The Sandy Times

A First Look At Dubai Design Week 2025: What We Know So Far

What is the theme this year, and what can we actually expect from the Middle East’s biggest design festival?

by Alexandra Mansilla

29 Jul 2025

Technologies

Digital Art Galleries In UAE: The Future Of Visual Culture

Places where, sometimes, it feels like you have stepped straight into a fantasy world

by Alexandra Mansilla

28 Jul 2025

Events

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, July 29–August 4

We have seen the future — and your week is packed with art, sport, dance, and… oud

by Barbara Yakimchuk

28 Jul 2025

Collecting With Intent: Why Building a Cohesive Collection Matters

Director at Opera Gallery Dubai on how to collect art with a purpose

by Sylvain Gaillard

25 Jul 2025

Events

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, July 22–28

Pottery for your mental health, a new Secta party, music at Honeycomb Hifi, and more

by Alexandra Mansilla

22 Jul 2025

Interview

Vinyls And Stories Behind Them

Speaking with vinyl collectors who share the story behind the most meaningful record in their collection

by Barbara Yakimchuk

18 Jul 2025

Meet “Pop of Time”: Hottest Summer Exhibition In Dubai

While the streets are melting, you can cool off at Sevil Dolmacı Gallery

by Dara Morgan

15 Jul 2025

Dubai’s Walls Speak — But Only With Permission

Diving into the specifics of Dubai’s street art with help from local experts

by Barbara Yakimchuk

10 Jul 2025

Events

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, July 8–14

We planned out the week so you don’t have to waste time looking for places to go

by Alexandra Mansilla

8 Jul 2025

Where Do You Run When the World Is On Fire? CIFRA Calls For Answers In Art

And announces an open call for digital artists under 30 to show what it means to be real when everything is burning

by Alexandra Mansilla

4 Jul 2025

STR Read

Vinyl: Not Just an Accessory, But a Culture

The vinyl comeback: what is behind its mystery and revival — told through the personal story of Kito Jempere

by Barbara Yakimchuk

4 Jul 2025

To Make Local Stories Go Global. Inside Digital Renaissance Music Institute

What makes this school unique, and what every creative mind can learn there

by Alexandra Mansilla

2 Jul 2025

UAE Cultural Digest: July 2025

For those whose lifestyle can't be slowered by scorching heat

by Dara Morgan

26 Jun 2025

Books

5 Books By Female Authors To Read This Summer

Whether you are laying somewhere on the beach or hiding under the AC, you are going to need something to read

by Dara Morgan

24 Jun 2025

STR Read

5 Music Styles To Uncover This Summer

Balearic House, Downtempo, Ambient House, Reggae, Jazzy House — what are they and how do they sound? Let’s break it down.

by Barbara Yakimchuk

19 Jun 2025

Lebanon

We Design Beirut — Edition Two: When, Where, What, And Why

Trust us: you must see it, hear it, and feel it — it is unlike anything else

by Alexandra Mansilla

18 Jun 2025

Lebanon

5 Lebanese Tattoo Artists To Have On Your Radar

From blackwork to realism, meet the artists fueling Beirut’s evolving tattoo movement

by Christelle EL-Daher

14 Jun 2025

Saudi Arabia

People

Bedouins Who Race Camels: A Journey Through Tabuk

See how people and camels share daily life through care, celebration, and moments of sadness

by Alexandra Mansilla

13 Jun 2025