The Sandy Times

The Final Elegance: Giorgio Armani, One Of the Last Fashion Gods, Passed Away

He was one of the last true masters of fashion, a man who turned simplicity into an empire of grace

by Sofia Brontvein

4 Sept 2025

Middle Eastern Artists And the Language Of Mirrors

Which artists work with mirrors in their sculptures, and what are they saying with them?

by Alexandra Mansilla

2 Sept 2025

Photography

Standing For Women And Love: Meet Egyptian Photographer Najla Said

A photographer exploring women, religion, sisterhood and society — all drawn from her own lived experience

by Barbara Yakimchuk

30 Aug 2025

Music

STR Read

Release Not To Miss: Kito Jempere Presents Infinite Azure

And we really insist that you listen to it now — because it is irresistibly cool

by Dara Morgan

29 Aug 2025

“Flowers in Bullet Holes” — Meet Photographer Ismat Mahmassani

We talked to the artist who decided the best way to preserve Beirut’s crumbling houses was to cover them in blooms

by Dara Morgan

28 Aug 2025

Photography

Algeria In Photos And Stories By Houssem Boulifa

From carpets at home to football in the streets, a French-Algerian lens reveals his country’s story

by Barbara Yakimchuk

28 Aug 2025

Music

Time Travel Through Music: The Childhood Of Rhea Jacobs

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

by Barbara Yakimchuk

27 Aug 2025

5 Iranian Artists To Know: Stories Of Belonging And Memory

From painting on pizza boxes to reading Persian myths, discover what inspires Iranian artists and how they create

by Barbara Yakimchuk

25 Aug 2025

Mental Health

How Do Kids Settle In Abroad? Parents Share What Really Happens

We spoke with parents whose children really went through it all to find out what helped and what didn’t

by Alexandra Mansilla

20 Aug 2025

Music

Choosing Legacy Over Noise. Interview With Saudi Singer Tamtam

Look how she uses her songs to speak about challenges we all face

by Alexandra Mansilla

15 Aug 2025

The Iranian Artist Whose Textile Art Went Global. Meet Taher Asad-Bakhtiari

See what happens when tribal culture and a love for art shape you from a young age

by Barbara Yakimchuk

9 Aug 2025

You Should See What He Does With Arabic Letters. Meet Waleed Abodouh

The way Waleed works with Arabic calligraphy is never what you would expect

by Alexandra Mansilla

7 Aug 2025

Dubai

Cultural Code In Motion: Russian Seasons Arrives In Dubai

Festival founder Daria Matsievskaya reflects on heritage, innovation, and cultural dialogue

by Dara Morgan

1 Aug 2025

Esraa Ehab: ‘The Egypt I See Is More Felt Than Seen’

Read about those unique places in Cairo where you can truly feel the soul of the city

by Alexandra Mansilla

28 Jul 2025

Photography

Through a Bahraini Lens: The World According To Ali Al Shehabi

From family archives to quiet moments by the sea — a journey through memory, identity, and everything in between

by Barbara Yakimchuk

26 Jul 2025

Memory, Language, And a Bit Of Quiet Magic. Interview With Nasir Nasrallah

See how the artist, through each artwork, explores themes of memory, language, and... writes paper letters

by Alexandra Mansilla

25 Jul 2025

Loud, Bold, And Full Of Volume. Calligraphy With Ibrahim Zaki

Read the story of a calligrapher who created one of the top 100 posters in the Arab region

by Alexandra Mansilla

22 Jul 2025

Watch Qatar Through Its Artists — See The True Side

Six Qatari creatives who are changing the way we see the country

by Barbara Yakimchuk

8 Jul 2025

Local Female Artists You Should Be Following In 2025

See what kinds of things they are exploring — and how they turn it all into art

by Alexandra Mansilla

7 Jul 2025