Learning is a constantly renewing journey that begins with passion and continues through creativity, curiosity, and the exploration of other cultures. This is the essence of the 'Schools of Life' project, an interactive space that brings people together to learn, create, connect, and experience new things that broaden their horizons.
Since its launch in 2022, the project has succeeded in revitalising the halls of Dubai's public libraries and transforming them into interactive community platforms, through its innovative clubs, programmes, workshops, inspiring sessions, and diverse activities. These aim to develop life skills across different segments of society and provide sustainable creative environments that support talented individuals, encouraging them to develop their capacities for positive thinking, analysis, and constructive criticism, as well as harnessing technological advances in their projects. This reflects the commitment of Dubai's Culture and Arts Authority to investing in people as the axis of development, and to transforming Dubai's public libraries into knowledge and community centres that combine non-traditional education with practical experience, offering a flexible educational model that goes beyond classroom walls into spaces of creativity and community interaction.
'Schools of Life' comprises a range of specialist clubs that form a core pillar of its structure, including clubs for languages, music and performing arts, family development, health and nutrition, Arabic calligraphy, and books, as well as clubs for drawing, chess, photography, and others. These clubs offer participants diverse opportunities to discover their talents and hone their skills in an environment that fosters innovation and free expression. The project represents a pioneering model in institutional cultural work, combining strategic planning with practical implementation and drawing on effective partnerships that contribute to developing its programmes and enhancing its impact. It also reflects the Authority's commitment to supporting initiatives that help build a creative knowledge-based society capable of engaging with global changes while preserving its cultural identity.
According to Dubai Culture reports, the 'Schools of Life' project — which falls under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy — saw notable growth last year compared to 2024, reflecting its ability to attract broad segments of society. A total of 592 events were organised in 2025, compared to 278 in the previous year, an increase of 113%. The project also attracted 8,236 participants, up from 4,657 in 2024, a rise of 76.9%, while participant satisfaction reached 96.8%, a clear indicator of the positive impact the project leaves on visitors to Dubai's public libraries.
As part of its efforts to enhance educational impact, the Authority launched 'Impact Tracks' — applied educational programmes implemented in collaboration with a number of strategic partners, spanning 6 to 8 weeks, and centred on delivering interactive practical experiences across multiple fields, with a focus on developing future skills and fostering creative thinking. More than 650 participants enrolled in these tracks last year, while 65 graduates completed the programme, in a qualitative educational experience that combines depth of knowledge with practical application.
These tracks have achieved notable accomplishments at both local and international levels. Among the most significant, participants in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) track won 3 silver medals at the 44th Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition, an achievement that reflects the level of competence and excellence attained by project members. The project also saw the launch of 3 phases of the Arabic Calligraphy Track, supervised by a selection of specialists, in a step that reflects Dubai Culture's commitment to combining modernity with cultural roots and to promoting the arts and making them accessible to all segments of society.
On the institutional governance front, the Authority successfully registered 'Schools of Life' as a trademark, following approval from the Ministry of Economy. This contributes to protecting the project's identity and reinforcing its standing as a pioneering cultural initiative with a sustainable character. The 'Schools of Life' logo was inspired by the game of Tangram, which aims to stimulate creativity, enhance mental capacities, and develop skills.
The 'Schools of Life' project extends beyond its innovative clubs and Impact Tracks to encompass a package of qualitative initiatives that fall under its umbrella and represent an extension of its vision for spreading culture and promoting lifelong learning. Among the most notable is the 'Reading Box', which aims to entrench the reading habit and provide diverse knowledge resources to the community, alongside summer and winter camps that offer integrated educational and recreational programmes targeting younger age groups in an environment that combines benefit and enjoyment. The 'Library Talks' initiative also stands out as an interactive dialogue platform that contributes to reviving the role of libraries as centres of cultural enlightenment and building bridges of communication between readers and creatives.
Amid this momentum, 'Schools of Life' continues its journey towards further expansion and development, underpinned by a clear vision that places people at the heart of the cultural process and aims to empower them with knowledge and skills to be active partners in shaping the future. This makes the project a comprehensive experience that reflects a qualitative shift in the concept of learning — from rote instruction to creativity — further cementing Dubai's standing as a global centre of culture, an incubator of creativity, and a meeting point for talent.