The Sandy Times

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

“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

A First Look At Dubai Design Week 2025: What We Know So Far

What is the theme this year, and what can we actually expect from the Middle East’s biggest design festival?

by Alexandra Mansilla

29 Jul 2025

Technologies

Digital Art Galleries In UAE: The Future Of Visual Culture

Places where, sometimes, it feels like you have stepped straight into a fantasy world

by Alexandra Mansilla

28 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

Collecting With Intent: Why Building a Cohesive Collection Matters

Director at Opera Gallery Dubai on how to collect art with a purpose

by Sylvain Gaillard

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

Riyadh

Restaurants

Not Just a Bite: Riyadh Places Where Design And Interior Take the Spotlight

Yes, these are (we don’t love the word) the Instagrammable ones. But it is impossible not to take a photo here

by Alexandra Mansilla

20 Jul 2025

Hands To Hands: Saudi Women’s Stories In the Project 'Lingering In the Light'

Two artists travelled across Saudi, collecting women’s stories and weaving them into textiles and photography

by Alexandra Mansilla

18 Jul 2025

Photography

Building a Massive Portrait Archive Of Arab Icons. Meet Abdullah Alshehri

He started shooting portraits when Saudi photography was just taking off — and he has snapped thousands since

by Alexandra Mansilla

16 Jul 2025