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 Tuesday

Time: 12noon to 3pm

Location: Poetry House

Duration: 45 to 60 minutes

2. 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: Daily

Time: 11am to 6pm

Location: Visitor Centre

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

3. 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 Monday

Time: 12pm to 3pm

Location: Traditional Food House

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes

4. 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 Saturday

Time: 3pm to 6pm

Location: Traditional Jewellery Section

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

5. 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 weekend

Time: 3pm to 6pm

Location: Emerging City Section

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Capacity: Limited to 10 participants per day

6. Soap making workshop

Create naturally scented soaps using oud, rose and herbs while learning about traditional Emirati wellness and self-care rituals.

When: Every Sunday

Time: 3pm to 6pm

Location: Culture of the Sea Pavilion – No. 6

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes

7. 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 Wednesday

Time: 12pm to 3pm

Location: Perfume House

Duration: 20 to 30 minutes

8. Daily guided tours

You can also book interactive guided tours across the museum’s heritage houses with cultural guides.

When: Daily

Time: 10am to 7pm

Location: All museum houses

9. Family trails

If 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 weekend

Time: 11am to 6pm

Locations:

Dubai Creek: Birth of a City

Perfume House

Emerging City

Culture of the Sea Pavilion

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

How much do the museum tickets cost?

Entry to the workshops is free, but visitors need to buy a museum ticket.

Dh20 per person

Dh40 group booking for five people

Museum timings

Al 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.

Salman Khan and Himesh come together for charity