The importance of creativity in teaching graphic design in Arab world

Purpose: this paper investigates the understanding of graphic design in Arab world and its relationship to the concept of creativity. It considers the status of the graphic design discipline in Oman and how Arabic students benefit from graphic design education. Methodology and approach; the paper is based on theoretical study using a qualitative, case study approach. A description of how the Arabic culture perceives the value of creativity was analyzed. Studying the nature of graphic design in the Arab world as opposite to the Western world was described. Theoretical study structures graphic design teaching and practice are identified. Results: the paper describes the possibilities of enhancing creativity and developing innovative potentials within Omani graphic design students, outlines the role of design educators, students and the government in this development. It discusses the lack of recognition of graphic design pedagogies within Arabic context, and considers their strengths and weaknesses. Enhancing creativity in this context requires investigating current methods of teaching graphic design used in Arabic design education. This research recognized the links between creativity and design. Conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness embedding in graphic design education in developing the concept of creativity. Conclusions: the study suggests a set of recommendations to encouraging an examination of creativity in the Arab world. It offers practical applications of developing graphic design education in the Arab world particularly in Oman. It suggest methods in developing the understanding of Arabs towards the concept of creativity.