‘School of Life' offers innovative cultural experiences that foster the spirit of giving during Ramadan

23 interactive workshops to take place this March

Dubai, UAE, 24 February 2026: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is bringing its ‘School of Life’ initiative back to Dubai Public Libraries this Ramadan with an inspiring lineup designed to engage community members of all ages. Held under the umbrella of Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy, the programme transforms the city's libraries into vibrant learning hubs, nurturing life, creative, and cultural skills through hands-on experiences that encourage positive thinking and a spirit of giving.

Under the theme ‘Ramadan… The Giving Month,’ the initiative offers more than 23 workshops this March across specialised clubs dedicated to calligraphy, literature, music, performing arts, languages, family development, health and nutrition, and more. Visitors can look forward to crafting ceramics, preparing traditional maamoul, and enjoying storytelling, among a rich mix of other experiences.

Al Safa Art & Design Library takes centre stage with a wide-ranging programme. Linda Elmiligy leads ‘3D Arabic Calligraphy,’ where attendees create three-dimensional artworks from wood. Through the Art Club, children can design and decorate their own savings boxes in the ‘Money Box’ workshop with Medaf Creative Studio, discovering the value of saving along the way. They can also craft crescent-shaped cotton-filled dolls in the ‘Moon Plush’ session. Sahab Collective brings 'Creative Writing: Writing as an Act of Giving,' exploring writing as a form of expression, reflection, and generosity through guided exercises that help develop personal voice and transform lived experiences into meaningful narratives.

Also, at Al Safa Art & Design Library, Dubai Culture and Tashkeel present ‘Hand-Built Ceramics,’ guiding visitors in shaping clay into unique artistic pieces. In ‘ClayMation,’ attendees can explore the world of stop-motion animation by building characters and forms from clay, while artist Abeer Al Edani's ‘Beaded Canvas’ session invites makers to experiment with contemporary collage techniques that blend colour and texture. Additionally, the library hosts Music and Performing Arts Club activities with Cordon, where children can join ‘Choral in Arabic: Al Eid Jaa’ to develop vocal and rhythm skills through Eid-celebration songs, or take part in ‘Choral in Arabic: Mother's Day,’ performing the beloved ‘Ommi Kam Ahwaha’ in a joyful musical experience.

Across the city's other branches, the programme is equally varied. At Kutubna Cultural Center, the Art Club hosts ‘Lantern Soap,’ guiding participants in making Ramadan-inspired soap using high-quality natural ingredients. Al Rashidiya Library welcomes experts from StripsnCurls for ‘Paper Quilling Bookmark,’ where visitors turn delicate paper strips into artistic bookmarks, and Mummy Yummy for ‘Maamoul Making’ under the Health and Nutrition Club, offering participants a chance to prepare different varieties of the beloved treat in a warm, festive setting. The library also hosts 'Occasions Gift Card' with Sahar Tradition, where attendees design gift cards adorned with Sadu motifs that reflect the values of giving and connection, while exploring traditional patterns to create personalised keepsakes that celebrate the spirit of generosity.

At Al Twar Public Library, Arabically presents ‘Arabic in Life: Giving as Language,’ a storytelling session that celebrates the Arabic language through the lens of Ramadan.

Al Mankhool Public Library adds three distinctive offerings to the lineup. 'Candle Factory' with Sxill Lab introduces the art of candle making from start to finish, from scent selection to pouring techniques and finishing touches. 'Coconut Matcha: Japan in Arabia' offers a culinary-inspired experience in preparing coconut matcha in a modern style, focusing on flavour balance, presentation, and preparation. Meanwhile, Gino Banola and Teng Meras lead 'Baybayin on Notebooks & Pens,' a hands-on engraving session where learners explore the aesthetics of this traditional script, producing personalised notebooks and pens that merge heritage lettering with contemporary design.