If you are looking for a creative way to explore the artistic and cultural heritage of the Middle East, then Dubai's Kutubna Cultural Center might just be place for you.
Located in Dubai's Nadd Al Hamar, Kutubna Cultural Center stands as an independent bookstore and a vibrant literary hub, since 2023. But it’s more than just a place to find books.
The space is dedicated to celebrating writing, ideas, and scholarship, fostering a community space for exchange and creative expression.
The centre champions Khaleeji authors, poets, and scholars, nurturing the region's talent. Kutubna amplifies the voices of Khaleeji, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim writers and thinkers through various events for all ages, including special cultural activities for mothers with young children. It facilitates enriching conversations and learning opportunities, by consistently hosting lectures, readings, workshops, and guided conversations.
Mastering Nastaliq calligraphy
This month, the center is inviting art and culture enthusiasts to explore Nastaliq calligraphy during an engaging four-week workshop.
A fluid, cursive style of Arabic script and calligraphy, Nastaliq was developed in the 14th century and is particularly associated with Persian and Urdu languages. It is characterised by its graceful, downward sloping characters, and is widely used for poetry, art, and in literary texts.
The workshops will be conducted in English and will take place every Saturday from June 14 to July 5, between 5 and 7PM.
Titled 'Journey through calligraphy – from concept to creation', the workshop will be led by the talented calligrapher Ali Pasandideh.
He will guide participants through the full process of designing their own Nastaliq artwork.
You can join a single session for AED80 or commit to the full workshop for AED280.
A special offer is available for those who bring a friend, granting a 10 per cent discount on their registration. Limited seats are available, so early booking is advised for this Dubai calligraphy workshop.
Visit: Kutubna Cultural Center
Evangeline Elsa is a Dubai-based journalist with 15 years of experience. She enjoys telling success stories and writing on lifestyle, arts, interiors, F&B, and Korean culture. A homebody at heart, she paints, sings, reads Substacks, and dotes on her rescue dog, Pepper.
