In line with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) continues to celebrate Dubai as a global city of creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity through its School of Life initiative. Throughout August, Dubai Public Libraries will host 39 workshops and creative sessions inspired by the Dubai-it initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to instil Dubai’s philosophy of action in future generations by transforming ideas into meaningful achievements with speed, excellence and precision.

Through its clubs and specialised workshops, the School of Life initiative offers children, families and adults the opportunity to explore visual arts, handicrafts, languages, music, nutrition, calligraphy, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Designed to foster a culture of lifelong learning, the programme provides an engaging educational environment that blends knowledge with practical experience, reflecting Dubai Culture’s commitment to making culture accessible to everyone while transforming Dubai Public Libraries into vibrant hubs for creativity and skills development.

As part of the programme, Al Safa Art & Design Library will host the Your Traditional Dhow workshop, presented by Mohamed Loganiy, offering participants the opportunity to discover the UAE’s rich maritime heritage, and the Leather to Story workshop, led by Vivelle and introducing visitors to the fundamentals of leather crafting and notes binding. Additionally, Abeer Rashad will present the Genuine Leather Wallet workshop, and the library will also host Talent Day, celebrating the creative talents and achievements of participants in the School of Life programmes.

Meanwhile, the Made in Hatta initiative will present the Wear Your Creativity workshop at Hatta Public Library, where participants will design t-shirts inspired by Emirati culture. Rashidiya Public Library will also host the Crochet it workshop, led by Shorouq Tantawi.

As part of the Art Club programme, Al Safa Art & Design Library will offer a series of creative workshops inspired by Dubai’s spirit, history and cultural identity. Highlights include Lenticular Art: Dubai’s Evolution Journey, presented by Ghosn Art; UAE String Art, delivered by L’Atelier; and Weave with Tali, hosted by Happy Chaos and inspired by the traditional Emirati craft of talli weaving.

Venturia will present two workshops: Craft with Concrete, introducing participants to artistic techniques that use concrete as a creative medium, and Sensory Learning: Dubai Through Time, an immersive experience exploring the emirate’s history through a multisensory approach. The library will also host Dubai SkyLine Soap, where experts from Rooftop Soapery will guide participants in creating handcrafted soaps inspired by Dubai’s iconic skyline. In addition, StripsnCurls will present the Paper Quilling Magnets workshop; artist Leinda Elmiligy will lead the Glass Painting workshop; and artist Abeer Al Edani will deliver a series of Oil Painting Masterclass workshops, focusing on developing participants’ artistic techniques, composition skills, and creative expression.

The Health and Nutrition Club programme will feature a variety of culinary experiences that combine creativity with practical skills. Experts from Mummy Yummy will lead the Cheesecake Cups and Pancake Sticks workshops at Hatta Public Libraries and Al Jalilah Cultural Center for Children, where Chef Alya Al Ali will also be presenting the Dates Rangeena Reinvented workshop, inspired by one of the UAE’s most celebrated traditional desserts. Al Safa Art & Design Library will also host a Filter Coffee Brewing session by Relam Roastery, which will introduce participants to the fundamentals of filter coffee preparation and flavour-extraction techniques.

Within the Languages Club programme, Al Safa Art & Design Library will host Language to Legacy: Egyptian Dialect, presented by Shaheen, exploring the distinctive characteristics of the Egyptian dialect and its influence on Arab culture and allowing participants to discover its vocabulary and expressions while celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.

As part of the STEM Club activities, AlTwar public library will host Build & Program Your Robot, presented by Brainy n Bright, through which participants will gain practical experience in designing and programming robots while developing their creative thinking skills. Brainpad will also present the Game Coding Basics session, introducing children to the fundamentals of digital game design and development through an engaging learning experience that nurtures innovation.

The Music and Performing Arts Club will offer a series of workshops designed to develop children’s vocal and rhythmic abilities. Among the highlights is Choral in Arabic: Dubai Summer, presented by Cordon, which combines singing with interactive musical activities to encourage creative expression and strengthen teamwork skills among children.