From murals to recycled sculptures, Dubai schools celebrate World Art Day while championing creativity year-round
April marks World Art Day, a global celebration of artistic expression and imagination.
But at many of Dubai’s top schools, creativity isn’t limited to one day—it’s embedded into everyday learning.
Whether through collaborative projects, student-led exhibitions or playful classroom moments, art is a vital part of a holistic education, helping children explore who they are, how they feel, and how they see the world around them.
And there’s good reason to celebrate creativity.
According to UNESCO, arts education enhances motor skills, decision-making, and visual learning.
Furthermore, studies from the OECD suggest that students engaged in the arts show stronger emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.
In today’s fast-paced world, art provides something vital: time to reflect, create, and imagine.
So, how are schools in Dubai bringing creativity to life?
Collaboration and confidence at Dubai British School Jumeira
At Dubai British School Jumeira (DBSJ), art isn’t just about drawing and painting—it’s about building a mindset.
“Creativity is at the heart of everything we do in the art room,” says Rebecca Cox, Primary Visual Art Teacher.
“It’s not just about teaching students how to draw or paint—it’s about giving them the tools and confidence to express their ideas, explore their identities, and take creative risks.”
This year, DBSJ students made a splash in Taaleem’s Artistry competition, creating a stunning 3D turtle from recycled materials. Every child from Year 1 to Year 6 contributed, with the school’s art club bringing it all together.
“The result was not just a piece of art, but a shared sense of pride and purpose,” adds Rebecca.
“Art and design give children space to explore, reflect, and enjoy the process. That’s what makes days like Art Day so valuable.”
Post-it Power at Arcadia British School
At Arcadia British School, World Art Day became a chance to explore identity, emotion, and creative freedom—one post-it note at a time.
“Art at Arcadia helps students express themselves, solve problems, explore cultures, and be creative,” says Hannah Greenhalgh, Head of Art.
Students were tasked with designing individual artwork on sticky notes, which formed a vibrant, large-scale mural.
From football teams and favourite foods to bold patterns and self-portraits, each drawing was a tiny window into a young mind.
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Creativity in the curriculum: A UAE-wide trend
Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, many StandOut schools are investing in the arts—not just as a subject, but as a vital part of whole-child development.
From purpose-built studios and expert teaching staff to thriving extracurriculars and exhibition opportunities, creativity is being firmly embedded into the school experience.
At Bloom World Academy, the creative and performing arts are central to school life, with students encouraged to reflect on their identities, cultures, and experiences through an inclusive and imaginative curriculum.
Safa Community School boasts eight dedicated art rooms, a 550-seat auditorium, and specialist studios for drawing, painting, 3D, textile art, and photography—all supported by gallery spaces in its Secondary and Sixth Form Centre. The school also promotes global competitions and student-led initiatives such as the Art Ambassadors programme.
Dubai College has four fully equipped art studios, a vibrant music centre, and a 900-seat auditorium. The school offers over 200 extracurricular activities each week—many focused on creative expression and artistic exploration.
At Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai), students benefit from modern art studios and dedicated theatre spaces. The curriculum champions experimentation and creative risk-taking across a range of disciplines.
World Art Day may only come once a year, but at many top Dubai schools, creativity is woven into the fabric of education.
As one Dubai teacher said, “Some of the most joyful moments come from collaboration—when students bounce ideas off each other, share materials, and create something far bigger than they could alone.”
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