• Immerse in Emirati heritage through a unique five-senses journey.
  • Explore Arabic coffee, music, fragrance, theater, and architecture.
  • Led by renowned Emirati experts sharing vivid cultural stories.
  • Interactive sessions designed to bridge cultures and inspire connections.

Dubai’s cultural scene is set to come alive as the Kutubna Cultural Center, an independent bookstore and cultural hub, unveils its immersive program, “A Journey Through the Five Senses: Exploring Emirati Culture.” This month-long experience promises a sensory voyage through the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile experiences that define Emirati heritage. Running from November 21 to December 19, 2024, this program uniquely connects expats and locals alike with the UAE’s rich cultural tapestry, beyond traditional presentations, through hands-on, memorable encounters.

Each week, a dedicated session focuses on one of the five senses, allowing participants to delve deeper into Emirati traditions through touch, sound, taste, sight, and smell. These aren’t mere demonstrations; they’re stories brought to life by seasoned experts who weave together history, folklore, and sensory immersion. Founder Shatha Almutawa emphasizes the goal of the program: “Our aim is to foster genuine cultural exchange, bridging communities with shared experiences that transcend the boundaries of conventional exhibitions.”

Here’s What You Can Expect from Each Sensory Session:
  • Touch: The Timeless Craft of Theatre (November 21)
    Led by award-winning Emirati playwright and theater director Naji Al Hai, this session opens the program with an exploration of Emirati theater’s storytelling power. Al Hai’s session reveals the emotional depth and untold narratives in Emirati folklore, drawing connections between traditional theater and cultural identity.
  • Sound: The Voices of UAE (November 28)
    Emirati graphic design instructor Al Anood Bukhammas bridges design and music to reveal the rhythmic soul of Emirati heritage. Through a creative blend of visuals and sounds, she guides participants through the UAE’s musical landscapes, offering a fresh, immersive take on the cultural stories embedded in Emirati music.
  • Taste: The Art of Hospitality (December 5)
    Arabic coffee expert Medina Ilyas brings Emirati hospitality to life with an intimate journey into the art and history of Arabic coffee. Through engaging storytelling and live demonstrations, Medina shares the deep-rooted traditions, techniques, and significance of coffee, inviting participants to experience it as a symbol of warmth and community.
  • Sight: Capturing the Beauty of UAE (December 12)
    Photographer and storyteller Hussain AlMoosawi leads this visually enchanting session, taking attendees through the UAE’s architectural landscape. AlMoosawi’s work reflects on urban identities and evolving cultural narratives, offering a profound perspective on how spaces and structures shape Emirati identity.
  • Smell: The Art of Fragrance (December 19)
    Experience the essence of Emirati homes with bukhoor expert Mike Metzger. In this hands-on session, participants will mix their own fragrance blends while discovering the history and cultural significance of bukhoor. It’s an aromatic exploration of tradition, bringing the scent of Emirati heritage to life.

Kutubna’s Five Senses program is a groundbreaking cultural initiative that goes beyond observation, creating an environment where participants actively engage with Emirati heritage. By exploring the UAE’s culture through these carefully curated sessions, participants gain a personal connection to Emirati values and artistry. As Almutawa notes, “These experiences encourage intercultural conversations and bridge cultural gaps with powerful and memorable moments.”

Whether you’re an expat eager to understand local culture or a UAE national looking to reconnect with your heritage, Kutubna’s Five Senses program offers a unique opportunity to build community through shared experience. Each session, rich with vivid storytelling and sensory engagement, invites participants to explore, reflect, and appreciate the intricate layers of Emirati identity.

Tickets are now available for A Journey Through the Five Senses: Exploring Emirati Culture at the Kutubna Cultural Center. For more information, visit Kutubna’s website and follow the conversation online using #Kutubna5Senses. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the UAE’s cultural heritage in a whole new way!