The Night School programme at Jameel Arts Centre was first launched during the 2021 exhibition Off Centre / On Stage, curated by architect and writer Todd Reisz. In a city defined by its skyline, more opportunities are needed for the city’s residents to discuss how architecture and urbanism shape daily life in Dubai. In January 2022, Night School opened its first season to jumpstart such conversations. 

Every January since, the programme has brought together UAE residents and regional experts to explore how the built environment shapes our lives. The weeks-long programme invites scholars and experts from architecture, urbanism, history, heritage and more, to share their perspectives on how their work engages the built and imagined city. Most guests live and work in the Gulf region, ensuring that discussions resonate with topics of local importance.

Night School offers two ways to participate: a closed-door seminar programme for a selected group of 15 participants and a series of lectures and film screenings open to the wider public. More than the series of presentations for a listening public, the core of Night School remains its seminar programme. For these table discussions, the selected participants engage with the expert guests in active conversations and debates. Participants range from young high school students to mature audiences who have known Dubai before the boom of the 2000s, and come from a variety of fields and specialisations. They undertake preparatory readings ahead of each seminar, ensuring a shared and informed point of departure for discussion. This is often followed by a presentation, lecture or workshop by the guests, offering participants a more detailed account of the topic at hand. This structure has fostered dialogues that are enriching, dynamic and deeply engaging for both invited contributors and programme participants. 

Night School remains open to all residents of the UAE and all programmes are free to attend and open to the public. No academic experience is necessary to apply for the seminar programme, the only requirements are a commitment to attend every session and an ability to communicate in English. Jameel Arts Centre remains committed to seeking out participants who represent the diversity of the city.

To read more about the current and past seasons of Night School:
Night School 2026: Pardon Our Progress
Night School 2025: Lifelines
Night School 2024: There You Are
Night School 2023: Make History 
Night School 2022: Urban Histories