Abu Dhabi has a growing pottery scene, ranging from structured beginner classes to flexible drop-in studios for independent work. Whether you want a guided first experience, children’s sessions, or access to a ceramics studio with firing facilities, the city offers several reliable options.
This guide covers the best pottery classes and studios in Abu Dhabi, including structured beginner sessions, hand-building workshops, and flexible drop-in studios. You will find practical details on locations, fees, firing timelines, and who each studio is best suited for, helping you choose the right option based on your experience level and learning style.
- Best pottery studios in Abu Dhabi
- Pottery Studios in Abu Dhabi: Side-by-Side Comparison
- Other notable pottery and creative art studios in Abu Dhabi
- What to expect from your first pottery class in Abu Dhabi
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Best pottery studios in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s pottery scene offers a mix of long-established studios, heritage-inspired workshops, and flexible drop-in spaces. Whether you are trying pottery for the first time, looking for structured classes, or seeking a studio where you can work independently, the options below cover a range of skill levels, budgets, and formats. Each studio has a slightly different approach, making it easier to choose based on how guided or flexible you want your pottery experience to be.
1. Abu Dhabi Pottery
Abu Dhabi Pottery is the UAE’s longest-established pottery studio, founded in 1994. It offers structured pottery classes for beginners and experienced artists, as well as programmes for children, families, schools, and corporate team-building.
Sessions range from short group workshops to private one-to-one lessons, with full access to clay, tools, glazing, and kiln firing. The studio is well-suited to anyone looking for a guided, end-to-end pottery experience.
Location
It is located on Dabbas St. (16th Street), Building No. 29, Opposite Khalediya Garden – Abu Dhabi
Contact information
- Phone: +971 2 666 7079
- WhatsApp: +971 55 400 9054
- Instagram: @abudhabipottery
Class types
Adult group sessions, children’s group sessions, school/group visits, team-building (studio/offsite), private sessions, summer camps
Best for
Beginners who want guided sessions, families, kids’ groups, and structured options, including private lessons.
Classes and workshop fees
Fees at Abu Dhabi Pottery vary by format, session length, and what’s included. The table below summarises the most common options so you can compare quickly before booking.
| Class / Session | Duration | Minimum Participants | Price | What’s included |
| Group pottery session – Adults | 1 hr | 8 | From AED 195/person | 300g clay, hand-building, colour slips |
| Group pottery session – Children | 1.5 hrs | 8 | AED 250/child | 750g clay, wheel demo, painting |
| Team-building workshop | 2 hrs | 10 | AED 275/person | Demo + individual + team project |
| Team-building workshop (Offsite) | 2 hrs | 15 | From AED 300/person | Logistics-dependent |
| School/group visits | 1 hr | 20-40 | AED 110/child | Pinch pot, studio tour |
| Private session | – | – | AED 500 (Instructor) / AED 1000 (Master Potter) | One-to-one guidance |
How long does firing usually take?
At Abu Dhabi Pottery, once you complete your clay work, the process of turning your piece into a finished ceramic usually spans several stages. After the clay dries sufficiently (typically a few days), it goes through an initial bisque firing in the kiln, followed by glazing and a final firing. From start to finish, most pieces take several weeks to be ready for pickup, as drying, firing schedules, and kiln availability influence turnaround time.
If you plan to glaze and collect your finished piece, allow time after your session:
- Drying: 3–5 days
- Bisque firing: 2–3 weeks
- Glaze firing: 2–3 weeks
Prices at Abu Dhabi Pottery
Abu Dhabi Pottery’s pricing reflects clay type and weight for studio purchases in addition to class and workshop fees. Clay is sold in various weights and materials, from red clay and stoneware to porcelain, with prices increasing for finer or larger quantities.
