Dubai’s School of Life program returns in July with two dozen hands-on sessions in arts, cooking, music, and coding, turning public libraries into vibrant community classrooms.
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority announced it will host 23 interactive workshops and creative sessions at multiple public libraries throughout July, as part of its ongoing School of Life initiative. The program, aligned with Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy, aims to equip children, families, and adults with practical skills in arts, languages, music, and nutrition. Sessions run at venues including Hatta Public Library, Al Jalilah Cultural Center for Children, Al Mankhool Library, Al Twar Library, Al Rashidiya Public Library, Al Safa Art & Design Library, and Um Suqeim Library.
Health and Nutrition Workshops Blend Tradition with Modern Flavors
The Health and Nutrition Club offers culinary experiences that emphasize natural ingredients and regional heritage. At Hatta Public Library, the “Summer Cocktail” workshop led by Mummy Yummy teaches participants how to prepare refreshing non-alcoholic beverages using fresh produce. At Al Jalilah Cultural Center for Children, Chef Alya Al Ali will guide attendees in making traditional Emirati snacks—saffron cake and karak tea—while a separate “Cookies Masterclass” from the same team covers decorating techniques in a playful setting.
Art and Craft Sessions Explore Nature, Heritage, and Global Techniques
The Art Club programme highlights both local traditions and international crafts. In “Flame Soap” at Al Mankhool Library, participants create decorative soaps inspired by the region’s Flame Tree blossoms. Rafia Alsuwaidi’s “Tali Charm” at Al Twar Library reinterprets the UAE’s traditional Tali embroidery by guiding attendees to design beaded bag charms. At Al Rashidiya Public Library, “Clay Coasters” with Teng Miras uses air-dry clay to produce functional art pieces.
Al Safa Art & Design Library features two distinctive workshops: “Kinusaiga Art Masterclass” led by Abeer Al Edani, which introduces the Japanese no-sew textile art of patching silk on wood, and “Flame Tree Mirror Art” presented by Medaf Creative Studio, where mirrors become canvases for botanical-inspired designs.
Sensory Learning and Coding for Young Minds
Children’s programs incorporate Montessori principles and early tech education. “Sensory Learning: Flame Tree” at Um Suqeim Library, run by Venturia, uses tactile play to foster independent exploration. “Code the Flame Tree” at Al Twar Library introduces basic coding and logical thinking through interactive activities. At Al Rashidiya Public Library, “Beaded Flower Pot” with L’Atelier lets kids craft nature-themed planters.
Music and Performing Arts Build Collaboration
At Al Jalilah Cultural Center for Children, the Music and Performing Arts Club presents “Choral and Performing Arts in Arabic,” delivered by Cordon. The session combines singing with group exercises to develop vocal skills and teamwork.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
Dubai Culture’s School of Life reflects the emirate’s push to make cultural education accessible and engaging. By leveraging public libraries as community hubs, the initiative supports lifelong learning and creative expression. Residents and visitors can register for free through Dubai Culture’s official channels. With workshops spanning cooking, crafts, coding, and choral arts, the July programme offers something for every age and interest—reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a incubator for talent and a global center for culture.