The Sandy Times

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

Parties

Where To Party In Cairo? Here Is What Locals Say

Cairo’s creative pulse — here is where it beats loudest

by Alexandra Mansilla

18 May 2025

Dubai

The Summit Strikes Back: IMS Dubai Returns This November

It is time to plan the best weekend of November now

by Dara Morgan

14 May 2025

Technologies

What Makes Good Sound And What Does It Really Depend On? Let’s Dive In

The founder of Tonefarm, the first UAE-based sound system manufacturer, explains it

by Alexandra Mansilla

13 May 2025

STR Read

8 Arabic Podcasts To Listen To: From Business To Psychology

Speak Arabic? Then these podcasts are a must — covering everything from comedy to tech and culture

by Barbara Yakimchuk

12 May 2025

Italo Sound Comes To Dubai. Interview With Otto Kraanen, Bordello A Parigi

Looks like the city is about to have one of its most unforgettable nights yet

by Alexandra Mansilla

4 May 2025

OFFLIMITS: How It Went Down (And WHAT Just Happened?)

It was so epic, we just want to rewind time and live it all over again

by Alexandra Mansilla

29 Apr 2025

DJing Workshops Start In Dubai — Guess Who Is Running Them?

Lessons by a DJ who is truly passionate about what they do

by Alexandra Mansilla

22 Apr 2025

Sport

Boost Your Workout: Your Go-To Playlist For Running And Cycling

Running or cycling? Only with these tracks

by Barbara Yakimchuk

21 Apr 2025

Lifestyle

New On STR: Two Podcasts To Listen To This Month

STR has recently launched two new podcasts — what to expect and why they are worth listening to

by Barbara Yakimchuk

9 Apr 2025

Who Is Najm, And Why Does He Wear a Mask? The Artist Tells Us Himself

From the bottom to Times Square — the story of a Moroccan artist paving his way entirely on his own

by Alexandra Mansilla

26 Mar 2025

DJing As a Profession: Is It Finally Taken Seriously?

And why do DJs always have to chase their money?

by Alexandra Mansilla

19 Mar 2025

Shopping

Where To Buy Vinyl In Dubai. Jayesh’s Picks

A curated list of record stores in Dubai — both physical and online — where you can find something unique

by Alexandra Mansilla

17 Mar 2025

Many Facets Of Voice, Many Stories It Tells: Meet Saudi Artist DJ Mubarak

From a guy who started by recording covers and passionately writing his own songs to achieving global recognition

by Alexandra Mansilla

13 Mar 2025

Dubai

Your Must-Listen: Made In The Emirates By Vinyl Souk & 25hours Hotel

Exploring the essence of the new album by Vinyl Souk and 25hours Hotel

by Barbara Yakimchuk

12 Mar 2025

New On STR: Sikka Festival Music Is Now Streaming

The incredible performances from the Sikka Festival are now online: what to expect and where to find them

by Barbara Yakimchuk

26 Feb 2025

Saudi Arabia

Art

Saudi Arabia Cultural Digest 2025: Must-Visit Events

The biggest art and culture events taking place in Jeddah and Riyadh this year

by Barbara Yakimchuk

25 Feb 2025

DJ MoCity: ‘Owning My Identity: Iraqi, Global, And Unapologetic’

How many hats does DJ MoCity wear? Let’s break it down

by Alexandra Mansilla

21 Feb 2025

Art

We Know What You Are Doing On February 22: Karak On the Dhow. Here Is Why

Art, music, conversations — all on a boat with the most creative crowd in town

by Alexandra Mansilla

20 Feb 2025