Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is reviving its School of Life initiative this August with 31 interactive sessions across public libraries. As part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, the programme encourages creativity, learning, and wellbeing for library members and visitors.
Running under the theme ‘Hello Summer’, the sessions cover diverse topics—from storytelling and calligraphy to wellbeing, art, and languages. This initiative provides an inclusive space for the community to explore new interests, connect with others, and grow intellectually and emotionally.
Hands-On Creativity and Cultural Discovery
Throughout August, Al Safa Art & Design Library will be the hub for several engaging workshops. Tabarak Reda’s session, Create Your Own GIF Sticker, walks participants through turning illustrated stories into animated GIFs. Meanwhile, Eng. Khalfan Almarashda of CubixArt will lead Cubes Tell Stories, using Rubik’s Cubes to build mosaics that reflect personal and cultural narratives. This session is also available at Al Twar Library.
Artist Abeer Al Edani will guide guests in Art on Stone, a workshop exploring natural materials and unconventional art surfaces. In parallel, Medaf Creative Studio will host The Artistic Cake—a craft activity where guests create a layered cake-shaped box—and Watercolor Macaron Art, a playful introduction to watercolour techniques using painted macaron shapes.
The Calligraphy Club under the Impact Track features Ruq’ah script classes by Mohammad Altamimi. Using traditional tools, participants will practice forming Arabic letters including Kaaf (ق), Laam (ل), Meem (م), Noon (ن), Haa’ (ه), Waw (و), Yaa (ي), and Laam-Alif (لا).
Celebrating Global Languages and Culinary Traditions
At Hatta Public Library, Nada Saeed Kattan will lead the Fruit Sushi workshop for the Health & Nutrition Club. This session promotes healthy eating through plant-based ingredients and creative presentation. Meanwhile, Al Mankhool Library will host Japanese Matcha Refreshment, conducted by Japan in Arabia, where guests learn to prepare iced Japanese teas while exploring the rituals behind them.
Also at Al Mankhool, the Calligraphy Club will present Baybayin Calligraphy on Card Holder, led by Gino Banola. This session introduces the ancient Filipino Baybayin script, encouraging cultural appreciation through personalised design. Additionally, the library will run nine French for Beginners sessions under the Language Club. These conversational modules will explore family, people, seasons, hobbies, travel, and hotel stays—making French both accessible and practical.
A Month of Enrichment Concludes with Celebration
As the programme draws to a close on 31 August, participants of the French sessions will review key skills and receive certificates in a final ceremony. This wrap-up reflects Dubai Culture’s broader commitment to lifelong learning and building stronger community bonds through cultural initiatives.