The Sandy Times

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

New Year

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 a 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

New Year

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

Lifestyle

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

Electric Bikes In Dubai And Abu Dhabi: Laws, Safety, Where To Ride

Your guide to electric bikes in the UAE

by Sana Bun

3 Dec 2025

Restaurants

Dubai Insiders: JP On Finding His Place In Dubai

Running a business, finding the balance, and settling into one of the world’s fastest-paced cities

by Barbara Yakimchuk

3 Dec 2025

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

From a new Alserkal hangout to the Japan Festival and the long-awaited opening of the Zayed National Museum

by Alexandra Mansilla

1 Dec 2025

Night Running In Dubai: Safety, Gear, And Where To Go

Discover top routes, gear, and safety tips for enjoyable evening runs

by Sana Bun

30 Nov 2025

Festivals

National Day With Emiratis — How It Is Really Celebrated

I turned the internet upside down to understand how locals prefer to celebrate National Day

by Barbara Yakimchuk

28 Nov 2025

Real Estate

Monthly Rent Is Coming To the UAE: What Is the Catch?

Hidden fees, breach terms, and the broader benefits that come with the shift to monthly rent payments

by Barbara Yakimchuk

27 Nov 2025

Women’s Cycling In the GCC: Clubs, Tracks And Gear To Know

You beginner-friendly guide to female cycling in the Middle East

by Sana Bun

26 Nov 2025

People

Dubai Insiders: Wathek Allal On His Brand And the Art Of Making Friends

Precious Trust, first self-cooked dish, and how skateboarding helps you find friends

by Barbara Yakimchuk

25 Nov 2025

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

Your Week In Dubai: What To Do, November 25–December 1

From yoga on electronic beats to a new hidden listening bar

by Alexandra Mansilla

24 Nov 2025

Top Marathons And Running Events In the GCC In 2026

Explore the 2026 calendar of key running events across the region

by Sana Bun

22 Nov 2025

Watches