Artists

Antoine Iskandar, born in Zgharta, pursued his studies at the ALBA and graduated with a master’s degree in architecture from the Lebanese University in 1971. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for literature and the arts, including painting, poetry, and Arabic calligraphy, and was awarded the first prize for poetry by Dar al Fan wal Adab (Janine Rbeiz), where the judge was the poet Said Akl. Following five years of professional work in Beirut, Antoine relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 1976 amidst the war, where he founded Al Meedan Architecture Consultants. Over the past 43 years, he has overseen the completion of hundreds of projects across the Emirates and the Gulf, contributing to the development of the region's construction sector. In addition to his architectural achievements, Antoine played a role in establishing the Lebanese Business Council, where he served as the representative for Arts, Culture, and Media. He has also held several exhibitions at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre and in Ehden. He held numerous lectures and poetry sessions at the Cultural Foundation and the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi, especially on the role of Christian Arabs in Arab civilization, as well as the role of Lebanese diaspora poets in introducing the western world to Arabic civilization. Iskandar exhibited in Municipality of Ehden (1962) Al Kubra Hall, Ehden (2019) Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre (1988, 1993) He was awarded by the first prize for poetry, by Dar al Fan wal Adab (Janine Rbeiz, 1970)