The Sandy Times

Standing For Women And Love: Meet Egyptian Photographer Najla Said

A photographer exploring women, religion, sisterhood and society — all drawn from her own lived experience

by Barbara Yakimchuk

30 Aug 2025

“Flowers in Bullet Holes” — Meet Photographer Ismat Mahmassani

We talked to the artist who decided the best way to preserve Beirut’s crumbling houses was to cover them in blooms

by Dara Morgan

28 Aug 2025

People

Algeria In Photos And Stories By Houssem Boulifa

From carpets at home to football in the streets, a French-Algerian lens reveals his country’s story

by Barbara Yakimchuk

28 Aug 2025

People

5 Iranian Artists To Know: Stories Of Belonging And Memory

From painting on pizza boxes to reading Persian myths, discover what inspires Iranian artists and how they create

by Barbara Yakimchuk

25 Aug 2025

Food

Mama And Chef. How Salam Daqqaq Turned Bait Maryam Into a Home For Everyone

The incredible story of how cooking with heart earned four Michelin Bib Gourmand awards

by Alexandra Mansilla

22 Aug 2025

Music

Choosing Legacy Over Noise. Interview With Saudi Singer Tamtam

Look how she uses her songs to speak about challenges we all face

by Alexandra Mansilla

15 Aug 2025

The Iranian Artist Whose Textile Art Went Global. Meet Taher Asad-Bakhtiari

See what happens when tribal culture and a love for art shape you from a young age

by Barbara Yakimchuk

9 Aug 2025

Architecture

Sacred Symmetry: Exploring the Beauty Of Mosques With Mohammed Alim

His work is a true paradise for perfectionists, the kind of images you can’t stop looking at

by Alexandra Mansilla

8 Aug 2025

Her UAE: Inside the World Of Emirati Women Photographers

Watch the magic that happens when these women pick up a camera

by Alexandra Mansilla

8 Aug 2025

You Should See What He Does With Arabic Letters. Meet Waleed Abodouh

The way Waleed works with Arabic calligraphy is never what you would expect

by Alexandra Mansilla

7 Aug 2025

eL Seed: "I Want The Public To Feel Part Of My Calligraphy"

Speaking with one of the most iconic calligraphy street artists about his biggest projects, identity crises, and inspirations

by Barbara Yakimchuk

6 Aug 2025

Dubai

Cultural Code In Motion: Russian Seasons Arrives In Dubai

Festival founder Daria Matsievskaya reflects on heritage, innovation, and cultural dialogue

by Dara Morgan

1 Aug 2025

Music

Being Sensitive To the Crowd. Interview With Mitch Oliver

A guy from Montreal who was all about skiing — until one day, he suddenly pivoted and dedicated his life to music

by Alexandra Mansilla

1 Aug 2025

“Home Is Something That Constantly Shifts Between Past and Present” — Meet Shingo Yamazaki

Hawaiʻi born artist, exhibiting in Dubai until September 1, shares the themes, inspirations, and quiet rituals behind his work

by Barbara Yakimchuk

29 Jul 2025

People

Esraa Ehab: ‘The Egypt I See Is More Felt Than Seen’

Read about those unique places in Cairo where you can truly feel the soul of the city

by Alexandra Mansilla

28 Jul 2025

Through a Bahraini Lens: The World According To Ali Al Shehabi

From family archives to quiet moments by the sea — a journey through memory, identity, and everything in between

by Barbara Yakimchuk

26 Jul 2025

Memory, Language, And a Bit Of Quiet Magic. Interview With Nasir Nasrallah

See how the artist, through each artwork, explores themes of memory, language, and... writes paper letters

by Alexandra Mansilla

25 Jul 2025

Loud, Bold, And Full Of Volume. Calligraphy With Ibrahim Zaki

Read the story of a calligrapher who created one of the top 100 posters in the Arab region

by Alexandra Mansilla

22 Jul 2025

Fashion

"Aga Bibi" — an Iranian Brand That Moves With No Map, And No Fear

Talking to Mehrnoosh Shahhosseini — designer and CEO of Aga Bibi — about the brand’s past, present, and future

by Barbara Yakimchuk

19 Jul 2025