Dubai: We’re nearly midway into July, but if you’re running out of ways to keep your family entertained during the summer break, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the authority and resource for arts, culture and heritage in the city, has a host of events and workshops happening this July and August. While some of these camps and workshops are paid, others are completely free.
Find your next summer outing via our curated list below:
Camps
1. Dubai Public Library summer camp
Inspired by the UAE’s Year of Family, Dubai Culture’s Summer Camp is being hosted across several library branches across the city. This year’s camp curriculum offers children a rich programme of creative, educational and interactive experiences, while fostering family values and strengthening national identity. The camp features a blend of creative arts, crafts, technology and innovation, and helps kids build a sense of belonging in their community, as well as future-ready skills. The camp is available for participants in two age groups: five to eight, and 9 to 14.
When: Camp 1: July 13 – 24, 8.45am to 1pm (all locations except Hatta Library, which hosts an afternoon camp from 4pm to 8pm).
Camp 2: August 3 – 14, 8.45am to 1pm
Where: Dubai Public Library branches – Al Mankhool Library, Al Twar Library, Al Safa Art & Design Library, Al Rashidiya Library, Umm Suqeim Library, Hatta Library, Hor Al Anz Library, and Al Barsha Community Centre.
Cost: Fee for one camp: Dh210 for Dubai Public Library members, Dh420 for non-members
Fee for both July and August camps: D420 for Dubai Public Library members, Dh840 for non-members
Register: You can register your child at your selected library branch, on Dubai Culture’s website: dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/events/Summer-Camp---DPL---2026
2. Young Innovators Camp
This August, Etihad Museum welcomes children to a unique summer camp that combines science, history, culture, and creativity. Participants explore the UAE's rich heritage while developing curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking skills. Hosted at the museum’s Science & Innovation Lab, the programme features hands-on activities, arts-and-crafts workshops, creative storytelling sessions, and team-based games and challenges that encourage collaboration, curiosity, and innovation. Children aged 5 to 12 are welcome to attend the camp.
When: August 3 to 7, 9am to 3pm
August 10 to 14, 9am to 3pm
Where: Etihad Museum
Cost: Dh350 (early bird pricing)
Register: Register for the camp here: museumtickets.dubaiculture.gov.ae/etihad/gridSale/details?sellItemCode=ETEVENT
Workshops
3. Arabic calligraphy – specialised workshops
Love the strokes and curves of Arabic calligraphy, and want to give it a go? Dubai Culture is presenting a range of workshops as part of its Arabic Calligraphy, Ornamentation and Gilding project, which aims to support and inspire emerging talent. Join specialised courses in Ruq’ah, Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani and Jali scripts, and discover the art of ornamentation and gilding. The workshops are taught by experts in Arabic calligraphy. Sign up for one or more workshops, they’re happening throughout the month of July. People of all ages are welcome.
When: July 4 – 26, 5pm to 7pm
Where: Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children
Cost: Free of charge
Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
4. Kinusaiga art masterclass
Join a hands-on masterclass that introduces participants to a no-sew textile technique that transforms upcycled fabric scraps into vibrant works of art, while promoting creativity, accessibility, and sustainability. The masterclass is taught by Abeer Al Edani, an award-winning Iraqi artist, based in Dubai, and is open to individuals aged 18 and above.
When: July 12, 10am to 1pm
Where: Al Safa Arts and Design Library
Cost: Free of charge
Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
5. Early explorers – Brainy ‘n Bright
As part of Dubai Culture’s School of Life initiative, children begin an exciting STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) journey through interactive storytelling, combined with movement-based games that encourage exploration and learning. Kids discover shapes and basic concepts through hands-on play using simple push-and-pull toys, then move on to creating fun block-based structures such as towers and bridges, to develop creativity and problem-solving skills. They then personalise their creations through decoration and storytelling activities, giving meaning to what they have built. The experience concludes with a simple ‘show and tell’ session, where children practice communication and confidence by sharing their creations in one sentence. The workshop is for children aged 7 and above, and is conducted in English.
When: July 12, 10am to 12pm
Where: Al Twar Library
Cost: Free of charge
Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
6. Code the Flame Tree – Brainpad
In this interactive technology workshop, which is also part of Dubai Culture’s School of Life initiative, children explore the Flame Tree through creative coding. Participants will design a digital tree with colours, movement, and interactive features while gaining basic Scratch skills. Participants must bring a laptop or tablet with Scratch installed in advance. The workshop is for children aged 9 to 14 years, and is conducted in both Arabic and English.
When: July 26, 3pm to 5pm
Where: Al Twar Library
Cost: Free of charge
Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
7. Sensory learning – Flame Tree
An interactive workshop for toddlers that combines sensory play with Montessori principles, this is a great option if you’d like your children to explore their five senses through hands-on activities, while developing independence and self-directed learning. The session focuses on enhancing fine motor skills, improving concentration, and supporting emotional regulation through activities such as sorting, transferring, and practical life exercises. The workshop is for children aged 3 and above.
