Life
If you’re stuck in the rut of the same routine every morning and need a break to get those creative juices flowing, we’re here to help.
From stimulating discussions on though-provoking subjects to art galleries showcasing the world of notable artists, Dubai is never short of venues to feel rejuvenated.
Whether you’re an art fanatic or enjoy taking part in various workshops, there’s enough and more to ensure, your skills are used and you can learn from the experts to simply take a break from your phone.
So, to revamp your daily routine, here are the editor-approved creative spots to visit with exclusive programmes this month.
TODA
TODA is the UAE’s first 360° hub that strives to enrich the cultural landscape, combining art & technology. From classical masterpieces to various digital shows and wellness sessions, guests can art like never before with its various interpretations. This July, visitors can immerse themselves into the captivating world of traditional Japanese art, where stunning visuals come to life as the untold story of Van Gogh unfolds. To complement the experience, visitors can also partake in different traditional Japanese customs, including tea tasting, Ikebana masterclasses (the art of flower arrangement), and Haiku learning (a form of Japanese poetry). Located at Souk Madinat, Jumeirah, the ticket prices range from Dhs72 to Dhs350.
Cinema Akil
The fully-fledged arthouse cinema brings people from all around the world together to enjoy films ranging from classics to regional films. Being the GCC’s first arthouse cinema, it aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts. Having opened its first permanent location in Al Quoz, Dubai, this platform showcases directors and filmmakers across the decades. It’s located in Warehouse 68. Ticket prices start at Dhs50 exclusive of VAT and can be purchased online, with movies focused on different themes each month. During the month of July until September 14, 2023, Cinema Akil is proudly showing 10 films of the most “Americanitalian” of all directors, Martin Scorsese. For a snack break, Project Chaiwala serves a variety of teas including their signature and Karak along with other dishes to indulge in during the show.
The Jam Jar
If you want to unleash your inner Picasso, this is the place to visit. By contributing to Dubai’s art scene, The Jam Jar is a community arts space that engages audiences, promotes local artists, and supports the development of Dubai’s art scene through extensive art programmes, community projects and educational initiatives. By building a bridge between arts and education, this multi-functional space offers the region’s first DIY painting studio, which is accessible to people across different ages. It’s open from Monday to Thursday 10am to 7pm, Friday from 2pm to 8pm and Saturday from 10am to 7pm and is located in Unit H74. Canvas’ start at Dhs100 for the small one with supplies such as paintbrushes and paints to ensure visitors can embark on a creative journey as they switch off and paint.
Jameel Arts Centre
This independent institution is dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art. Positioned as a new creative destination in the city, and a hub for educational initiatives and cultural events, Jameel Arts Centre includes an open-access research library dedicated to artists and cultural movements of the Arab world, plus project and commissions spaces, a roof-top terrace, writer’s studio, members’ lounge, a chic café known as Teible along with a sculpture park.
The Mud House
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned potter, there’s no end to pottery making at this one-of-a-kind studio. The experienced staff will take visitors through each step from centering and wedging to pulling and trimming for the wheel throwing class and they will guide you through each step of the process, from Pinching and Coiling to Slab Building and Slump Molding for the hand building class. Located in Warehouse No. 2 in Al Quoz Industrial 3, behind Dubai Garden Centre, it’s open from Tuesday 2pm to 8pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm and is closed on Monday. Prices for one single session start at Dhs210 per person.
Paus; Wellness + Community
This quaint wellness space offers a series of stimulation sessions on different thought-provoking topics each month. Known as Matcha Mornings and Chai Chats, guests can engage in conversations with different individuals to expand their understanding on each topic. This month, guests can explore the intriguing topic: ‘Optimist or Realist: Shaping Perspectives on Life’ on July 27, from 8-9pm and delve into the topic: ‘Ignorance is Bliss: Unveiling the Role of Ignorance in Personal Growth’ on on July 30, from 11am to 12pm. Each session is priced at Dhs35 per person and can be booked online along with a complimentary matcha.
Oo La La
In the mood for creating your own fragrance? Use the Oo Fragrance Table to select ingredients and build up your own fragrance formula. 1000’s unique olfactory combinations can be crafted. From workshops to collaborations with luxury fashion brands, Oo La Lab hosts several sensorial workshop sessions for people to enjoy with friends, family or even alone. Located in Warehouse 58, it’s open from Wednesday to Sunday 12pm to 7pm. The candle mixology workshops are priced at Dhs400 per person and the fragrance design and mixology group session is priced at Dhs400.
ICD Brookfield
For a glimpse into the eclectic artwork of Palestinian-American artist Lena Kassicieh, , ICD Brookfield Place will be hosting a series of pop-up events in collaboration with its restaurants. Guests can immerse themselves in a world of colour, enchantment and joyful visuals as Kassicieh’s masterpieces take centrer stage. To celebrate this extraordinary art exhibition participants such as Josette, Lulu & The Beanstalk and La Niña will be featured as a pop-up space offering a unique and fun F&B experience along with summer inspired games. The unforgettable experience is hosted at Josette on July 27, 2023 from 6pm onwards, August 3, 2023 at Lulu & the Beanstalk from 6pm onwards and at La Niña on August 10 from 6:00PM onwards. All walk-ins are accepted and no prior booking is required.
