The Sandy Times

Omar Almahri: “I Was Skipping Classes Just To Go Out And Shoot.”

The story of a 23-year-old director sharing his childhood dreams, favourite and toughest shoots and personal challenges

by Barbara Yakimchuk

20 Jun 2025

You Have Heard His Voice — But Never Seen His Face. Meet Elie Iskandar

Heard Morgan Freeman, Optimus Prime, or David Attenborough in the UAE? Odds are, it was Elie

by Alexandra Mansilla

20 Jun 2025

Photography

Saleh Althobaiti, The Photographer: ‘Behind The Silence Of Camels Lie Stories’

The story of a photographer who lived surrounded by camels — and sees what others don’t

by Alexandra Mansilla

18 Jun 2025

7 Local Artists In UAE You Should Know In 2025

From the artists you already know to the ones you are meeting for the first time

by Alexandra Mansilla

16 Jun 2025

Fashion

Dubai

Made In Dubai, Carried Worldwide: Lilian Afshar On Her Brand

Spotted those clear, elegant bags in Dubai or Riyadh? That is L’AFSHAR — and here is the story behind the brand

by Barbara Yakimchuk

11 Jun 2025

Beauty

12 Years a Blogger: Maya Ahmad On Beauty & Business

Maya Ahmad on 12 years of content, beauty lifehacks and the story behind her jewellery brand

by Barbara Yakimchuk

6 Jun 2025

Cinema

The Creative Octopus. The Story Of Ahmed Newton

Who is Ahmed Newton? An actor? A model? Or maybe everything at once?

by Alexandra Mansilla

4 Jun 2025

Music

STR Read

HAMEX: From a Small Town In Iran To Millions Of Listeners Around the World

The story of Iranian pop star HAMEX: his childhood, music journey, unique style, and big plans

by Barbara Yakimchuk

31 May 2025

Sport

‘A Piece Of Wood Changed My Life’: The Story Of Mark Issa

How picking up a skateboard at a young age became the turning point for Mark — shaping the direction of his life

by Alexandra Mansilla

30 May 2025

Food

Restaurants

Changing the Mindset Around Filipino Cuisine. Meet Chef JP Anglo

What steps is he taking to make this happen? And where is Kooya Filipino Eatery moving to?

by Alexandra Mansilla

25 May 2025

Fashion

Rhea Jacobs: 'Being a 5'2 Brown Girl Doesn't Make Your Dreams Any Less Valid'

Marie Claire, Vogue Arabia, BAZAAR — Rhea is on them all. Discover the story behind her success

by Barbara Yakimchuk

24 May 2025

8 Local Creatives From Oman Shaping the Scene

Omani creatives are shaping the Sultanate's budding art scene in 2025

by Iffat Nawaz

23 May 2025

Music

ALAY: 'I Hope We Reach a Point Where DJs Aren’t Labelled By Gender'

Just five years ago, ALAY wasn’t even a DJ, and now she is being called one of electronic music’s rising stars

by Alexandra Mansilla

22 May 2025

‘People Always Feel Something About Our Work — Love Or Hate.’ Meet Masquespacio

Explore Masquespacio’s creations — you will instantly want to go see these places for yourself

by Alexandra Mansilla

20 May 2025

Fashion

From Numbers To Seams: About Shreya Juneja

Another good example of what it means to take a leap of faith and follow your dreams

by Sahira Dharamshi

19 May 2025

The Spirit of Jebel Jais: Yoshi’s Live Performance at Mira Coral Bay

Yoshi honours Jebel Jais in a live art performance at the Mira Coral Bay launch

by Sophie She

19 May 2025

Saudi Arabia

5 Emerging Saudi Artists Redefining Contemporary Culture

In the swirling vortex of tradition and modernity, a new wave of Saudi artists is redefining the Kingdom's cultural landscape

by Iffat Nawaz

19 May 2025

From Bali To Botanique: Jenna Bitar’s Immersive Art Awakening Dubai’s Summer

What began as a casual conversation between two creatives has blossomed into Botanique, a lush, multisensory art experience redefining how Dubai embraces summer

by Sofia Brontvein

16 May 2025

Photography

‘I Should Proudly Reflect My Roots’. The Story Of Ces, a Visual Wizard

This artist and designer from Istanbul blends Turkish authenticity with modernity. And it is going viral

by Alexandra Mansilla

16 May 2025