Dubai’s Kutubna bookstore, founded by Dr. Shatha Almutawa, is making waves by offering free writing workshops and fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates Khaleeji culture and the arts. The bookstore has quickly evolved into a cultural center that supports artists, writers, and creatives, particularly in the Arabic language.
Key Takeaways
- Kutubna offers free writing workshops and scholarships for paid events.
- The bookstore promotes Khaleeji culture and inclusivity.
- The space includes accessible facilities and a playroom for children.
- Financial viability remains a challenge, requiring community support.
From a Small Bookshop to a Cultural Center
Dr. Shatha Almutawa launched Kutubna in 2023 after returning to Dubai from the United States, where she had been teaching at major universities for 23 years. Her vision for Kutubna expanded from a small bookshop to a literary and community hub that supports artists, writers, and creatives. Dr. Shatha emphasizes the importance of producing beautiful writing and art, particularly in Arabic, to preserve cultural heritage.
Art and Creativity as Part of Everyday Life
Dr. Shatha notes that while Dubai has made significant strides in arts and culture, more can be done. She believes in a cultural shift that makes it acceptable for someone to be a writer or artist and make a living from it. At Kutubna, the walls are intentionally left unfinished to employ artists for murals and art purchases, embodying her vision of a world infused with creativity.
Celebrating Khaleeji Culture
Being the daughter of a Kuwaiti mother and an Emirati father, Dr. Shatha aims to celebrate the diversity of Khaleeji culture through Kutubna. Her experiences in the United States made her acutely aware of her Khaleeji identity and the privileges it entails, such as access to housing, healthcare, and education. She believes in promoting a unified Khaleeji identity while acknowledging its diverse roots.
Space for Inclusive Community Building
Kutubna is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, featuring accessible toilets, a playroom for children, and a nursing room for mothers. The bookstore offers a weekly writing group that is free and open to all, as well as scholarships for paid events. Dr. Shatha brings her experience in designing inclusive curricula in the US to Kutubna, ensuring that the programs reflect the diversity of Dubai.
Joys and Challenges of Running Kutubna
Dr. Shatha enjoys meeting creative people in Dubai and appreciates the city’s love for literature and the arts. However, the biggest challenge is making the center financially viable. She calls for community support through memberships, event attendance, and purchases from the bookstore and café to sustain Kutubna’s vision of an inclusive cultural space.