When: July 26, 3pm to 4pm
Where: Umm Suqeim Library
Cost: Free of charge
Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
8. Beaded flower pot creative workshop
Give your plant a beautiful home by designing your own beaded flower pot. In this workshop, delivered by L’Atelier, participants customise flower pots using beads, creating colour patterns that add unique artistic flair to a commonplace household item. The workshop is open to individuals of all ages.
When: July 26, 3pm to 5pm
Where: Al Rashidiya Library
Cost: Free of charge
Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
9. Baybayin on plates
Want to learn to write a beautiful word or phrase in a timeless Filipino script? Baybayin is an ancient, pre-colonial Filipino script that was once used to write Tagalog. Join the Baybayin on Plates calligraphy workshop, led by Dubai-based 3D designer and Filipino calligrapher Gino Banola, and discover the beauty of this historic script, while painting your own wooden plate. A creative cultural experience for all levels.
When: July 19, 5pm to 7.30pm
Where: Al Mankhool Library
Cost: Free of charge
Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
10. Talli bracelet and charm workshop
Enjoy the art of Talli embroidery, and design unique bracelets or charms with your own personal touch, in a cultural experience that reflects a rich heritage passed down through generations.
When: Every Saturday, 4pm to 7pm
Where: Traditional Jewellery Section, Al Shindagha Museum
Cost: Dh20 for a single museum entry ticket, Dh40 for a group ticket, valid for 5 people. The workshop is free with your museum ticket.
Register: Register for the workshop here: alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae
11. Design a frame or cultural pouch
Bring the whole family to Etihad Museum for a creative, fun workshop where you can take home what you make. Design a frame to showcase your favourite memories, or create your own cultural pouch inspired by the heritage of the UAE, in workshops that celebrate national identity.
When: Memories Frame: July 12, 18, 26, 11am to 5pm
Cultural pouch: July 11, 19, 25, 11am to 5pm
Where: Etihad Museum
Cost: Dh10 for a single museum entry ticket, Dh20 for a group ticket, valid for 5 people. The workshops are free with your museum ticket.
Register: Register for the workshop here: museumtickets.dubaiculture.gov.ae/etihad/gridSale/tickets
Activities
12. Family trails
Gather your loved ones and head out on a 20-minute family trail – an interactive tour that immerses visitors in a fascinating journey of historic locations around Dubai. Pick up your family trail booklet from the Dubai Creek: Birth of a City house, Perfume House, Emerging City House, or Culture of the Sea pavilion at Al Shindagha Museum, before you begin. These workbook-based trails encourage families to learn and explore by solving puzzles, tasks, and challenges together, along the way.
When: Every weekend, between 10am and 7pm
Where: Al Shindagha Museum
Cost: Dh20 for a single museum entry ticket, Dh40 for a group ticket, valid for 5 people. The tour is free with your museum ticket.
Register: Register for the workshop here: alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae
13. Choral and performing arts in Arabic
Through engaging musical, vocal, theatre, and movement-based activities, children develop their singing skills, rhythmic awareness, creative expression, and stage presence in a fun and supportive learning environment. Throughout the sessions, participants learn and practice ‘Ardona Mostaqbalona’ or ‘Our Land, Our Future’ and ‘Al-Shams Al-Ra’e’a’ or ‘The Wonderful Sun’ from the album ‘The Child and the Sea’, while strengthening their vocal performance and breathing techniques, improving coordination and self-confidence, and enhancing their performing arts skills through warm-up and concentration exercises, voice and expression training, interactive theatre games, character-building and movement activities, improvisation, and scene creation. The program culminates in short performances where children will showcase their learning and creativity. This workshop is open to children aged 6 to 14 years.
When: July 5, 12, 19, 26, 5pm to 7pm
Where: Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children
Cost: Free of charge
Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
14. Observers of Change exhibition
Dubai Culture, in collaboration with the Barjeel Art Foundation, is presenting the major retrospective exhibition ‘Observers of Change: Art from the UAE (1971–2025)’ at Etihad Museum until the end of the year. The showcase traces the development of the UAE’s artistic identity over the past five decades and features over 70 works from the Barjeel Art Foundation collection. The exhibition brings together seminal pieces by pioneering and contemporary artists who have lived and worked in the UAE since 1971. Through painting, photography, sculpture, installation, and mixed media, these artworks chart the evolution of local artistic practice and document the nation’s broader transformation.
When: Until December 10, 10am to 8pm
Where: Etihad Museum
Cost: Dh10 for a single museum entry ticket, Dh20 for a group ticket, valid for 5 people. The exhibition is free of charge with your museum ticket.
Register: Register here: dubaiculture.gov.ae
15. Dubai Dates Festival
Delight in dates at the Dubai Dates Festival, which is back starting July 18. This week-long festival celebrates community, sustainability, and cultural pride, bringing together farmers, artisans, and heritage lovers for an authentic experience. The event is open to the public for free, and does not require registration.
When: July 18 – 26
Where: Qalaat Al Remaal, 10am to 10pm