Dubai: From crafting your own Arabic calligraphy pen to learning the etiquette of serving Emirati coffee, Dubai residents and visitors now have a chance to experience traditional Emirati culture and heritage through a series of free workshops at Al Shindagha Museum.Running throughout May, the workshops are designed to introduce the Emirati heritage to visitors through hands-on experiences for families, tourists, residents and People of Determination.While the workshops are free to attend, visitors must purchase a museum entry ticket.1. Arabic calligraphy workshop
If you’ve ever wanted to try Arabic calligraphy, this workshop is for you. You will even get a chance to craft your own traditional reed pen and learn the basics of Arabic script in a hands-on session.When: Every TuesdayTime: 12noon to 3pmLocation: Poetry HouseDuration: 45 to 60 minutes2. Emirati coffee experience
In this workshop, you will learn the traditions and etiquette behind serving Emirati coffee, an important symbol of hospitality in UAE culture and discover how coffee is traditionally prepared and presented to guests.When: DailyTime: 11am to 6pmLocation: Visitor CentreDuration: 15 to 20 minutes3. Traditional Emirati cooking
Want to learn how to cook Emirati food? Watch a live cooking demonstration and discover how Batheetha, a traditional Emirati dessert, is prepared.When: Every MondayTime: 12pm to 3pmLocation: Traditional Food HouseDuration: 30 to 45 minutes4. Talli bracelet and charm workshop
This workshop introduces visitors to Talli embroidery, a traditional Emirati handicraft, passed down through generations. You even get the chance to create personalised bracelets or charms inspired by Emirati heritage.When: Every SaturdayTime: 3pm to 6pmLocation: Traditional Jewellery SectionDuration: 15 to 20 minutes5. Pottery making workshop
One of the longest workshops on offer, this session explores the cultural importance of clay craftsmanship in the UAE. Learn traditional pottery-making techniques and create your own pottery pieces.When: Every weekendTime: 3pm to 6pmLocation: Emerging City SectionDuration: 1.5 to 2 hoursCapacity: Limited to 10 participants per day6. Soap making workshop
Create naturally scented soaps using oud, rose and herbs while learning about traditional Emirati wellness and self-care rituals.When: Every SundayTime: 3pm to 6pmLocation: Culture of the Sea Pavilion – No. 6Duration: 30 to 45 minutes7. Perfume making workshop
Perfume plays a significant role in Emirati culture, and this workshop explores the history and ingredients behind traditional UAE fragrances, giving you a chance to get practical experience creating perfumes.When: Every WednesdayTime: 12pm to 3pmLocation: Perfume HouseDuration: 20 to 30 minutes8. Daily guided tours
You can also book interactive guided tours across the museum’s heritage houses with cultural guides.When: DailyTime: 10am to 7pmLocation: All museum houses9. Family trailsIf you’re visiting as a family, you can take part in interactive workbook-based trails featuring puzzles, tasks and challenges across selected museum houses.When: Every weekendTime: 11am to 6pmLocations:Dubai Creek: Birth of a CityPerfume HouseEmerging CityCulture of the Sea PavilionDuration: 15 to 20 minutesHow much do the museum tickets cost?Entry to the workshops is free, but visitors need to buy a museum ticket.Dh20 per personDh40 group booking for five peopleMuseum timingsAl Shindagha Museum is open daily from 10am to 8pm, with the last entry at 7pm.Where is the Al Shindagha museum?Located in Dubai’s historic Al Shindagha neighbourhood, the museum is one of the emirate’s most important cultural destinations, spread across more than 80 traditional houses and 22 pavilions that explore different aspects of Dubai’s heritage and transformation over the years.If you’re driving to the museum, take the D92 Khaleej Road and follow the signs for Shindagha Museum as you approach the Infinity Bridge. You can park in the public parkin area along Al Khaleej Street.If you are taking public transport, the closest station is the Al Ghubaiba Metro station on the Green Line, which is a two-minute walk from the museum.
