Dubai Culture’s ‘The City of Knowledge’ turns young talent into storytellers
Dubai, UAE, 08April 2026: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced ‘The City of Knowledge,’ a theatrical production that uses storytelling and performance to explore how knowledge helps young storytellers people adapt to change and build resilience, positioning education as central to personal development. It reflects the Authority’s commitment to creating spaces where children can develop their cultural and creative abilities.
‘The City of Knowledge’ is part of Dubai Culture’s Talent Program, organized by Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. Nine young performers from the cohort appear in the production, which is aimed at audiences aged 8 to 14. The work supports participants in developing performance skills and using theatre as a means of creative expression.
A successful collaboration with Rubu’a Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators in Sharjah, by producing one of their theatrical scripts. Written by Safwat Ghandour and directed by Alaa Hammad, the story follows a young girl who believes she is plagued by bad luck. Her search for answers leads her to come across five interesting characters: a lion, a warrior, a queen, a cowgirl, and a wise woman. Through these encounters, she discovers that change begins with understanding herself and that what she seeks lies within. A narrator guides the audience through the journey, blending performance with storytelling to create an experience that entertains while prompting reflection.
Ahlam Albannai, Director of Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, said: “The Talent Programme is an important platform for nurturing a new generation of young creatives. It gives them the space to explore performance and develop their abilities through workshops in acting fundamentals, physical expression, and character development. The work builds their confidence on stage and their capacity to communicate through theatre.”
She added that ‘The City of Knowledge’ is the result of a rigorous audition process that tested the participants’ readiness to deliver compelling work on stage. “The show demonstrates what these young performers can achieve when given the right support and training. Their work contributes to Dubai’s cultural output and showcases the value of investing in creative development early.”
Through the Talent Programme, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children offers theatre training and provides opportunities for participants to perform at cultural events across Dubai, building their experience and confidence as young artists.
