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The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is introducing a range of interactive experiences at the city’s public libraries this August through its School of Life initiative, linked to the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy. Throughout the coming month, 31 knowledge-based workshops are on offer, blending creativity and learning to enrich the experience of Dubai Public Library members and visitors.
Under the theme ‘Hello Summer’, the programme features sessions in various areas, including art, wellbeing, storytelling, self-expression, languages, and more. It provides participants with a unique opportunity to explore new interests and share ideas in an environment designed to spark imagination and encourage engagement.
Throughout August, Al Safa Art & Design Library will become a lively space for hands-on experimentation. Highlights include Tabarak Reda’s class, ‘Create Your Own GIF Sticker,’ guiding attendees as they transform their own illustrated stories into animated GIFs. Meanwhile, Eng. Khalfan Almarashda from CubixArt will lead ‘Cubes Tell Stories,’ where Rubik’s Cubes are arranged into mosaic artworks reflecting aspects of cultural identity—a session also available at Al Twar Library.
At Al Safa Art & Design Library’s Art Club, Abeer Al Edani’s ‘Art on Stone’ workshop invites guests to experiment with unconventional surfaces, using natural materials in unexpected ways. Medaf Creative Studio will host two hands-on activities: ‘The Artistic Cake,’ where participants craft a box designed to resemble a layered cake, and ‘Watercolor Macaron Art,’ offering children an introduction to watercolours as they paint a set of macarons. Under the Impact Track’s Calligraphy Club, Mohammad Altamimi will lead Ruq’ah classes, focusing on mastering Arabic letter formation using traditional tools, covering characters such as Kaaf (ق), Laam (ل), Meem (م), Noon (ن), Haa’ (ه), Waw (و), Yaa (ي), and Laam-Alif (لا).
Hatta Public Library will organise the ‘Fruit Sushi’ workshop as part of the Health & Nutrition Club, led by Nada Saeed Kattan. This activity introduces fresh, plant-based ingredients and teaches guests how to create healthy and visually appealing fruit sushi. Al Mankhool Library will offer the ‘Japanese Matcha Refreshment’ session by Japan in Arabia, guiding attendees through the process of making different types of Japanese iced tea while exploring the cultural practices and rituals surrounding its preparation and enjoyment.
In another offering by the Calligraphy Club, Al Mankhool Library will host the ‘Baybayin Calligraphy on Card Holder’ class led by Gino Banola, who will share Filipino heritage and demonstrate the art of painting on card holders using the ancient Baybayin script. The library is also rolling out nine Language Club sessions under the Creative Impact Track’s ‘French for Beginners,’ introducing French in an accessible, conversational format. Each module focuses on essential everyday topics such as talking about family, describing people, weather and seasons, hobbies and activities, travel and transportation, and hotel stays. The programme wraps up on 31 August with a final review of key language skills, ending with a certificate ceremony to celebrate participants’ achievements and their commitment to learning a new language.