Kutubna Cultural Center launches intercultural program

November 12, 2024, Dubai, UAE – Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai’s newest independent bookstore and cultural center, is launching “A Journey Through the Five Senses: Exploring Emirati Culture,” an immersive cultural program that explores Emirati arts, coffee, music, and fragrance. It is a hands-on program that connects expats and locals with the UAE’s rich heritage. The program engages all senses, from tasting traditional flavors to experiencing the fragrance of bukhoor, providing a multisensory dive into Emirati heritage. The new program includes five sessions and runs at Kutubna Cultural Center from November 21 to December 19, 2024.

Through themed sessions focusing on taste, sound, sight, smell, and touch, participants can immerse themselves in Emirati culture through storytelling, listening, and observation. Rather than just presentations, the curated sessions engage the audience through vivid narratives, live demonstrations, and visual storytelling. The participants will be guided by experts who bring the sounds, sights, and scents of Emirati heritage to life, encouraging reflection and a more intimate connection with the culture.

The five senses were chosen to create a dynamic, multi-dimensional exploration of Emirati culture. Each sense symbolizes an essential aspect of Emirati heritage, from the ritual of Arabic coffee to the art of fragrance and storytelling.

1.     Touch: The Timeless Craft of Theatre with Naji Al Hai, Theatre Expert and Playwright

November 21, 7:30 PM

Award-winning Emirati playwright and theater director Naji Al Hai will lead an exclusive session on the rich tradition of Emirati theater. With a legacy of contributions to international festivals, he will guide participants through the emotional depth of Emirati folklore, revealing untold stories and connecting audiences to the country’s cultural heritage.

2.     Sound: The Voices of UAE with Al Anood Bukhammas, Graphic Design Instructor

November 28, 7:30 PM

Al Anood Bukhammas, a talented Emirati graphic design instructor, merges her design expertise with a deep understanding of Emirati music to bring UAE’s soundscapes to life. Through her unique approach, she will guide participants on a journey through the rhythms and stories of Emirati heritage, offering a fresh and visually immersive perspective on the UAE’s rich musical traditions.

3.     Taste: The Art of Hospitality with Medina Ilyas, Arabic Coffee Expert

December 5, 7:30 PM

This original session, led by Medina Ilyas, will immerse participants in the heritage and cultural significance of Arabic coffee. Through fascinating history, engaging storytelling and expert insights, Medina reveals the traditions, techniques, and flavors that make this beverage a cherished emblem of Arab hospitality and community.

4.     Sight: Capturing the Beauty of UAE with Hussain AlMoosawi, Emirati Designer, Photographer, and Storyteller

December 12, 7:30 PM

Hussain AlMoosawi, Emirati storyteller and photographer, presents his journey through the UAE’s architectural landscape, offering an insightful perspective shaped by his profound connection to the region. Through this visual exploration, he reflects on how his travels influence his understanding of urban identities, city navigation, and the evolving cultural narratives within his work.

5.     Smell: The Art of Fragrance with Mike Metzger, Bukhoor Expert

December 19, 7:30 PM

Led by Mike Metzger, an experienced bukhoor expert, this exclusive session immerses participants in the captivating world of Emirati fragrance—a cherished tradition in Emirati homes. Attendees will engage in a hands-on mixing experience, discovering the rich cultural heritage and depth behind these iconic scents.

Shatha Almutawa, founder and director of Kutubna Cultural Center, said: “The Five Senses program is not just an event, but a step toward building a community that will carry forward a deeper understanding of Emirati values and heritage. Kutubna aspires to lead the way in cultural exchange in Dubai, setting a new standard for engaging and impactful cultural programming. The program is designed to encourage shared experiences that open doors for intercultural conversations and build bridges in ways that typical presentations or static exhibitions cannot. We have tailored these activities for Dubai’s vibrant and diverse communities. We aim to transform perspectives and bridge cultural gaps with powerful and memorable experiences that connect deeply with participants.”

For more information about the program, please visit www.kutubna.ae.

Join the conversation and follow updates using #Kutubna5Senses.

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Editors notes

Kutubna Cultural Center was established in 2023 as an independent bookstore and literary hub for Dubai and the Gulf region. Kutubna offers an inclusive community space to enjoy books, art, specialty coffee, and cultural events.

Kutubna celebrates the accomplishments of Khaleeji, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim writers, poets, thinkers, artists, and researchers. We amplify these essential voices through lectures, readings, guided conversations, workshops, and other activities for people of all ages. Kutubna strives to make creative and scholarly pursuits accessible to people who are traditionally at the margins. We work especially hard to make cultural events easier for mothers with young children to attend.

For more information, please visit the website: www.kutubna.ae.