The Sandy Times

“What Is Driving Vinyl Today Is Meaning” — An Interview With Salah, Founder Of TECHFUI

TECHFUI founder on the story behind the label and his view of the regional music scene

by Barbara Yakimchuk

17 Dec 2025

Yal Solan: “Ya Enay Kafak Alam Was Born During the War In Beirut”

A Lebanese independent artist on finding a voice — in music, in language, and in times of uncertainty

by Alexandra Mansilla

14 Dec 2025

Best Of STR: A Year Of Beautiful Noise (And Mild Chaos)

We are wrapping up 2026 with your favourite playlists, mixes and podcasts

by Dara Morgan

11 Dec 2025

Art

UAE Cultural Digest: What To See Before the Year Ends

From the quiet light-and-shadow worlds opening at Louvre Abu Dhabi to Sharjah’s meditative installations

by Alexandra Mansilla

7 Dec 2025

Meet Kazdoura: The Duo Turning Pain And Memory Into Music

An interview where Leen and Johnny share how their different backgrounds became their greatest strength

by Barbara Yakimchuk

5 Dec 2025

Deep Purple’s Frontman Ian Gillan: “Creativity Isn’t a Mechanical Thing”

Six decades on: talking to the legendary vocalist of Deep Purple

by Barbara Yakimchuk

19 Nov 2025

Dubai

Secta Open Air Returns For Round Two. And It Is Wilder Than Ever

We have got the inside scoop on what to expect from the upcoming festival

by Alexandra Mansilla

16 Nov 2025

STR

Toshiya Kawasaki — the Man Behind One Of Japan’s Most Stylish Labels

And yes, you will meet him on November 14 in Dubai

by Dara Morgan

13 Nov 2025

How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall? Ask Emirati Cellist Elham Al Marzooqi

Lawyer, cellist, actor, mother — and now, a Carnegie Hall orchestral musician. We meet the Emirati who turns time management into an art form

by Barbara Yakimchuk

8 Nov 2025

STR

From Sapporo To Dubai: Kuniyuki Takahashi’s Journey Of Sound

Sapporo’s sonic visionary Kuniyuki Takahashi returns to Dubai on November 14 for a night at Honeycomb Hi-Fi

by Dara Morgan

6 Nov 2025

Musical Season: Events Not To Miss In the UAE & Saudi Till the End Of 2025

With the season at its height, let us explore the main events in Dubai and beyond

by Dara Morgan

4 Nov 2025

Time Travel Through Music: The Childhood Of Najla Said

A journey into Najla’s childhood, told through her favourite songs

by Barbara Yakimchuk

22 Oct 2025

Dubai

Dubai Insiders: Chloe Barakat On Music, Community, And Life

Dubai’s best DJ sets, perfect outfits for every occasion, and the city’s most Dubai-style secrets — all told by KLO

by Barbara Yakimchuk

20 Oct 2025

Everything You Wanted To Ask About Vinyl (But Never Did)

With Kito Jempere, we explore the most common — and a few unexpected — questions about vinyl

by Barbara Yakimchuk

9 Oct 2025

Time Travel: The Childhood Of Mohammad Jaffar

A journey into Mohammad's childhood, told though his favourite songs

by Barbara Yakimchuk

30 Sept 2025

What DJs Wear And Why

With Kito Jempere and KLO on what works best to wear for a DJ set

by Barbara Yakimchuk

25 Sept 2025

Saudi Singer Yazeed Fahad: "I Want To Be the Main Character Of My Own Life"

Yazeed Fahad opens up about his top songs, hidden tracks, and a tough moment on stage

by Barbara Yakimchuk

24 Sept 2025

Cameron Shahbazi, Countertenor: “My Voice Works When Brain, Heart And Lungs Are In Sync”

Late-night rehearsals, a mother’s drive, and a career shaped by the heart — the story of Cameron Shahbazi

by Barbara Yakimchuk

21 Sept 2025

Let Everyone Try Being a DJ! KLO Launches Open Decks In Dubai

She wants to create a space where everyone can try playing, free of judgment

by Alexandra Mansilla

15 Sept 2025