If you're looking for a way to slow down ahead of the weekend, we’re pairing two of Dubai’s most thoughtful spaces: Kutubna Cultural Centre, where stories and ideas flow freely during the weekly writing evening and Gerbou, a dining destination that brings Emirati culture and contemporary design together in a flavourful experience.
Dine at Gerbou
We start the night dining at Gerbou, a restaurant that feels more like stepping into someone’s beautiful home. The name means “welcome to our humble abode” in Arabic and that spirit of hospitality is woven into every detail.
From the reception desk carved from a fallen ghaf tree to the chandelier of glass drops overhead, the design tells a story before you even sit down. Plates are etched with Emirati motifs, the colours mirror the desert, and textures invite you to pause and notice.
Art in the Middle recommends starting with the molokhia shorba, bright and comforting, paired with the delicate fizz of the house kombucha. The grilled chicken salad layers smoky chicken with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and edible flowers, while the charred broccoli with green harissa adds a bold, unexpected twist.
The mixed grill platter is perfect for sharing: cuts of meat, each offering a different flavour, served with soft bread and house-made dips.
Visit Gerbou: gerbou.com
Get creative at Kutubna Cultural Center
After dinner, wind down with words and head to Kutubna Cultural Center for something a little more soulful. Tucked away in Nadd Al Hamar, this independent bookstore and cultural hub offers a quiet, welcoming space for writers, readers and curious minds.
Kutubna is more than a place to browse books. The center is committed to making artistic spaces more accessible, with a focus on amplifying Arab, Middle Eastern, North African and Muslim writers and thinkers through talks, readings and open conversations.
Every Thursday at 8 PM, Kutubna hosts Evening Ink: Writing by Candlelight. This weekly writing ritual is designed for those who like to journal, poets and anyone seeking quiet reflection. For AED 15, the lights are dimmed, candles are lit and guests are invited to write without pressure or distraction.
Each session includes a gentle, optional writing prompt placed at your table, it is there if you need a starting point. At the end of the session, you are welcome, though never required, to leave behind a short, anonymous sentence or reflection.
This evening is for you if you want to return to writing in a gentle way, are seeking stillness and inspiration, are curious about journaling or poetic reflection, or just need time away from screens to reconnect with yourself.
Art in the Middle tip: Bring your favourite notebook and pen or borrow one at the venue. Extra supplies are available and candles at each table create the perfect atmosphere for an intentional evening of writing.
Visit Kutubna Cultural Center:kutubna.ae
Rania is an explorer of new places, a reader of stories from around the world, and loves experimenting with new food. She embraces different cultures and chases learning wherever she goes.
