From henna to hakawati: ‘Ramadan Nights’ lights up Dubai culture sites
Cultural performances, film screening and poetry sessions planned
DUBAI – The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the details of its ‘Ramadan Nights’ programme, presenting a series of creative and cultural experiences across the emirate in celebration of Emirati traditions and the values associated with the holy month of Ramadan.
The initiative seeks to strengthen community connection and belonging, while offering residents and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the distinctive atmosphere of Ramadan. It also reflects Dubai Culture’s community responsibilities and its support for the ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ campaign, held under the umbrella of the Season of Wulfa, which aims to reinforce family bonds and celebrate Emirati social and cultural occasions.
Through this programme, the Authority continues its efforts to preserve local heritage and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global city that promotes tolerance, coexistence and respect for diverse cultures.
Library activities
At Al Safa Art & Design Library, the outdoor courtyard will transform into a vibrant hub of workshops and interactive activities organised by Dubai Public Libraries under the School of Life initiative, designed to develop cultural and life skills across the community.
Visitors can take part in the Free Drawing Space, creating artworks inspired by the spirit of Ramadan, and contribute to the Ramadan Thoughts Wall, where literary reflections and personal messages can be shared. Families and children will also be able to join a Ramadan Lantern Decorating activity and a Colouring Wall, producing lantern-themed artworks that reflect the festive ambience of the month.
A Treasure Hunt featuring puzzles and hidden Ramadan symbols will unfold throughout the library, alongside a dedicated board games corner and a traditional Ramadan majlis offering a welcoming setting for families and friends to gather.
Throughout the evenings, guests can explore henna design, experiment with Arabic calligraphy and discover traditional methods of preparing matcha. Perfume-making and scent-blending workshops will further enrich the experience. The cultural programme will also feature live musical performances, choral acts inspired by Ramadan and appearances by a traditional storyteller, or hakawati.
In addition, the Creative Market will provide artists, entrepreneurs and local talent with a platform to present artworks and handmade products inspired by the holy month.
Heritage experiences
At Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, visitors can engage in cultural activations inspired by the traditional Arish structure and attend a Ramadan iftar majlis featuring live cooking demonstrations led by Emirati chefs. Storytelling sessions will highlight the values of generosity and hospitality embedded in Emirati cuisine.
The museum will also host live demonstrations of palm-inspired crafts, along with interactive heritage experiences showcasing traditional products and techniques. These activities underscore the importance of the palm tree in daily life and architecture. Poetry evenings and dialogue sessions exploring the social fabric of old Dubai will offer narratives reflecting the spirit of the city and strengthening bonds within the community.
Cultural evenings
Meanwhile, Etihad Museum will screen Mountain Boy, followed by a discussion featuring director Zainab Shaheen, producer Nancy Paton, writer Michelle Ziolkowski, actor Naser Almessabi and guest Saleh Almessabi.
At Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, a comprehensive programme of workshops and interactive activities will draw on the values of Ramadan. Visitors can explore Islamic arts, learn henna techniques, discover basic music skills and engage with creative talents at an artists’ market. The centre will also host games and offer traditional foods within an environment reflecting the principles of Al Woulla and its three pillars: reflection, connection and blessings.
Across its venues, ‘Ramadan Nights’ presents a multi-layered programme of artistic expression, heritage celebration and community engagement, reinforcing the cultural significance of the holy month throughout Dubai.