The Sandy Times

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, November 18–24

Secta Open Air, NOMAD, Indian Independent Film Festival, and more

by Alexandra Mansilla

17 Nov 2025

Abu Dhabi

NOMAD Lands In Abu Dhabi For the First Time. A Landmark Moment For the Region

What this debut edition brings and what it could mean for the design landscape of the Middle East

by Alexandra Mansilla

17 Nov 2025

People

Dubai Insiders: Caroline Labouchere On the Art Of Moving To New Countries

A story filled with inspiration — from 100 kilometres running to life across 20 countries

by Barbara Yakimchuk

17 Nov 2025

Secta Open Air Returns For Round Two. And It Is Wilder Than Ever

We have got the inside scoop on what to expect from the upcoming festival

by Alexandra Mansilla

16 Nov 2025

Dom Art Project: A Dubai Home For Culturally Curious

Dubai’s first private arts institution opening soon — a must-see for creatives and culture lovers. Bookmark this

by Sophie She

15 Nov 2025

Food

Restaurants

How To Pasta Like an Italian In Dubai

Seems like the easiest dish? Why then do we all screw it up all the time? This is your instructions on how to cook it and where to eat it

by Sophie She

14 Nov 2025

Heritage

Why the UAE National Day Happens In Winter. And Why Sweet Gifts Win Every Time

A quick dive into the story behind the day — plus a few treats to gift

by Alexandra Mansilla

12 Nov 2025

STR

Dubai Insiders: Ali Chaaban And Lana Qatramiz On Their Lives In Dubai

Art, dating, music, and style — through the eyes of two best friends

by Barbara Yakimchuk

11 Nov 2025

Heritage

How UAE National Day Is Celebrated Across Emirates: Modern vs Traditional

A remarkable combination of cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology awaits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates

by Iffat Nawaz

11 Nov 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, November 11–17

From Hong Kong cinema to Indian cuisine under the desert stars, from a unique ceramics class to Alserkal Art Week

by Alexandra Mansilla

10 Nov 2025

Qatar

Concrete Dreams: How Doha Built Its Own Modernist Myth

From desert brutalism to futuristic constructivism, Doha’s architecture reads like a time-lapse of ambition — a skyline written in concrete, glass, and confidence

by Sofia Brontvein

7 Nov 2025

Design

What Not To Miss At Dubai Design Week 2025

Your map for the coolest bits of the DDW 2025 edition

by Sophie She

7 Nov 2025

Qatar

Two Museums In Doha That Built the Middle East’s Cultural Memory

Together, MIA and Mathaf are proof that Qatar didn’t just collect art; it collected identity

by Sofia Brontvein

6 Nov 2025

Architecture

Photography

5 Arab Photographers Behind the Lens Of Mosques

From Egypt to Iraq, exploring the beauty of mosques

by Barbara Yakimchuk

5 Nov 2025

Music

Musical Season: Events Not To Miss In the UAE & Saudi Till the End Of 2025

With the season at its height, let us explore the main events in Dubai and beyond

by Dara Morgan

4 Nov 2025

Travel

Doha On Display: The Ultimate Art Week In Qatar

I arrived in Doha cycling at dawn, museum-hopping by day, and realised that the city is no longer catching up — it is calling the tune

by Sofia Brontvein

4 Nov 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, November 4–10

Dubai Design Week takes over d3. A new spot with mind-blowing sandwiches is opening. New art shows on the way

by Alexandra Mansilla

3 Nov 2025

Fashion

Dubai Insiders: Rusty Beukes On Work–Life Balance, Friendship, And Fashion

Dubai’s ups and downs, the creatives who inspire, and the perfect all-day look to wear

by Barbara Yakimchuk

3 Nov 2025

Lifestyle

Interview

How To Speak So They Will Listen: Dana Alhanbali On the Power Of Self-Presentation

This piece is essentially a collection of life hacks to help you improve your public speaking and self-presentation skills

by Barbara Yakimchuk

31 Oct 2025