Culture
Culture and arts news
700 articles in this section

Ramy Youssef Taps Amanda Seyfried for Directorial Debut 'Martha & Muhammad' Alongside Sharon Stone
Ramy Youssef is set to direct and star in his first feature film, 'Martha & Muhammad,' an A24 comedy that will also feature Amanda Seyfried and Sharon Stone. The film is expected to explore themes of faith, family, and cultural identity.

UAE's Autumn Art Scene Ignites: 15 Must-See Exhibitions from Indian Ocean History to Local Masters
The UAE's autumn art season is in full swing with a diverse array of exhibitions across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. From exploring maritime history and ancient games at the Louvre Abu Dhabi to examining identity and memory through various artistic mediums, there are 15 compelling exhibitions to discover.

Dubai Fashion Week Ignites with Dazzling Couture and Emerging Global Talent
Dubai Fashion Week's spring/summer 2027 season opened with a showcase of both established and emerging designers, featuring dazzling couture from Yousef Al Jasmi, Sara Pedram, Pallavi Puri, and Kresha Bajaj, alongside innovative creations from international talents.

Letterboxd's Top 10 Films of the 2020s: A Deep Dive into Audience Favorites
Letterboxd, a popular film social platform, has released its list of the 10 highest-rated movies of the 2020s so far, based on user ratings. The list includes a mix of documentaries and narrative features, with several films focusing on social and political issues.

Indian Developer Transforms 'Cockroach' Protests into Engaging Video Game
An Indian developer has created a video game inspired by 'Cockroach' protests, offering a unique interactive experience. A preview of the game is available and lasts 2 minutes and 11 seconds.

From Oscar Wins to Box Office Flops: How Movies Portray Journalism's Evolving Landscape
A decade after "Spotlight" celebrated investigative journalism, new films like "The Social Reckoning" and "Devil Wears Prada 2" offer contrasting, and perhaps more realistic, portrayals of the industry's challenges in the digital age.

Dubai Design Week Unveils Five Innovative Commissions for Abwab 2026, Exploring Communication Through Art
Dubai Design Week's Abwab programme for 2026 will feature five new commissions exploring communication through various artistic mediums. The exhibition, moving to a group format this year, includes works inspired by Kashmiri weaving, Arabic calligraphy, and the nature of written language.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Evolves from Borrower to Lender, Showcasing Global Art Contributions
Louvre Abu Dhabi has significantly evolved since its 2017 opening, transitioning from an institution that primarily borrowed artworks to one that actively lends its own masterpieces internationally. The museum's collection has grown exponentially, now featuring a higher percentage of owned works and actively acquiring pieces to highlight cross-cultural connections.

Ancient Bronze Age Shipwreck Off Turkey's Coast Reveals 5,000-Year-Old Trade Routes
A recently discovered Bronze Age shipwreck off the coast of Turkey is shedding light on ancient trade routes and inter-civilizational connections. The hosts of Culture Bites also discussed the upcoming revival of HBO's 'Girls'.

Dubai Fashion Week Ignites with Global Stars and Regional Innovators for Spring/Summer 2027
Dubai Fashion Week returns for its Spring/Summer 2027 edition, featuring international stars like Ludovic de Saint Sernin and Tarun Tahiliani alongside a diverse range of regional talent. The five-day event in Dubai Design District aims to connect global and local fashion industries.

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial Explores 'Home' Through Diverse Artistic Lenses
The second Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, themed 'Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place,' features 21 artists exploring the concept of belonging in public spaces across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Artistic director Elvira Dyangani Ose aims to foster community connections through art that engages with local histories and environments.

Paris Riots Spark Debate: PSG, Barcelona Fans Clash Over Politics in Football
Fans of PSG and Barcelona are divided over the role of politics in football amidst ongoing riots in Paris. The debate has been amplified by recent political statements, highlighting tensions between sports and political discourse.

Fela Kuti's Enduring Legacy Fuels the Global Ascendancy of Afrobeats
A satirical AI video humorously mirrors the real-life tourist experiences in Paris, capturing the essence of navigating the city's challenges.

Meet the 27 Singles Ready to Find Love Blind on Netflix's 'Habibi' Season Two
Netflix's 'Love is Blind Habibi' returns for its second season on November 12, featuring 27 singles from across the Middle East and North Africa. The new season will follow contestants as they attempt to find love and get engaged without seeing each other.

Canadian Opera Singer Replaced After Displaying Palestinian Flag
A Canadian opera singer was removed from a performance after displaying a Palestinian flag. The incident lasted for 21 seconds.

Sharjah Film Platform to Showcase 26 Global Films, Honor Oscar-Nominated Director Abderrahmane Sissako
The ninth Sharjah Film Platform will screen 26 international films and feature a retrospective on Oscar-nominated director Abderrahmane Sissako. The festival, organized by Sharjah Art Foundation, runs from October 30 to November 8.

Alain Ducasse's Global Culinary Quest: From Moroccan Flavors to Abu Dhabi Expansion
Renowned chef Alain Ducasse continues his global culinary exploration with new openings in Rabat and upcoming ventures in Abu Dhabi, focusing on regional tastes and local ingredients.

Rana Begum's 'Taking Form' Exhibition in Dubai Explores Color's Dynamic Interactions
Rana Begum's latest exhibition, 'Taking Form,' at The Third Line in Dubai, showcases her profound exploration of color interactions across various mediums, from watercolors and tapestries to paintings on canvas and fibreboard. The exhibition marks a significant point in her artistic journey, demonstrating a mastery over color that she once struggled with.

Abu Dhabi Biennial Transforms Public Spaces with 21 Artists Exploring Home and Memory
The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial returns this month, transforming public spaces across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with works by 21 artists exploring themes of home and memory. The exhibition runs until February 2027.

Nagaland's 'Angh' Makes History: A Debut Film's Journey to the Oscars Race
The Nagaland-set film 'Angh' has made history by winning the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival, securing a spot in the Oscars race for Best International Feature Film. Directed by Theja Rio, the film explores cultural transitions in 1960s Nagaland.

Dubai Celebrates Iraqi Heritage: A Vibrant Fusion of Culture and Community
The second UAE Loves Iraq event brought together hundreds of Iraqis and Emiratis in Dubai to celebrate Iraqi heritage, culture, and the strong ties between the two nations. Attendees enjoyed traditional music, food, and displays, highlighting the sense of belonging and shared values experienced by the Iraqi community in the UAE.

Sally Rooney Books Removed in UK Amid Palestine Action Controversy
Sally Rooney's books are no longer available in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action. The controversy has led to the removal of her works from shelves.

Abu Dhabi's Evolving Cultural Landscape: Heritage Reimagined in Real Time
Heritage in Abu Dhabi is not a static relic of the past but a dynamic, evolving entity constantly reinvented through community participation, artistic expression, and cross-cultural exchange. The city's commitment to arts and culture fosters an environment where diverse individuals can connect, create, and contribute to a living heritage.

From Taekwondo Champion to Screen Icon: Rayna Vallandingham Redefines Roles for Indian Women in Hollywood
Actress Rayna Vallandingham, a former taekwondo champion, is using her roles in "Cobra Kai" and "Street Fighter" to challenge stereotypes of Indian women on screen and inspire young girls to pursue their ambitions.
