Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the return of its popular initiative, the School of Life, this September with 34 interactive sessions across branches of Dubai Public Library. The programme, running under the theme “The Journey Begins Again”, aims to strengthen life skills for both adults and youth in line with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy.
The wide-ranging activities span artistic expression, storytelling, identity building, language learning, and mental wellbeing. Organisers say the initiative provides a space for developing abilities and exchanging ideas in a setting that nurtures innovation and supports success in personal and professional life.
Throughout the month, libraries across Dubai will be transformed into vibrant community spaces. In Hatta, the Health & Nutrition Club will run a practical session titled Preparing Your Lunchbox, designed to help young people create healthy meals in enjoyable ways.
At Al Mankhool Public Library, the Calligraphy Club will host Baybayin Calligraphy on Watercolour Paper, led by artist Gino Banola, showcasing Filipino heritage through the ancient script. Meanwhile, the Dubai Chess & Culture Club will stage an open junior chess tournament to build focus, decision-making, and strategic thinking in an inclusive setting.
Four dedicated school sessions are also planned. Al Twar Public Library will present The Pencil Who Found Himself, a storytelling activity encouraging self-acceptance, confidence, and diversity. At Hemaya School, children will take part in three readings of Ebtisam Al Beiti’s A Dragon Called Blue, aimed at helping them understand change and related emotions. Artist Fatima Alamiri will also conduct two wooden keychain workshops at the Dubai Foundation for Women & Children and the Dubai Club for People of Determination.
The Al Safa Art & Design Library will be a central hub of the programme, offering Japanese Matcha Refreshment, an introduction to the preparation and traditions of Japanese iced teas, alongside Choral: Melodies of Childhood by Cordon, which uses vocal exercises, rhythm games, and group singing to build confidence and creativity.
Al Safa will also host the annual Librarians’ Meeting, organised in collaboration with the Emirates Literature Foundation. The event will showcase educational initiatives such as the Chevron Readers’ Cup and the School Librarian of the Year Award, and include contributions from Oxford University Press and Magrudy’s Bookstores.
Art-focused workshops are also scheduled. Abeer Al Edani will lead Draw Your Dream, guiding participants in turning their dreamscapes into artworks through painting and collage. Medaf Creative Studio will run three children’s sessions including personalised notebooks, eco-friendly bag design from recycled fabric, and decorating artistic pencil cases. Zeinab Beshir will present Emirati Kharareef in Motion & Sound, where children bring traditional folktales to life through paper stop-motion animation.
The Book Club strand will feature What Did We Read This Summer? at Al Safa, encouraging readers to share favourite titles and inspire a culture of reading. Meanwhile, calligrapher Mohammad Altamimi will guide participants in mastering the Ruq’ah script, focusing on key letter formations and culminating in a closing ceremony honouring their progress.
With its mix of heritage, creativity, and innovation, the School of Life continues to evolve as a cultural platform that strengthens community ties while preparing young people and adults alike with skills for the future.
