A Guide to Creative and Artistic Workshops in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE and my new home since 2022, is a vibrant cultural hub full of opportunities for anyone who loves being creative. Whether you’re an experienced artist or dipping your toes into something new, the city has plenty of places to spark your imagination. From relaxing watercolour sessions to social paint-and-dine evenings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
THIS POST IS NOT SPONSORED AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY AFFILIATE LINKS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOPS WITH FLAVIA (Les Lumières Designs) - YAS BAY
At the Art Market in Yas Bay, you’ll discover ‘Les Lumières Designs’ run by Flavia, a talented watercolour artist and a dear friend. Her workshops are perfect for anyone passionate about watercolour painting. Each session introduces a new technique, covering different subjects, from delicate florals to playful food illustrations. With all materials included— paints, paper, brushes, and even a drink—you can relax and enjoy the process without worrying about supplies. You’ll leave with a beautiful painting and plenty of inspiration for your next project.
If you love the process, Flavia also offers exclusive watercolour sets with everything you need for your creative journey, including a stylish tote bag you’ll reach for regularly!
Manarat Al Saadiyat is a thriving space that hosts an ever-changing line-up of exhibitions and workshops, promoting creativity. One of my favourite workshops is run by Nevine, an incredibly gifted alcohol ink artist and one of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet! She brings interesting, fresh themes to every session—from abstract paintings to “Under the Sea” scenes, loose florals, and even gorgeous silk scarves!
For those interested in other art forms, the Art Studio at Manarat offers a variety of classes, including pottery, sketching, acrylics and oils, catering to adults, teens, and young children, making it a fantastic space for families to be creative together. If you prefer working independently, you can book a drop-in session in the studio, where you’ll have access to materials offered on-site.
Need extra supplies? Art Central, the art store conveniently located at the entrance to the Art Studio, has everything you might need.
ARTfém PAINT & DINE EVENTS - DUBAI & ABU DHABI
If you enjoy pairing creativity with socialising and delicious food, ARTfém Paint & Dine events are just the thing! These workshops are for all skill levels and offer step-by-step guidance to help you create your masterpiece. My first experience was painting a “Pinktober”-themed acrylic piece (I had never used acrylic before!) and with their guidance, I walked away with a lovely artwork that my daughter decided to hang in her bedroom!
Each event provides all materials, a three-course meal, and two drinks, and the venues are carefully selected to add to the whole experience. It is a delightful way to spend a fun, creative evening and connect with others, especially if you have just moved to the UAE and want to make new friends.
ARTfém also offers an eight-week intensive painting course in Dubai, which is perfect for deepening your artistic skills further.
“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”
SPLATTER ROOMS - AL SEEF VILLAGE MALL - ABU DHABI
For a creative space with a twist, Splatter Rooms offers an outlet to release your inner artist in the most vibrant way! Unlike traditional art workshops, Splatter Rooms invites you to break away from the usual precision and control, embracing a fun and freeing style of painting. Here, you can throw paint, splatter colours, and create spontaneous, expressive works of art. It’s perfect for anyone looking to unwind, experiment with art in an unconventional setting, or simply try something entirely different from the typical studio environment.
There are many experiences to choose from, like “Pendulum Art”, “Spinning Art” and “Glow in the Dark”! Each session also includes protective gear, so you don’t have to worry about the mess—you can just focus on enjoying yourself and letting go!
ABSTRACT CALLIGRAPHY & INK TECHNIQUES - THE CULTURAL FOUNDATION
Nevine also runs alcohol ink workshops at the Cultural Foundation, but these are different from the ones in Manarat. In these workshops, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece by blending the fluidity of alcohol ink with the elegance of Arabic calligraphy. These relaxing and engaging sessions encourage participants to experiment with this medium in a welcoming setting, and the result is a beautiful artwork you’ll be proud to take home!
But if painting isn't your thing, the Cultural Foundation offers other creative workshops, such as pottery, candle making, jewellery design, embroidery and photography.
CHERRY BLOSSOM DUBAI CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOPS - DUBAI & ABU DHABI
For a festive experience, don’t miss the Christmas Wreath Making Workshop by Cherry Blossom Dubai. These heart-warming workshops are run by a lovely mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo, whose warm smiles and big hearts make the sessions feel like a big family gathering! I attended with friends during my first year in Abu Dhabi, and it has since become an annual tradition!
The venues are filled with holiday spirit and festive drinks, offering a perfect opportunity to meet new people while creating your beautiful wreath. And If you have never done this before, there are plenty of Santa’s helpers to guide you! In the end, you’ll leave with a handmade decoration to treasure and a bit of Christmas magic to brighten your home.
P.S. Don’t forget to wear your Christmas hat!
EXPLORE, CREATE, CONNECT
There you have it! From calming watercolour workshops to lively paint-and-dine evenings, Abu Dhabi offers a variety of creative spaces to explore. Whether you want to try something new or refine your artistic skills, these workshops provide the ideal environment to learn, grow as an artist, and connect with other creative minds.
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