Exciting Summer Camps by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority

This summer promises to be an exhilarating adventure for children and youth in Dubai, thanks to the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). With the preparations now finalized, parents can look forward to engaging summer camps that blend education and fun. Taking place throughout July and August at various cultural and heritage venues around the city, these camps are geared toward fostering curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning among young participants.

Locations and Structure of the Camps

Dubai Culture’s summer camps will be hosted at several notable venues: Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai Public Libraries, Etihad Museum, and Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. Each camp will run in two-week sessions, creating an immersive experience that promotes cultural and artistic exploration. Through these activities, Dubai Culture aims to nurture a new generation that not only appreciates cultural diversity but also actively participates in enriching their community.

Al Shindagha Museum: Archaeology Adventure

At the Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, the ‘Archaeology Adventure’ camp offers a hands-on introduction to heritage and archaeology for children aged 6 to 12. Taking place from July 14 to 18 and again from July 21 to 25, this camp is a treasure trove of activities designed to ignite young imaginations. Participants will delve into petroglyphs, experiment with metal casting, and become familiar with excavation tools.

A particularly exciting component is the scavenger hunt, which creates an engaging pathway for children to connect with their national identity. Additionally, attendees will enjoy a field trip to Dubai Culture’s Restoration House to witness first-hand how historical artefacts are preserved and restored, making heritage come alive in a meaningful way.

Dubai Public Libraries: Heritage and Innovation

Under the theme ‘Heritage and Innovation,’ Dubai Public Libraries will run a summer camp from July 14 to 25 and August 4 to 15, targeting youth aged 4 to 14. This camp will be held across various libraries, including Al Mankhool, Al Twar, and Al Safa Arts & Design, alongside new locations like Al Barsha Community Centre and Al Mizhar Majlis.

The camp aims to nurture innovation while instilling a deep sense of belonging within the community. Children will learn about traditional Emirati practices such as Yowla (a traditional dance) and boat building, along with modern skills like sustainable design. Other fascinating activities include solar-powered car races, fashion projects that reflect Emirati heritage, and chatbot robotics workshops. The grand finale will be an interactive exhibition at Dubai Public Libraries, where young creators can showcase their projects and ideas.

Creative Expressions at Al Jalila Cultural Centre

The Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children will offer the ‘A Burst of Imagination’ camp for children aged 4 to 13, running from July 7 to 18 and again from August 4 to 15. This camp is designed to nurture creativity through various immersive, activity-based workshops. Participants will explore abstract and expressionist art, engage in clay wheel techniques, and develop a range of skills in music, photography, filmmaking, puppet theatre design, and animation.

This creative experience encourages children to express themselves artistically while learning new skills in a fun and interactive environment.

Becoming a Cultural Guide at Etihad Museum

Etihad Museum will host its own camp, running from August 4 to 8 and again from August 11 to 15, inviting students aged 8 and older to embark on a journey under the theme ‘Certified Cultural Guide.’ This immersive program offers participants an in-depth understanding of the UAE’s union, history, and culture, along with the inspiring legacy of the founding fathers.

Combining classroom learning with on-site activities, children will develop skills essential for leading cultural tours and engaging audiences. They’ll build confidence, practice public speaking, and deepen their connection to national history. Upon successful completion of the program and practical assessment, participants will receive a ‘Certified Cultural Guide’ certificate from the museum, marking their achievement and enhancing their knowledge of their heritage.

Additional Activities: Second-hand Book Fair

In addition to the summer camps, Dubai Culture will also host a Second-hand Book Fair, featuring a thoughtfully curated collection of pre-loved books available at accessible prices. This initiative aims to inspire a love of reading in the younger generation, further enriching their educational experience during the summer.

Through these diverse and engaging camps, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is not just providing a summer of fun; they are laying the groundwork for a more culturally aware and active generation. The opportunities for learning, creativity, and community engagement are sure to create lasting memories for all participants.