Explore Dubai’s Summer Workshops: A Cultural and Creative Adventure

As the temperature rises and summer begins in earnest, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is ushering in a season filled with creativity and learning. Through its initiative, ‘School of Life’, part of Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy, Dubai Culture is set to launch an exciting new line-up of community workshops. With the theme ‘Hello Summer’, participants can look forward to 18 engaging sessions throughout June across various programs, all designed to cultivate skills and provide a vibrant platform for community engagement.

Hands-On Experiences Await

One of the standout offerings this summer is the Japanese Kakigori workshop at Al Mankhool Public Library. In this interactive session, attendees will learn the art of preparing kakigōri, the delectable Japanese shaved ice dessert. Utilizing seasonal flavors and homemade syrups, participants will not only indulge in a refreshing treat but also gain insight into the nuances of Japanese culinary traditions. This is more than just a cooking class; it’s an experience that immerses attendees in cultural appreciation.

Diving into Heritage Through Art

Art lovers have a wealth of options with workshops designed to introduce and celebrate different cultural heritages. The Calligraphy Club at Al Mankhool Public Library features a unique class titled ‘Baybayin Calligraphy on Shell’. Led by Gino Banola, this workshop invites participants to discover the Filipino heritage through the ancient Baybayin script. Participants will learn to paint on shells, honoring both the art form and its cultural significance, making for a truly enriching experience.

Meanwhile, Hatta Public Library will host a ‘Fruit Carving Workshop’ led by Nada Saeed Kattan under the Health & Nutrition Club. In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to transform ordinary fruits into playful, artistic shapes. Not only is this a creative outlet, but it also emphasizes healthy eating and the art of presentation.

Creative Journeys at Al Safa Art & Design Library

At Al Safa Art & Design Library, creativity knows no bounds as the Art Club opens its doors to both adults and children. In the workshop ‘From Idea to Creation: An Artistic Journey in Colour’, guided by Benedicte Gimonnet, participants will learn the essentials of embarking on an art project, from conceptualizing their ideas to selecting the perfect color palette that resonates with their vision.

For those looking to create keepsakes, ‘Painting on Tote Bags’ led by Abeer Al Edani promises to be a delightful experience. Participants will explore how to turn personal memories into unique, tangible art pieces by decorating tote bags.

Additionally, children can engage in special sessions hosted by Medaf Creative Studio. Little ones can design their own fishbowls in one session, and in another, they can experiment with luxuries in art like painting with gold leaves.

Literature and Photography: A Summer of Stories and Visuals

As the summer unfolds, the Book Club’s ‘Travelling Memoirs’ invites visitors to explore literature that delves into journeys—both real and imagined. This session will open discussions around travel memoirs, road trip fiction, and stories of transformation, fostering an exchange of ideas and personal narratives among participants.

For photography enthusiasts, the Photography Club offers a chance to enhance skills through practical training sessions. Here, participants will learn the ins and outs of presenting their images professionally and building the confidence needed to share their work with the world. The culmination of this training will be a public exhibition, allowing participants to showcase their newfound skills and artistic visions.

Mastering Calligraphy and Cultural Expression

The Impact Track’s offerings are not to be missed, particularly for those interested in mastering Arabic calligraphy. Led by Mohammad Altamimi, the Ruq’ah classes focus on the intricate art of Arabic letter formation. Participants will engage with traditional tools to learn how to create characters such as Meem (م), Ya (ي), Hamzah (ء), Ayn (ع), and Haa (ح). This dedication to preserving language and art is a beautiful representation of cultural heritage.

Whether you’re looking to splash some color into your summer, dive into cultural traditions, or explore the world through literature and photography—this initiative by Dubai Culture is set to enrich the community experience this summer. With something for everyone, these sessions promise to ignite creativity, foster connections, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of cultures that Dubai has to offer.