The Sandy Times

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

Who Is Buying Art In Dubai? Inside the Evolving Tastes Of UAE Collectors

From expats to Emiratis to jet-setters, Dubai’s art collectors are shaping a dynamic cultural landscape

by Sylvain Gaillard

10 Jun 2025

Festivals

Upcoming Music Festivals In MENA To Watch

MENA's 2025 music festivals: from desert raves to ancient amphitheatres, an unforgettable year awaits!

by Iffat Nawaz

9 Jun 2025

Photography

A Way To the Summit. ‘Everyman’s Mountain’, an Exhibition By Omar Al Gurg

What started as a spontaneous climb up Kilimanjaro turned into a full-on exhibition about the mountain

by Alexandra Mansilla

3 Jun 2025

Saudi Arabia

Eid

How Eid al-Adha Is Celebrated In Saudi Arabia

Discover the spirit of Eid al-Adha, from the solemn Eid prayers echoing in grand mosques to the vibrant Eid traditions in Saudi Arabia

by Iffat Nawaz

3 Jun 2025

Have You Heard? Dubai’s New Creative Institute Is Almost Here

Everyone should be at the opening — it is going to shake up the creative industry

by Alexandra Mansilla

2 Jun 2025

Eid

Heritage

Eid Al-Adha vs Eid Al-Fitr: What Is the Difference?

Two Eids, two stories! What separates Eid al-Fitr from Eid al-Adha?

by Iffat Nawaz

30 May 2025

Movies

Festivals

Arab Cinema Is Shining At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival

Celebrating resistance, identity, and humanity

by Sophie She

29 May 2025

Fashion

You See Them Everywhere Now: Brands Making Waves In the UAE’s Cultural Scene

Look who is being loud and stealing the spotlight

by Alexandra Mansilla

28 May 2025

Saudi Arabia