A.R.M. Holding expands arts-led learning across UAE schools

The sixth A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme is reaching 80 schools across all seven emirates with a new artist-designed workshop focused on creativity, empathy and problem-solving. The initiative comes as UAE and global education priorities put greater weight on skills children will need in an AI-driven future.

Why it matters: - The programme is pushing arts-integrated learning as schools adapt to AI’s growing role in education. - The workshop is designed to build critical thinking, empathy, problem-solving and creativity, skills highlighted in UAE national priorities and global education policy. - A.R.M. Holding says the goal is to strengthen the UAE’s creative learning infrastructure, not just broaden access to art.

What happened: - The sixth edition of the A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme is now running across the UAE. - The Bigfoot Project is reaching children ages 5 to 17 in 80 schools across all seven emirates. - The programme launched in 2021 by A.R.M. Holding in partnership with Art Dubai. - The initiative has reached more than 35,000 children since launch. - Schools can register through the Art Dubai website until 25 September 2026. - Slots are limited.

The details: - The Bigfoot Project runs until 4 November 2026. - Lithuanian artist Tomas Daukša developed the concept. - Daukša’s practice blends art, science, fact and fiction. - The workshop asks children to reimagine Bigfoot as a curious traveller in a new place. - Students design miniature habitats to help the character feel safe and at home. - The activity is meant to encourage empathy and perspective-taking. - The programme will also engage teachers across the UAE through online workshops. - Those sessions are designed to give educators practical, classroom-ready ways to nurture creativity. - The programme has expanded over six editions from workshops at Art Dubai fair to a school-based model. - It now includes adapted workshops for people of determination and masterclasses for educators. - The programme has also deepened its focus on environmental themes, local context and ecology.

Between the lines: - The timing fits a wider shift in education toward human skills that are harder for machines to replicate. - The UAE’s National Innovation Strategy identifies critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, perseverance and adaptability as targeted student skills. - UNESCO member states adopted the global Framework for Culture and Arts Education in 2024, calling for more arts in education policy, curricula and teacher training. - The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 ranks creative thinking fourth among core skills employers value and says its importance is expected to grow by 2030. - A.R.M. Holding and Art Dubai are using artist-led workshops to turn those policy goals into a classroom model.

What’s next: - The Bigfoot Project will continue in schools until 4 November 2026. - Teacher workshops will roll out online across the UAE. - A.R.M. Holding and Art Dubai are signaling continued expansion through school partnerships and educator training. - Registration remains open until 25 September 2026, subject to availability.

The bottom line: - The programme is betting that arts education is becoming a practical tool for preparing children for an AI-shaped future.