If you plan multiple projects, clay costs can add up fast, so it helps to budget materials alongside workshop fees.
| Clay type | Weight | Price (AED) |
| Red Clay | 10 kg | 87 |
| Latte Stoneware | 10 kg | 160 |
| Cream Stoneware | 10 kg | 160 |
| Sandstone Smooth | 12.5 kg | 340 |
| Porcelain | 12.5 kg | 450 |
| Black Clay | 12.5 kg | 450 |
2. Studio Clay
Studio Clay is an Emirati-founded pottery studio focused primarily on hand-building techniques rather than wheel throwing. Workshops explore methods such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction, often linked to local culture and contemporary ceramic design.
The studio centres its sessions on hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction, making it best suited to those interested in creative, technique-driven sessions rather than formal course progression.
Location
It is located on 658 Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St – Al Manhal – Abu Dhabi
Contact information
- Phone: +97126661017
- Instagram: @studioclay.ae
Class types
Hand-building workshops
Best for
Hand-building beginners, cultural/heritage-led workshops, and short creative sessions.
Classes and workshop fees
Studio Clay focuses on short-form, instructor-led workshops rather than ongoing courses or open-studio access. Sessions are typically centred on hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction, with materials included in the workshop price.
Pricing is entry-level, making it accessible to beginners and to those interested in cultural or technique-based ceramic experiences.
| Class / Workshop | Duration | Format | Price (From) | What’s included |
| Hand-building workshop | Approx. 3 hours | Group workshop | AED 87 | Clay, tools, guided instruction |
| Private booking Standard | – | Large groups of a minimum of 8 people | AED 410 | Tools, Tea, Chai |
| Private booking (Friday) | – | Large groups of a minimum of 8 people | AED 450 | Tools, Tea, Chai |
| Wheel Throwing – Adults | Approx. 3 hours | Class | AED 350 | 1Kg clay |
| Wheel Throwing – Kids | Approx. 2 hours | Class | AED 200 | 500Kg clay |
| Hand Building – Adults | Approx. 3 hours | Class | AED 320 | 1Kg clay |
| Hand Building – Kids | Approx. 2 hours | Class | AED 190 | 500Kg clay |
Note: Studio Clay primarily operates through workshop bookings rather than scheduled weekly classes.
How long does firing usually take?
Firing timelines at Studio Clay depend on the specific workshop format and whether firing is included in the session. In most cases, pieces are fired after the workshop as part of a batch process, rather than being fired immediately.
Collection timelines can vary based on kiln scheduling and glazing requirements. Studio Clay also offers the option to fire personal pieces at a price based on the size.
Prices at Studio Clay
Studio Clay generally includes clay and basic materials within the workshop fee. Individual material pricing is typically not published, as participants are not required to purchase clay separately in standard workshops.
3. Manarat Al Saadiyat – Ceramics & Sculpture Studio
The ceramics and sculpture studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat operates as a drop-in creative space rather than a traditional class studio. After completing an induction, users can access studio facilities, tools, and kilns to work independently on their own projects. This option suits teens and adults who already have basic familiarity with clay or prefer self-directed practice.
Location
It is located on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hwy, Al Saadiyat Island – Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
Contact information
- Phone: +97126575800
- Instagram: @manaratalsaadiyat
Class types
Drop-in studio sessions (induction required)
Best for
Teens and adults who want studio access and flexible drop-in creation.
Studio classes and workshop fees
The ceramics and sculpture studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat operates on a drop-in, studio-access model rather than structured classes. After completing an induction, users can work independently using studio equipment and kilns. Fees are typically linked to studio access and induction rather than instructor-led sessions.
| Session type | Duration | Format | Fees | Notes |
| On-Site Drop-In Studios (Ages 13+) | 1.5 hr | Class | AED 50 | Subject to availability |
| On-Site Drop-In Studios (Ages 3-12) | 1.5 hr | Class | AED 30 | Subject to availability |
| Ceramics & Sculpture Studio (Ages +13) | Flexible | Independent | Not publicly listed | Subject to availability |
Note: Fees may vary by programme cycle and should be confirmed at the time of booking.
How long does firing usually take?
At Manarat Al Saadiyat, firing schedules depend on studio usage and kiln availability rather than fixed class timelines. As the studio supports independent work, pieces are typically fired in shared kiln loads. From completion to final firing, participants should allow several weeks, particularly during busy periods or exhibition cycles.
