Interview
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Desert Roads & German Precision: Volkswagen’s New Vision For the Gulf
The Sandy Times talks to Matthias Ziegler about Volkswagen’s evolving Middle East journey — from SUVs to cultural ties
by Sofia Brontvein
13 Jun 2025
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Made In Dubai, Carried Worldwide: Lilian Afshar On Her Brand
Spotted those clear, elegant bags in Dubai or Riyadh? That is L’AFSHAR — and here is the story behind the brand
by Barbara Yakimchuk
11 Jun 2025
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12 Years a Blogger: Maya Ahmad On Beauty & Business
Maya Ahmad on 12 years of content, beauty lifehacks and the story behind her jewellery brand
by Barbara Yakimchuk
6 Jun 2025
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The Creative Octopus. The Story Of Ahmed Newton
Who is Ahmed Newton? An actor? A model? Or maybe everything at once?
by Alexandra Mansilla
4 Jun 2025
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A Way To the Summit. ‘Everyman’s Mountain’, an Exhibition By Omar Al Gurg
What started as a spontaneous climb up Kilimanjaro turned into a full-on exhibition about the mountain
by Alexandra Mansilla
3 Jun 2025
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HAMEX: From a Small Town In Iran To Millions Of Listeners Around the World
The story of Iranian pop star HAMEX: his childhood, music journey, unique style, and big plans
by Barbara Yakimchuk
31 May 2025
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‘A Piece Of Wood Changed My Life’: The Story Of Mark Issa
How picking up a skateboard at a young age became the turning point for Mark — shaping the direction of his life
by Alexandra Mansilla
30 May 2025
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Changing the Mindset Around Filipino Cuisine. Meet Chef JP Anglo
What steps is he taking to make this happen? And where is Kooya Filipino Eatery moving to?
by Alexandra Mansilla
25 May 2025
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Rhea Jacobs: 'Being a 5'2 Brown Girl Doesn't Make Your Dreams Any Less Valid'
Marie Claire, Vogue Arabia, BAZAAR — Rhea is on them all. Discover the story behind her success
by Barbara Yakimchuk
24 May 2025
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ALAY: 'I Hope We Reach a Point Where DJs Aren’t Labelled By Gender'
Just five years ago, ALAY wasn’t even a DJ, and now she is being called one of electronic music’s rising stars
by Alexandra Mansilla
22 May 2025
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‘People Always Feel Something About Our Work — Love Or Hate.’ Meet Masquespacio
Explore Masquespacio’s creations — you will instantly want to go see these places for yourself
by Alexandra Mansilla
20 May 2025
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From Numbers To Seams: About Shreya Juneja
Another good example of what it means to take a leap of faith and follow your dreams
by Sahira Dharamshi
19 May 2025
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Welcome Aboard: The Gulf Is Becoming One Of the Biggest Cruise Hubs In the World
Angelo Capurro, Global Executive Director of MSC Cruises, explains why ocean liners set course for Dubai
by Sofia Brontvein
19 May 2025
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From Bali To Botanique: Jenna Bitar’s Immersive Art Awakening Dubai’s Summer
What began as a casual conversation between two creatives has blossomed into Botanique, a lush, multisensory art experience redefining how Dubai embraces summer
by Sofia Brontvein
16 May 2025
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‘I Should Proudly Reflect My Roots’. The Story Of Ces, a Visual Wizard
This artist and designer from Istanbul blends Turkish authenticity with modernity. And it is going viral
by Alexandra Mansilla
16 May 2025
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Drive Like a Goddess: Meet Arabian Gazelles, the All-Women Supercar Club
See how the Middle East’s first all-women supercar club is changing perceptions of women in motorsport
by Alexandra Mansilla
15 May 2025
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Ghassan Kayed, Burgers & Hoodies: ‘I Want To Put Our Region On the Global Radar’
Discover how the agency seeks to achieve its goal through the means of storytelling
by Alexandra Mansilla
11 May 2025
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Women’s Football In the UAE. Interview With Nouf Al Anzi, the Captain
From her sports journey to her first crisis and everyday routine — meet Nouf, the captain of the UAE Women's National Team
by Barbara Yakimchuk
10 May 2025
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Driven By Art: BMW Art Cars In Talk With Dr Thomas Girst
Prof Dr Thomas Girst about his favourite Art Car, the future of co-creation, and what stood out at Art Dubai
by Dara Morgan
7 May 2025
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Painting the Wounds Of a City And a Self. Interview With Azin Zolfaghari
The Iranian artist who captures the absence of human presence in urban life
by Alexandra Mansilla
6 May 2025