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Lifestyle urban media — united by creativity, elevating community. We bring together diverse voices to showcase the richness of MENA's urban culture. We believe compelling storytelling can inspire, unite, and create positive change

© 2025 The Sandy Times
All rights reserved

Interview

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Interview
People

Omar Almahri: “I Was Skipping Classes Just To Go Out And Shoot.”

The story of a 23-year-old director sharing his childhood dreams, favourite and toughest shoots and personal challenges

by Barbara Yakimchuk

20 Jun 2025

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Interview
People

You Have Heard His Voice — But Never Seen His Face. Meet Elie Iskandar

Heard Morgan Freeman, Optimus Prime, or David Attenborough in the UAE? Odds are, it was Elie

by Alexandra Mansilla

20 Jun 2025

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Photography
Interview

Saleh Althobaiti, The Photographer: ‘Behind The Silence Of Camels Lie Stories’

The story of a photographer who lived surrounded by camels — and sees what others don’t

by Alexandra Mansilla

18 Jun 2025

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Cars
Interview

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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Fashion
Dubai

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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Interview
Beauty

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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Cinema
Interview

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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Art
Photography

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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Music
STR Read

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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Interview
Sport

‘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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Food
Restaurants

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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Interview
Fashion

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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Interview
Music

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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Art
Interview

‘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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Interview
Fashion

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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Entertainment
Travel

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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Art
Interview

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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Art
Photography

‘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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Cars
Interview

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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Art
Interview

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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