Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has officially announced the highly anticipated return of the ‘Ramadan Nights’ Festival, a celebration of tradition, values, and heritage during the holy month. This initiative is part of the Authority’s social responsibility efforts and aligns with the broader ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ campaign, led by Brand Dubai in collaboration with government and private sector partners. The festival offers both residents and visitors an immersive cultural experience, bringing the essence of Ramadan to life across the emirate.
A Celebration of Emirati Traditions
Dubai Culture will host a series of interactive workshops and performances at key heritage sites throughout Ramadan:
- Al Shindagha Museum (March 14–23) will offer jewellery design, misbaha making, and dukhoon blending workshops. Partnering with The Knot, the venue will also feature candle-making and lantern decoration sessions, merging traditional crafts with modern techniques.
- Etihad Museum will present three creative workshops every Friday evening during the first three weeks of Ramadan:
- ‘Scent and Synesthesia’ in collaboration with Oo La Lab
- ‘Tablescaping and Poetry’
- ‘Contemporary Henna’, which reinterprets classic henna designs in a modern style.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s exhibitions, delving into the UAE’s history and the formation of the Union.
Artistic Evenings at Al Safa Library
- On March 14, Al Safa Art & Design Library will host a poetry evening featuring renowned poets Ahmed Al Asem, Amal Al Sahlawi, and Najat Al Dhaheri, accompanied by oud player Yasser Rashad.
- On March 15, the library will transform into an artistic hub, featuring oud performances, puppet theatre, and shadow play.
- Visitors can also participate in interactive workshops, including palm frond weaving, Arabic calligraphy, and prayer rug making for children.
- The venue will feature Emirati fashion boutiques and an F&B section, offering a complete cultural experience.
Heritage Highlights in Hatta
From March 5–15, Hatta Heritage Village will host its own ‘Ramadan Nights’ celebrations, featuring:
- Cultural showcases, heritage markets, and lectures
- Dubai Police’s K9 demonstrations and the ‘Officer Mansour and Officer Amina’ show
- Dubai Civil Defense safety awareness sessions
- Traditional markets with handcrafted works by local artisans, celebrating Hatta’s rich legacy
Empowering People of Determination
Dubai Culture, in collaboration with the Dubai Club for People of Determination, has designed a special Ramadan programme to enhance students' creativity and skills. The initiative includes interactive workshops in handicrafts, perfumery, candle making, and Arabic calligraphy, guided by Dubai Culture’s expert team.
Humanitarian Initiatives
Reaffirming its commitment to social responsibility, Dubai Culture is continuing the ‘Ramadan Heroes’ initiative, now in its sixth edition, in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and talabat UAE. This campaign encourages the community to donate iftar meals, food parcels, Eid clothing, and Zakat Al Fitr through talabat UAE’s virtual charity platform, with donations securely delivered to beneficiaries by Emirates Red Crescent.
Preserving Culture, Strengthening Community Bonds
The ‘Ramadan Nights’ Festival reflects Dubai Culture’s dedication to preserving heritage and fostering a sense of community during the holy month. With an engaging and diverse programme, the festival invites both residents and visitors to celebrate the traditions that define Dubai’s cultural identity.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
