the concept of shopping and entertainment in the region. It has over 370 stores with an extensive array of mid-market popular brands, including leisure and entertainment facilities and over 50 restaurants and cafes.  

Mall of the Emirates is a world-class shopping mall, housing over 520 international retail brands including 60 luxury stores and a unique range of leisure attractions, anchored by the world-renowned Ski Dubai.  
Mirdif City Centre, the latest regional shopping mall in the UAE by Majid Al Futtaim Properties, is home to 430 stores offering the best mix of retail, superior leisure and entertainment concepts that include iFLY Dubai - indoor skydiving centre and VOX Cinemas and many more, and a host of delicious fine dining outlets.