Kutubna Cultural Center, established in 2023, is a self-contained independent bookstore and cultural space, located in the ever-morphing literary hub of Dubai. A unique platform that celebrates writing, ideas and scholarship, the focus is on building community and creating an open avenue for dialogue exchange and creative expression.  Emirati and Kuwaiti scholar, founder, Shatha Almutawa is weaving a network that celebrates Khaleeji writing and scholarship. Her vision is to make this the leading destination for literary and cultural enrichment in the Gulf region and become a symbol for kn ..read more

Al Yamaniah Magazine is an art publication with a focus on art, talent and culture, that celebrates the creativity of women with Yemeni heritage. Over 60 Yemeni women from within Yemen and its diaspora around the globe have contributed to this 286-page issue which is the first publication of its kind.  It has been co-created by editor Asma Ibrahim and creative director and designer Asma Hamdi. We talked to these dynamic ladies about the content, challenges, and responses to the magazine. This conversation gives an insight into the exciting creative scene for women in Yemen and how that na ..read more

Imagine a music haven unlike any other in the heart of Dubai. Born from the visionary collaboration between Expo 2020 Dubai and the Oscar-winning maestro A.R. Rahman, Firdaus Studio isn't just a recording studio; it's a testament to artistic ambition.  Opened in 2022, this state-of-the-art facility boasts the title of one of the world's most advanced recording spaces. But its true magic lies beyond the cutting-edge technology. Firdaus Studio serves as the heart of the groundbreaking Firdaus Orchestra, a genre-defying ensemble composed entirely of talented female musicians. Their sound tra ..read more

Ghmza, a prominent production company committed to providing high-quality entertainment in Kuwait, is bringing world-class entertainment to local audiences. Their latest project features the beloved children's character Blippi, known for his engaging and educational content. We spoke with Abdullah AlThamer, Director and Producer at Ghmza, to learn about the inspiration behind bringing Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour to Kuwait, the expected impact on the young audience, and their broader vision for entertainment in the region. Can you tell us what inspired the decision for Ghmza to bring Bli ..read more

‘Union of Artists’ is Dubai’s newest large-scale public art installation by five artists including Asma Belhamar, an Emirati interdisciplinary artist and assistant professor at Zayed University, whose work explores the phenomena of 'mega structure' in the UAE.  Permanently situated at Al Hudaiba Park, overlooking the Etihad Museum and Union House, it is part of the initiative to turn Dubai into a global canvas for art and aligns with the cultural vision to establish the emirate’s position as the centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Talking to Kh ..read more

Etaf Almutawa won’t let the pressures of her patriarchal society stop her from making music, in fact it motivates her even more.  A young and upcoming self-taught artist, her music doesn’t conform to any genre – instead it is more in the form of storytelling. Singing in both Arabic and English, Etaf is all about experimenting and pushing boundaries. Her music is about tough topics that are of significance to her.  We talked to Etaf about her journey into music, the songs she writes and what she has planned. Photographer: Asma Hamdi @hamdi.asma_, Stylist: Drew Demetry @drew ..read more

A film created by an MFA in Design student tells the story of how the olive tree has evolved to be a symbol of resilience in Palestinian culture. It is a fact that no matter what the topic, conversations with the displaced – those compelled to leave their homes or hometowns, often by force – eventually circle back to factors that helped them survive, or even thrive, in the face of adversity, those small yet significant aspects of their daily lives that kept, and may still be keeping, their spirits up and hope alive.  These factors, often mundane, matter. This is because they are tangible ..read more

In the heart of Expo 2023 Doha under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment”, amid a whirlwind of cultural exchange and innovation, stood the UAE Pavilion, a beacon of sustainability and heritage. As the curtains draw on this monumental event, the UAE Pavilion emerges victorious, adorned with the prestigious "Gold" award for the Best Self Built Pavilion at Expo Doha 2023.  “Receiving the Golden award for the Best Self Built Pavilion underscores the strategic foresight of our leadership and their unwavering support that propel the nation's distinguished presence in regional and inter ..read more

Spectre heralds the beginning of the all-electric era for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Electric cars are now officially luxurious and stylish with the debut of Spectre, the first fully electric motor car by Rolls-Royce. Silent, powerful, and perfect, the ultra-luxury electric super coupé offers the most elevated electric motor car experience with a silent 584-HP ride and possesses all the qualities that have secured the Rolls-Royce legend for the most demanding consumer in the world – the Rolls-Royce client. A brand where perfection is about more than making the very best products, it is a culture ..read more

History was made at the Yuz Museum Shanghai with "Watering the Desert: Contemporary Art from Qatar," a groundbreaking exhibition that unfolded in a spirit of cultural diplomacy.  This first-ever large-scale showcase of Qatari and Qatar-based artists in China marked a significant milestone and ran from November 8, 2023, to March 3, 2024. Curated by Issa Al Shirawi and Sheikha Maryam Hassan Al Thani of Qatar Museums, the collaborative effort with Yuz Museum brought together 34 artists from diverse backgrounds. These talented individuals, working across disciplines like art, design, and fil ..read more