Emirati sculptor Mattar bin Lahej and global contemporary artist eL Seed will explore how visual storytelling transcends borders during a featured session at the Arab Youth Media Forum, part of the Arab Media Summit 2026 in Dubai.
DUBAI — Two artists known for turning Arabic calligraphy into monumental public works will take center stage at the Arab Media Summit this September, offering a fresh perspective on how art can bridge cultures and tell human stories without words.
The Dubai Press Club announced today that Mattar bin Lahej, a prominent Emirati artist working across painting, photography, design and sculpture, and eL Seed, a French-Tunisian artist whose murals span from the Pyramids of Giza to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, will co-host a session titled “The Power of Art in Storytelling.” The discussion is scheduled for September 15–17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The Art of Connection
Both artists have built careers on using Arabic script as a visual language that speaks beyond linguistic barriers. For bin Lahej, whose public installations include the “Power of Words” sculptures at Qasr Al Watan and the calligraphic facade of the Museum of the Future, art functions as a dialogue starter. His work often examines the tension between tradition and modernity, asking viewers to reconsider how identity is shaped by heritage in a rapidly changing world.
eL Seed, meanwhile, describes his practice as “using language as a bridge.” His large-scale murals and sculptures frequently explore themes of unity, coexistence and cultural memory. Works such as the “Perception” mural in Cairo’s Manshiyat Naser district—visible only from a specific vantage point—demonstrate his signature approach: embedding messages that reward the attentive viewer. His pieces are held in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Why Art Matters in Media
The session arrives at a time when media organizations increasingly recognize visual storytelling as a tool for engagement. According to the Dubai Press Club, the Arab Media Summit—now in its 24th year—aims to spark conversations about innovation in journalism, digital content and cultural communication.
“Art transcends boundaries,” said a press club spokesperson in a statement. “When words fail, images and symbols carry meaning. These two artists prove that a single calligraphic stroke can tell a story as powerfully as a headline.”
What Attendees Can Expect
The discussion will cover:
- How public art creates shared spaces for cross-cultural dialogue
- The role of calligraphy in preserving heritage while embracing contemporary forms
- Practical insights for media professionals on integrating visual storytelling into their work
Bin Lahej and eL Seed are expected to share behind-the-scenes looks at their most ambitious projects, including the technical and logistical challenges of creating art on a monumental scale.
Broader Implications
As the Middle East invests heavily in cultural tourism and creative industries, sessions like this highlight a growing recognition that artists are essential narrators of regional stories. The summit’s focus on art-as-storytelling signals a shift for media professionals: the next great story may not be written—it may be sculpted, painted or spray-painted on a wall.
For media professionals, content creators and cultural enthusiasts, this session offers a rare chance to hear from two artists who have mastered the art of saying more with less—proving that a single letter, writ large enough, can speak to everyone.
The Arab Media Summit 2026 runs from September 15–17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Registration is open via the Dubai Press Club website.