Dubai, UAE, 12 September 2026: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled the programme for ‘Makers Days,’ taking place on 19 and 20 September at Concrete, Alserkal Avenue. The event will bring together makers, creative talent and entrepreneurs to strengthen their capabilities, exchange expertise, build professional connections and explore local production opportunities. It supports Dubai Culture’s sectoral priorities to advance the creative economy, foster innovation, celebrate Emirati heritage and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent.
The programme features more than 13 workshops, talks and panel discussions led by experts and practitioners from across the creative sector. Together, the sessions will highlight developments in creative manufacturing and create opportunities for participants to connect with manufacturers and suppliers across the UAE.
During ‘Make Works UAE: Unlocking Local Production for Creatives,’ Mansi Bavishi, Coordinator of Make Works UAE, will offer insights into Dubai’s production landscape and explain how artists and designers can connect with local suppliers. ‘In Conversation with Love That Design’ will feature Ben D’Souza, Co-Founder of Love That Design, in a discussion on how digital platforms can connect designers, brands and makers while expanding their presence within the cultural and creative industries.
Journalist and strategist Masuma Ahuja, artist and cultural advisor Alia Lootah, Regional Studio Director Rowan D’Arcy, and Vikita Shahani, Director of Strategy and Innovation at Love That Design, will participate in the panel ‘Making, for the Joy of It: How Making Builds Community and Place’. The discussion will explore how shared creative practices can foster belonging, strengthen communities and enrich public spaces.
Emirati artist Rashid Al Mulla will lead ‘Visual Storytelling: Building Narratives Through Composition’, highlighting how composition and visual elements can transform ideas into artworks that communicate cohesive narratives. Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture, will present ‘Al Quoz Creative Zone and Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum’, showcasing the programmes, resources and opportunities available to artists, entrepreneurs and creative businesses.
The panel ‘Women in Digital Making: Art, Technology & New Creative Frontiers’ will bring together Emirati graphic designer and artist Fay Alkaabi, Fatma Al Qaseer, Founder of Spatial Sense, and artist and creative director Ila Colombo. The speakers will explore how emerging technologies are advancing artistic practice and highlight women’s contributions to the future of digital art and design.
Hands-on activities include a screen-printing workshop led by Ahmad Makary from The Workshop DXB and ‘Clay & Culture: Learning Through Making’, led by Kamal AlZubi, Head of the Pottery Department at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. ‘Contemporary Ceramics in the UAE’ will feature ceramic artists Marie France Scott and Roberta Khouri, alongside artist Hélène Olive-Feav. Tashkeel will present ‘Gold Leaf: Mixed Media Exploration’, introducing participants to gold leaf application and techniques involving layering, texture and composition, before guiding them in creating their own mixed-media artworks.
