The Sandy Times

How To Spend the First Days Of 2026 In Dubai

From staying on the sofa and doing nothing, to (for the braver ones) leaving the house and exploring new places

by Alexandra Mansilla

29 Dec 2025

Entertainment

Saving In Dubai: How To Cut Costs Without Losing Your Mind

Rent, food, gyms, cars and more: saving tips I learned as a Dubai resident

by Barbara Yakimchuk

26 Dec 2025

Design

Studio Meshary AlNassar At Alserkal: A Look Inside the New Space

Why is the studio leaving CityWalk, and what can we expect next?

by Alexandra Mansilla

25 Dec 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, December 23–29

A new coffee spot, a Daniel Arsham exhibition, and plenty of design to get inspired by

by Alexandra Mansilla

22 Dec 2025

Fashion

Shopping

From New Year’s Eve To Eid: Middle Eastern Brands For Festive Dressing

Discover local labels to shop for modern occasionwear

by Sana Bun

19 Dec 2025

Lifestyle

Dubai Without the Hustle And Big Costs: Where To Live When the Pace Gets Too Loud

Nad Al Sheba, Town Square, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Motor City — areas to consider when your contract expires

by Barbara Yakimchuk

18 Dec 2025

Your Reason To Dress Up: 13 Dubai Spots To Welcome 2026 In Full Glam

Grab your phone and do the booking to step into 2026 like a diamond — shining

by Dara Morgan

17 Dec 2025

Interview

Meet Lawrence Harradine, the Person Deciding Which Global Stars Perform In Dubai

Early bookings, wild riders and the art of programming Dubai’s diverse audiences

by Barbara Yakimchuk

16 Dec 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, December 16–22

A cinema dome in the mountains, an exhibition that speaks through walls, a secret anti-party, and more

by Alexandra Mansilla

15 Dec 2025

New Year’s Eve With a View: Rooftop Spots To Watch Fireworks In the Gulf

Discover some of the best rooftop spots to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in the Gulf

by Sana Bun

15 Dec 2025

From Regional To Global: How UAE Art Fairs Repositioned the Region On the International Map

Opera Gallery Dubai’s director reflects on the momentum reshaping the UAE’s cultural scene

by Sylvain Gaillard

15 Dec 2025

Interview

Time Chamber By Conrad Shawcross Arrived In Dubai

The Fireze legend spotted during Dubai Watch Week

by Sophie She

12 Dec 2025

Animals

Owning a Horse In the UAE: What Does It Actually Cost?

Where to buy, where to keep it, and how much it will cost you

by Barbara Yakimchuk

11 Dec 2025

Shopping

What To Gift a Creative In 2026: Local Brands For Artists, Designers & Makers

A guide to the local gift ideas

by Sana Bun

11 Dec 2025

Interview

Fashion

How To Start Fashion Brand In Dubai? Speaking With Jamie Atherton

Costs, common mistakes, and the key pieces to prioritise — in conversation with the founder of "I’ll Write You Letters"

by Barbara Yakimchuk

10 Dec 2025

2025 New Year Events In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, And Sharjah — Full Schedule

Your guide to 2025 New Year events in the UAE

by Sana Bun

9 Dec 2025

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, December 9–15

From meteor showers in the desert to fresh pop-ups in the park, Sole DXB, and new voices in film

by Alexandra Mansilla

8 Dec 2025

Lifestyle

You Built a Life In Dubai. Maybe It Is Time To Admit You Are Kind Of a Badass

Dubai pushes everyone to want more, but maybe the real achievement is everything you have already built without noticing

by Sofia Brontvein

8 Dec 2025