The Sandy Times

Dubai

Loafers, Sneakers, And Red-Carpet Heels: Homegrown UAE Shoe Brands

From glittering heels designed to shine to flat sandals rooted in Arabic culture

by Barbara Yakimchuk

10 Jan 2026

Lifestyle

How To Shop Vintage Like You Know What You Are Doing

How, where and when to buy your vintage fashion treasures

by Barbara Yakimchuk

6 Jan 2026

Sport

Dubai

Best Road Bikes For Beginners In Dubai & the Gulf (Under $1000)

Your essential guide to choosing your first road bike

by Sana Bun

5 Jan 2026

What Fashion Lovers Should Invest In For 2026: Talking To Shivani Sudhir

A recap of 2025’s fashion trends and a look ahead to 2026 — everything you need on the last day of the year

by Barbara Yakimchuk

31 Dec 2025

Jewelry

From Lungs To Ears: The Rise Of Anatomical Jewelry

Explore the designers drawing inspiration from the human body

by Sana Bun

23 Dec 2025

Lifestyle

What Sandy’s Friends Are Wishing For This New Year

Before Christmas arrives: what KLO, Jashe and Noor Taan, Rhea Jacobs and Ali Chaaban are wishing for

by Barbara Yakimchuk

20 Dec 2025

From New Year’s Eve To Eid: Middle Eastern Brands For Festive Dressing

Discover local labels to shop for modern occasionwear

by Sana Bun

19 Dec 2025

Last-Minute New Year’s Art Gifts You Can Find In Cairo & Beirut

Your guide to creative, locally made presents

by Sana Bun

18 Dec 2025

Holiday Gift Guide: Functional Presents For Jetsetters

From clever travel tech to comfort-boosting flight essentials

by Sana Bun

16 Dec 2025

The Unhinged Edit: Quirky Handbags That Just Make Sense

From spaghetti clutches to silver sardine tins

by Sana Bun

15 Dec 2025

What To Gift a Creative In 2026: Local Brands For Artists, Designers & Makers

A guide to the local gift ideas

by Sana Bun

11 Dec 2025

How To Start Fashion Brand In Dubai? Speaking With Jamie Atherton

Costs, common mistakes, and the key pieces to prioritise — in conversation with the founder of "I’ll Write You Letters"

by Barbara Yakimchuk

10 Dec 2025

Travel

How To Make a Trip Without Leaving Your Comfort Zone

An exploration of slow, gentle, mindful travel and the tools that make it easier

by Dara Morgan

10 Dec 2025

2026 Fashion Trends You Can Actually Wear

Explore fun trends built for real life

by Sana Bun

3 Dec 2025

Why Laptop Bags Are the Feminist Accessory We Actually Need

Discover how the humble everyday piece became fashion’s quiet symbol of progress

by Sana Bun

2 Dec 2025

Travel

The Local Edit: Japan’s Coolest Fashion Brands To Shop IRL

A curated round-up of real-deal Japanese brands — yes, with tabi shoes included

by Sana Bun

28 Nov 2025

Gift Guide For the Holiday Season In the Middle East

A cheerful guide to stress-free holiday gifting

by Sana Bun

27 Nov 2025

Founders Of The Basement: On Challenges, Hard Decisions, And Why They Had To Close

They told me: “We are definitely coming back”. But what made them leave in the first place?

by Barbara Yakimchuk

24 Nov 2025

Wearable Blooms: Emerging Brands Turning Flowers Into Jewelry

Meet designers who turn plant world into the creative playground

by Sana Bun

21 Nov 2025

People