Total media coverage Kutubna 2024-2025

Ahead of UAE National Day celebrations, Kutubna Cultural Centre, Dubai’s new independent book and cultural venue, is launching its new programme, ‘A Journey Through the Five Senses: Exploring Emirati Culture’. Running from 21 November to 19 December 2024, the programme invites residents and visitors to experience UAE culture through unique sensory experiences including art, music, coffee, scents and storytelling.

Each of the five sessions of the program engages one of the senses – taste, sound, sight, smell and touch – allowing participants to delve deeper into Emirati traditions. From tasting traditional dishes to inhaling aromatic bakhoor, the program offers an immersive experience of Emirati heritage.

Main sessions of the program:

Touch: The Art of Theatre with Naji Al Hai – 21 November, 19:30 Renowned playwright and theatre director Naji Al Hai will introduce participants to the traditions of Emirati theatre, conveying the cultural heritage of the Emirates through living stories. Sound: Voices of the UAE with Al-Anoud Bukhammas – November 28, 19:30 Graphic design instructor Al-Anoud Bukhammas combines music and visual art to introduce participants to Emirati musical traditions through a new visual approach. Taste: The Art of Hospitality with Medina Ilyas – December 5, 19:30 Arabic coffee expert Medina Ilyas will present the rich history and cultural significance of coffee, a symbol of Arabic hospitality. Sight: The Beauty of the UAE with Hussain Al Moussawi – December 12, 19:30 Designer and photographer Hussain Al Moussawi shares his unique perspective on the UAE’s architecture, capturing the country’s cultural identity through visual stories. Smell: The Art of Fragrance with Mike Metzger – December 19, 7:30pm Bakhoor expert Mike Metzger will introduce participants to the world of traditional Emirati fragrances. Building connections through cultural exchanges

Shatha Almutawa, founder and director of Kutubna Cultural Centre, sees the programme as an important step in strengthening intercultural dialogue. “This programme is not just a cultural event, but a step towards creating a community that has a deeper understanding and appreciation of Emirati values,” she said. “We aim to offer vibrant experiences that will bridge cultures and leave a mark on the participants.”

For more information, visitwww.kutubna.aeand join the discussion with the hashtag #Kutubna5Senses.