The Sandy Times

Welcome 2026: Your Slow-Living Guide

We are going hard this year. But slowly

by Dara Morgan

1 Jan 2026

Food

The Coffee Questions You Are Shy To Ask Baristas

Mariam Erin answers the “silly” — and not so silly — coffee questions

by Barbara Yakimchuk

30 Dec 2025

Music

The Power Of Silence: Why I Stopped Listening To Music

What happens to your brain when you stop outsourcing emotion to playlists

by Sofia Brontvein

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

Should You Cut Down On Instagram In 2026?

I am not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions, but digital hygiene is definitely going on my list

by Dara Morgan

26 Dec 2025

Health

Interview

When Sleep Stops Coming Easily: Understanding Insomnia

Insomnia explained: insights from specialists and lived experience

by Barbara Yakimchuk

25 Dec 2025

Why You Don’t Need New Year’s Resolutions To Do Better

And why perfectionism isn’t helping either

by Sana Bun

24 Dec 2025

New Year

What Sandy’s Friends Are Wishing For This New Year

Before Christmas arrives: what KLO, Jashe and Noor Taan, Rhea Jacobs and Ali Chaaban are wishing for

by Barbara Yakimchuk

20 Dec 2025

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

People

Strong, Soft, Unapologetic: The New Middle Eastern Woman

Behind every stereotype about this region is a woman who disproves it simply by living her life

by Sofia Brontvein

16 Dec 2025

Travel

Saudi Arabia

Top Wellness Retreats In the Middle East For a Reset In 2026

Discover some of the best wellness retreats in the Middle East

by Sana Bun

10 Dec 2025

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

The Talent Visa In the UAE: What It Is And How To Get It?

Checking the legal framework and asking insiders to share a step-by-step guide to securing the Talent Visa

by Barbara Yakimchuk

6 Dec 2025

Health

Personal Experience: Learning To Wake Up As a Not-a-Morning Person

A love letter to mornings written by someone who can’t seem to wake up for them

by Sana Bun

4 Dec 2025

New Year

Fashion

2026 Fashion Trends You Can Actually Wear

Explore fun trends built for real life

by Sana Bun

3 Dec 2025

Fashion

Shopping

Why Laptop Bags Are the Feminist Accessory We Actually Need

Discover how the humble everyday piece became fashion’s quiet symbol of progress

by Sana Bun

2 Dec 2025

People

You Aren't Strict. You Are Toxic. The Leadership Lesson I Learned Too Late

You can hit every KPI and still fail as a leader — until you understand that people, not pressure, drive performance

by Sofia Brontvein

29 Nov 2025

Sport

Stop Swiping. Start Sweating: Your New Social Life Starts Here

You won’t find your people in bars or brunches — but you will find them at 6 am, sweaty, starving, and strangely loyal

by Sofia Brontvein

25 Nov 2025

Identity Crisis In Slow Motion: What Immigration Really Does To You

A dual perspective on expat life

by Sana Bun

24 Nov 2025