The Sandy Times

Why Walls Matter In the Work Of Arab Artists

See how artists treat walls as living surfaces rather than fixed structures

by Alexandra Mansilla

28 Dec 2025

Design

Studio Meshary AlNassar At Alserkal: A Look Inside the New Space

Why is the studio leaving CityWalk, and what can we expect next?

by Alexandra Mansilla

25 Dec 2025

Photography

How Egyptian Photographers Are Seeing Egypt Differently

Egypt is so much more than pyramids. And even the pyramids can be reimagined

by Alexandra Mansilla

23 Dec 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, December 23–29

A new coffee spot, a Daniel Arsham exhibition, and plenty of design to get inspired by

by Alexandra Mansilla

22 Dec 2025

Heritage

How We Celebrated New Year As Kids: Memories From Friends Of The Sandy Times

Decorated sticks, tamales, fortune tellers — and the TV always on

by Alexandra Mansilla

19 Dec 2025

Mohammed Habib, Photographer: "Horses Are a Mirror of Human Emotion"

A behind-the-scenes look at how the iconic photos of horses in turquoise water were created

by Alexandra Mansilla

18 Dec 2025

What Artistic Masterpieces Will Define AlUla In 2026?

A first look at the artworks and programmes shaping AlUla Arts Festival 2026

by Alexandra Mansilla

17 Dec 2025

The Lexicon Of Girlhood: What Is the 'Girl Parts' Exhibition About?

Through her work, the artist explores how women come to inhabit their bodies

by Alexandra Mansilla

16 Dec 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, December 16–22

A cinema dome in the mountains, an exhibition that speaks through walls, a secret anti-party, and more

by Alexandra Mansilla

15 Dec 2025

Music

Yal Solan: “Ya Enay Kafak Alam Was Born During the War In Beirut”

A Lebanese independent artist on finding a voice — in music, in language, and in times of uncertainty

by Alexandra Mansilla

14 Dec 2025

People

Middle Eastern Artists Exploring What It Means To Be a Woman

Different artists, different materials, different approaches — one shared theme

by Alexandra Mansilla

12 Dec 2025

Photography

Belal Khaled: “Whatever Happens To Us We Will Not Break”

What the war photographer chooses not to show, and how documenting conflict has changed him

by Alexandra Mansilla

11 Dec 2025

Sport

PepsiCo Takes F1 Fan Engagement To a New Level. Interview With Mohamed Shelbaya

How can three PepsiCo brands create moments fans will remember forever?

by Alexandra Mansilla

10 Dec 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, December 9–15

From meteor showers in the desert to fresh pop-ups in the park, Sole DXB, and new voices in film

by Alexandra Mansilla

8 Dec 2025

UAE Cultural Digest: What To See Before the Year Ends

From the quiet light-and-shadow worlds opening at Louvre Abu Dhabi to Sharjah’s meditative installations

by Alexandra Mansilla

7 Dec 2025

The Pool At Louvre Abu Dhabi, Created by the Artist In the Bunny Mask. What Is It?

Jumairy presents Echo, a reflection on inner shadows and childhood memories

by Alexandra Mansilla

7 Dec 2025

Middle East Art At Miami Design. The Faces To Know

From charred-timber forms to a monumental sculptural sofa

by Alexandra Mansilla

5 Dec 2025

Heritage

How Contemporary Artists Are Reimagining the Traditional Carpet

Some paint rugs, some deconstruct them, and others turn the carpet into a sculptural or conceptual surface

by Alexandra Mansilla

4 Dec 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, December 2–8

From a new Alserkal hangout to the Japan Festival and the long-awaited opening of the Zayed National Museum

by Alexandra Mansilla

1 Dec 2025