The Sandy Times

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, September 16–21

Plenty of art, some good food, and just the right dose of music — consider this your week’s spoiler

by Barbara Yakimchuk

15 Sept 2025

Where To Learn Emirati Calligraphy: Workshops Across the UAE

From Kufic to cursive, discover how Dubai calligraphy classes make ink feel alive

by Sana Bun

15 Sept 2025

Whispers Of the Past: Memory And Legacy At Sotheby’s Dubai

An exhibition with Aisha Alabbar Gallery explores heritage, identity, and intergenerational memory

by Sophie She

14 Sept 2025

Events

The Boys Are Alright — Or Are They? In Conversation With Jumairy

Former students of Rashid School for Boys reflect on boyhood and adolescence through their art

by Alexandra Mansilla

13 Sept 2025

Photography

Ismail Zaidy: ‘Photography Is Always My Escape From Everyday Life’

See how Ismail depicts Marrakech — in pastel hues, vast skies, soft fabrics, and tender family ties

by Alexandra Mansilla

12 Sept 2025

How Galleries Spot And Support New Talent

From chance encounters to career-defining exhibitions, the art world’s unsung role as talent scout.

by Sylvain Gaillard

9 Sept 2025

People

Middle Eastern Artists And the Language Of Mirrors

Which artists work with mirrors in their sculptures, and what are they saying with them?

by Alexandra Mansilla

2 Sept 2025

Photography

Your Photograph Could Be Worth 30,000 QAR

Do you hold a photo that feels larger than life? Tasweer 2025 is waiting for it

by Dara Morgan

2 Sept 2025

Fashion

Fashion x Art: Why Brands Keep Collaborating With Artists

What goal do brands really chase in art collaborations?

by Alexandra Mansilla

1 Sept 2025

Events

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, September 2–8

It is still hot, but the city is finally waking up

by Dara Morgan

1 Sept 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

David Hockney Did It Again: Explore His New Exhibition

Foundation Louis Vuitton presents a breakthrough for digital art

by Sophie She

26 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

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

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

What Is Going On With Alserkal’s Instagram?

Answering all your questions about the empty Instagram page of Dubai’s cultural heart

by Sophie She

6 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

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