Duwaji, an illustrator, animator and ceramic artist, will join the programme as its artist-in-residence. She is the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office at the beginning of 2026.

The retreat, entitled Journey Through Islamic Calligraphy, is being organised by The Women Sanctuary and will take place across two sessions, from 16 to 21 September and again from 25 to 30 September.

Although some reports have linked the event with Porto, it is expected to be held at a countryside property in Arcos de Valdevez, in the Viana do Castelo district.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of Islam in Portugal and the influence it left behind in the country’s architecture, language and culture.

Duwaji will also lead an illustration workshop celebrating this heritage. The wider programme includes time for spiritual reflection, walks, picnics and informal gatherings in the Portuguese countryside.

The New York Post reports that this will be Duwaji’s third collaboration with The Women Sanctuary this year, following retreats held in Mallorca and Corsica.

The artist has previously worked with a number of well-known publications and organisations, with her illustrations appearing in outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post and the BBC.

Her upcoming visit will bring international attention to northern Portugal and highlight a part of the country’s history that is often more closely associated with southern regions such as the Algarve and Alentejo.