Prices at Manarat Al Saadiyat
Manarat Al Saadiyat handles material pricing on a use-based or programme-specific basis, rather than publishing fixed retail prices. Some materials may be provided as part of studio access, while others may require separate purchase depending on the project scope.
Pottery Studios in Abu Dhabi: Side-by-Side Comparison
Choosing the proper pottery studio in Abu Dhabi depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Some studios focus on structured classes with instructors guiding each stage of the process, while others offer flexible, drop-in access for independent work or short creative workshops.
| Studio | What it is | Opening Hours | Fees (From) | Notes |
| Abu Dhabi Pottery | Long-established pottery studio offering structured classes and workshops | Sun–Fri 10:30 AM–8:30 PM | AED 195 per adult group session | Structured programmes; firing may take several weeks |
| Studio Clay | Emirati-founded ceramic studio focused on heritage-inspired hand-building workshops | Sat-Thurs: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM Mon: 6:30PM – 9:30PM | AED 87 per workshop | Workshop-based rather than ongoing courses |
| Manarat Al Saadiyat – Ceramics & Sculpture Studio | Drop-in ceramics and sculpture studio with kiln access after induction | 10:00 AM–7:30 PM | Not publicly listed | Best for self-directed work; induction required |
Other notable pottery and creative art studios in Abu Dhabi
In addition to dedicated ceramics classes and pottery studios, Abu Dhabi has a range of creative art spaces and workshops.
These spaces offer pottery, clay work, or ceramic painting as part of broader artistic activities, often alongside other fine arts disciplines.
- Studio Coe: A community pottery studio featured on local listings that offers workshops and creative classes in ceramics, hand-building, and pottery techniques for a range of ages and interest levels.
- Art Central (Art Studio Drop-In): A multidisciplinary art space where pottery and clay work can be done on a drop-in basis, with equipment and tools available; participants are encouraged to bring their own clay and glazes for creative sessions.
- Al Marsam Al Hor / Basics of Ceramics: The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation offers classes and workshops covering ceramics basics and pottery-related art as part of a broader creative curriculum for teens and adults.
- Khazaf Fine Arts: A local creative art space that shares pottery, ceramic decoration, and fine arts workshops, often with a focus on handicraft and community-oriented classes.
What to expect from your first pottery class in Abu Dhabi
First-time pottery classes in Abu Dhabi are designed to be beginner-friendly and relaxed. Most sessions start with a short introduction to clay and tools, followed by guided, hands-on work with no prior experience required.
Many beginners start with hand-building, which focuses on shaping clay by hand rather than using the wheel. Wheel throwing is often demonstrated but usually takes more practice to master.
To get the most out of a first session, it helps to:
- Wear comfortable clothing that can get dusty or marked
- Keep expectations flexible
- Ask about firing timelines and collection arrangements
- Choose a studio format that matches your comfort level
Key takeaways
Abu Dhabi offers pottery options for different experience levels and learning styles. Abu Dhabi Pottery stands out as the most comprehensive choice, with structured classes for adults and children, private lessons, school visits, and corporate workshops starting from AED 195.
Studio Clay is a good entry point for those interested in hand-building techniques and culturally rooted ceramic practices at a lower price point.
Manarat Al Saadiyat’s ceramics studio is best suited to teens and adults who want drop-in access and independent studio time rather than guided classes. Most studios require booking, and finished pieces typically take several weeks to complete due to drying and firing cycles.
FAQs
Abu Dhabi Pottery offers beginner group sessions with guided hand-building starting from AED 195 per person.
Yes. Abu Dhabi Pottery runs children’s group sessions, school visits, and seasonal camps for children aged 5 and above.
Yes. Manarat Al Saadiyat provides a drop-in ceramics and sculpture studio for ages 13 and above after induction.
Private sessions at Abu Dhabi Pottery start from AED 500 with an instructor or AED 1000 with a master potter.
From drying to final glaze firing, the process typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on workload and firing schedules.
