Let’s be honest, Dubai summers aren’t exactly made for long walks outside. But while the heat rages on, there’s a new wave of cool, creative indoor experiences taking over the city. From tufting rugs to throwing clay, Gen Z and millennials alike are swapping sunburn for self-expression. Whether you want to explore a new hobby or just beat boredom with a little flair, Vivaan Shenoy explores five artistic ways to stay inspired indoors this summer:
Tuft Your Own Rug
Where: The Tapestry Studio, Al Quoz
Rug tufting is the ultimate tactile art trend, satisfying, chaotic, and completely customizable. Armed with a tufting gun and a bold vision, you can create everything from smiley faces to trippy abstracts. Bonus? You walk away with home décor that screams personality.
Pottery Classes & Wheel Throwing
Where: Yadawei Studio, Al Quoz or Glazing Studio, Wasl 51
Get your hands dirty (in the best way) and channel your inner ghost. Pottery studios across Dubai offer beginner-friendly classes in hand-building and wheel throwing. It’s calming, tactile, and makes for the perfect screen-free escape.
Paint & Sip Nights
Where: Vibe Art Studio or Studio Seven, Al Quoz
Paint and sip sessions are part art therapy, part social hangout. You’ll be guided by an instructor as you paint your masterpiece, wine or coffee in hand. No experience needed, just a willingness to play with color and maybe laugh at yourself a bit.
DIY Candle & Soap Making
Where: Scentses + Co or The Scent Library, JLT
Create your own signature scent or aesthetic vibe through candle and soap making workshops. Mix fragrances, pour wax, decorate with botanicals, it’s the kind of zen activity that also leaves you with perfect giftable creations.
Journaling & Zine-Making Circles
Where: The Workshop Dubai or community pop-ups at Alserkal Avenue
If you’ve got a story to tell (or just want to doodle your thoughts), try a journaling or zine-making session. It’s intimate, expressive, and a great way to connect with others without needing to say too much out loud.
Pro Tip: Follow studios on Instagram for weekend drop-in sessions, bundles, or collabs with local cafes and artists.
This summer, skip the sweat and choose self-expression. Whether you’re tufting, throwing clay, or sketching in a cozy corner, Dubai’s creative scene is alive and air-conditioned.