Culture
Culture and arts news
700 articles in this section
Effort Signalling: Why Luxury Fashion is Rejecting AI in Favor of Human Craftsmanship
Luxury fashion houses are embracing 'effort signalling' by prioritizing hand-drawn art and traditional craftsmanship over AI-generated imagery to maintain authenticity and value.
Mohammed Kazem: Four Decades of Pioneering Emirati Art and a Legacy of Experimentation
Pioneering Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem reflects on four decades of his experimental art practice, heavily influenced by his mentor Hassan Sharif. His work, from early photographic series to contemporary GPS-based installations, is being showcased at Frieze Abu Dhabi, highlighting his significant contribution to the UAE's art scene.
Jennifer Lawrence Returns to The Hunger Games Universe in Prequel 'Sunrise on the Reaping'
Jennifer Lawrence will return as Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,' a prequel set 24 years before the original story. The film follows a young Haymitch Abernathy competing in the 50th Hunger Games.
Jessica Chastain Returns to Nashville's Shadows in Musical Mystery 'Heartland'
Jessica Chastain stars as a former country music star in the new Netflix musical mystery 'Heartland.' She returns to Nashville to investigate her niece's disappearance and confront her own past secrets.
Ruth Madeley Embodies Activist Judy Heumann's Fight for Accessibility in 'Being Heumann'
Actress Ruth Madeley discusses her role as disability rights activist Judy Heumann in the film 'Being Heumann,' highlighting their shared determination and the activist's lifelong fight for accessibility. The movie focuses on Heumann's pivotal role in the 1977 federal building occupation that led to the signing of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Athleta's Middle East Launch Features Trailblazing Emirati Racer, Egyptian Filmmaker, and Saudi Athlete
American activewear brand Athleta has launched its 'My World. My Rules' campaign in the Middle East, featuring Emirati racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi, Egyptian filmmaker Salma Elkashef, and Saudi endurance athlete Lojain Alrefae. The campaign celebrates women redefining success on their own terms across various fields.
Bangladeshi Photographer Wins Prestigious $200,000 Hipa Award for Evocative Image of Resilience
Bangladeshi photographer Pinu Rahman has won the $200,000 grand prize at Dubai's Hipa Awards for a powerful image of a family sleeping amidst the ruins of their fire-damaged home. The winning photograph, themed around 'Family,' captured resilience in the aftermath of a devastating fire in Dhaka.
Nomad Design Fair Transforms Abu Dhabi's Historic Airport Terminal into a Global Design Hub
The Nomad design fair is transforming Abu Dhabi's historic former airport terminal into a global hub for collectable design, showcasing over 50 international and regional exhibitors. The event aims to foster dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design in a unique architectural setting.
Is Arab Culture Experiencing a Cultural Renaissance? From Election Speeches to AI Debates
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the increasing visibility of Arab culture, highlighted by recent events and language use in public spheres. They also examine the rise of AI-generated content in advertising and its potential impact on the perception of luxury and art.
Art Here 2026: Louvre Abu Dhabi Exhibition Explores Centuries of India-Gulf Cultural Exchange
Louvre Abu Dhabi's Art Here 2026 exhibition, 'Confluences,' showcases six artists exploring centuries of cultural exchange between India and the Gulf. The exhibition features installations that delve into personal stories of migration, historical trade, and linguistic diversity, extending a narrative from a concurrent historical exhibition.
Swiss Oscar Entry 'Who Is Still Alive' Faces Campaign Challenges After Visa Refusals for Gaza Survivors
Switzerland's Oscar submission, 'Who Is Still Alive,' a documentary by Nicolas Wadimoff featuring Gaza survivors, faced challenges after visa refusals for its participants. The film, shot in South Africa, now aims for an Oscar campaign centered on humanity and raw testimony.
M. John Harrison, 81, Becomes Oldest Booker Prize Winner for Dystopian Sci-Fi Novel 'The End of Everything'
M. John Harrison, at 81, has become the oldest winner of the Booker Prize for his dystopian science fiction novel 'The End of Everything.' The judges praised the book's unique blend of genres and its exploration of catastrophe and apocalypse.
Sheikh Mansour Honors Cultural Trailblazers at UAE Government Annual Meetings
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed honored recipients of the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026. The awards recognize pioneers in culture and the creative arts, highlighting their importance to the nation's development and global dialogue.
Frieze Arrives in Abu Dhabi: Global Art Fair Eyes Middle East Expansion and Regional Artist Showcase
Frieze, a globally recognized art fair, is launching its first edition in Abu Dhabi, aiming to connect international collectors with regional artists and galleries. The move signifies Abu Dhabi's growing importance in the global art market.
M. John Harrison, 81, Becomes Oldest Booker Prize Laureate for Dystopian Novel, Also a Pro-Palestine Advocate
M. John Harrison has become the oldest winner of the Booker Prize at 81 for his novel 'The End of Everything'. The author, also known for his support of the Palestinian cause, has a long career in speculative fiction and literary criticism.
Olivia Wilde Reconsiders 'The Invite' Ending, Embraces Audience's Hopeful Interpretations
Olivia Wilde, director and star of the hit film 'The Invite,' has shared how audience interpretations of the movie's ambiguous ending have shifted her own perspective, leading her to feel more optimistic about the couple's future.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Unveils Children's Adaptation of Ancient Classic 'The Conference of the Birds' with Environmental Focus
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi has launched a bilingual children's book, 'The Conference of the Birds,' adapting a 12th-century classic with a focus on environmental themes and collective action. The book, illustrated by Noushin Sadeghian and published by Kalimat, was unveiled at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Reem Al Mubarak's 'What We Left In The Sandbox' Exhibition in Abu Dhabi Explores Memory Through Childhood Objects
Emirati artist Reem Al Mubarak's new exhibition, 'What We Left In The Sandbox,' at Abu Dhabi's Rizq Art Gallery uses everyday childhood objects to explore themes of memory, play, and experience. The interactive artworks encourage visitors to engage with their past through touch and movement.
Diwali Illuminates India: A Spectacle of Light Across the Nation
India is gearing up for Diwali, a festival that will illuminate the nation with a spectacular display of lights. The celebration symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and brings communities together.
Diwali Illuminates India and Global Communities: A Festival of Light, Unity, and Tradition
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is being celebrated across India and by its global diaspora, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The festivities include prayers, family reunions, fireworks, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.
UAE's Hindu Temples Buzz with Devotees for Vibrant Diwali Celebrations
Thousands of worshippers visited temples in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to celebrate Diwali. The festival of lights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, was marked with greetings from UAE leaders and traditional observances.
Beirut's Cultural Resilience: Film Festival Thrives Amidst War, Drawing Thousands
Beirut's 20th Shorts International Film Festival saw a strong turnout of 3,500 attendees, demonstrating a resilient appetite for art and social connection amidst ongoing conflict. The festival celebrated emerging talent and showcased films reflecting the nation's recent unrest, with several Lebanese productions receiving top honors.
Maz Jobrani's Emotional Farewell Tour Hits Abu Dhabi with Laughter and Tears
Comedian Maz Jobrani delivered an emotional farewell performance in Abu Dhabi as part of his "Catch Me While You Can tour," sharing laughter and tears with the audience while reflecting on his career and battle with cancer.
Dubai's Emirates Loves Syria Event Draws Over 55,000 in Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Heritage
Over 55,000 people attended the 'Emirates Loves Syria' festival in Dubai, celebrating Syrian culture, heritage, and cuisine. The event featured performances, exhibitions, and honored prominent Syrian figures in the UAE.