DUBAI — Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the return of its “School of Life” initiative, featuring a month-long programme of workshops and activities across Dubai Public Libraries as part of the emirate’s Quality of Life Strategy.
Held under the theme “Family Month,” the programme will run throughout May, offering 38 workshops and interactive sessions spanning art, literature, music, languages, and family development. The initiative is designed to strengthen personal skills, encourage creativity, and promote reading and cultural engagement among community members.
A key highlight is a 12-week creative writing course delivered in collaboration with Sahab Collective. Hosted at Al Safa Art & Design Library, the programme targets experienced writers aged 18 and above, guiding them from concept development to completed works of creative non-fiction. Participants will produce up to 5,000 words for inclusion in a curated anthology distributed across cultural institutions.
The May calendar also includes a virtual session on emotional intelligence in leadership led by Ghalia Turki, focusing on decision-making and self-awareness. At Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, Alya Al Ali will host a workshop on traditional Emirati snacks, introducing dishes such as jbab and ferni.
Across Dubai’s library network, families can participate in a wide range of creative activities. At Al Twar Library, attendees will design wooden home décor pieces, while Al Rashidiya Library will host sessions on crafting textured frames and embroidered storytelling. Meanwhile, Al Mankhool Library will feature workshops on Japanese onomatopoeia and manga-inspired art.
The Art Club programme, centred at Al Safa Art & Design Library, includes sessions on block printing, oil painting, doll-making, and textile art, alongside children’s workshops such as paper crafts and miniature home building. At Hatta Public Library, families can explore paper quilling and food preparation workshops focused on healthy cooking.
Language and performance-based activities also form a key component of the programme. An Arabic spelling competition will take place at Al Twar Library, while the “Poetry Stars” final at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children will bring young performers to the stage in a live recitation contest. A choral programme for children will culminate in a musical performance centred on family themes.
In addition, calligraphy and design workshops will be held at Al Safa Art & Design Library and Al Mankhool Library, covering geometric ornamentation and traditional scripts such as Baybayin.
The initiative also features literary discussions organised by AlRawyat Book Club, including sessions with Hala Kazim and a discussion of the novel My Name is Alia and This is My Father by Ali Al Shaali.
Rounding out the programme, workshops on family communication and leadership will be held at Al Khawaneej Library, alongside a “School of Life Forum” that brings together facilitators to exchange insights and explore future collaborations.
Dubai Culture said the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life by fostering creativity, lifelong learning, and stronger family and community connections across the emirate.