Culture
Culture and arts news
700 articles in this section
The 'Finjan': More Than a Cup, It's a Symbol of Arab Hospitality and Connection
The 'finjan', a small, handleless cup used for Arabic coffee, is a potent symbol of hospitality, generosity, and connection in Arab culture. Its significance extends beyond its use as a drinking vessel, playing a role in social customs, Bedouin traditions, and even Arabic poetry.
Abu Dhabi Exhibition Unpacks the Unreliability of Memory and the Art of Reconstruction
An exhibition in Abu Dhabi titled 'Consolidation is Reconsolidation' explores the unreliability of human memory and how art can capture, distort, and reconstruct our past. Featuring five UAE-based artists, the show also marks the launch of the Hyphen Contemporary curatorial platform.
Christie's Abu Dhabi Debut: Inside the Landmark Fine Art Auction
Christie's held its first fine art auction in Abu Dhabi, with The National exploring the featured works and the city's growing art scene. Experts discussed Abu Dhabi's rise as an international art center.
Emirati Actor Mohamed Faisal Mostafa Eyes Hollywood Stardom While Championing Local Film Industry
Emirati actor Mohamed Faisal Mostafa is balancing his pursuit of Hollywood stardom with a commitment to developing the UAE's film industry. He aims to challenge stereotypes and create more opportunities for local talent.
Shah Rukh Khan to Unveil UNIFYD: A Grand Indian Music Festival in Abu Dhabi
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is launching UNIFYD, a new Indian music festival in Abu Dhabi featuring artists like Arijit Singh and Sonu Nigam. The festival aims to celebrate Indian music and culture with a grand scale and international ambitions.
Tenzing Norgay's Historic Everest Ascent Takes Center Stage in New Apple TV Drama
Apple TV's new drama 'Tenzing' recounts the 1953 Mount Everest ascent from the perspective of Tenzing Norgay, highlighting his fight for recognition and spiritual connection to the mountain.
Naseer Shamma Returns to UAE National Orchestra with Grander Vision for the Oud
Iraqi oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma is returning to the UAE National Orchestra with a more ambitious program, featuring his own compositions and a concerto for oud and orchestra. The collaboration highlights the orchestra's growth and Shamma's dedication to expanding the oud's repertoire.
David Dastmalchian Refused to Change His Name for Hollywood Stardom
Actor David Dastmalchian recounts being advised to change his surname early in his career to succeed in Hollywood. Despite facing typecasting, he resisted and has since become a versatile performer, starring in roles across various genres.
Art Exhibition Connects Gaza and West Bank Artists, Bridging Divides Through Creativity
Anamel Falasteen, an art competition and exhibition, has successfully brought together young Palestinian artists from Gaza and the West Bank, using creative expression to bridge the physical and political divides imposed by Israeli movement restrictions.
Sally Rooney Books Removed from UK Shelves Amidst Palestine Action Support Controversy
Sally Rooney's books have been withdrawn from sale in the UK due to her support for the Palestine Action group. This action has raised discussions about the relationship between literary figures and political movements.
Ancient Shipwreck, World's Oldest, Discovered Off Turkiye's Coast
A Palestinian collective is using art to foster connection and understanding between Gaza and the West Bank, aiming to bridge the divide through creative expression.
Artistic Bridges: Palestinian Collective Connects Gaza and West Bank Through Creative Expression
A Palestinian collective is using art to build connections between Gaza and the West Bank, fostering cultural unity across the divided territories.
Zayed National Museum Unveils Inaugural Exhibition: A 7,000-Year Journey Through Camel History and Emirati Culture
Zayed National Museum's first temporary exhibition, 'Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art,' will open in early December, exploring over 7,000 years of camel history and its cultural significance in the UAE. The exhibition will feature archaeological discoveries, historical artifacts, and contemporary practices related to camels.
Israel Returns 22 Priceless Ancient Greek Artifacts to Athens, Strengthening Cultural Ties
Israel has returned 22 ancient Greek artifacts, including vases and a statuette, to Greece. The repatriation, facilitated by the Israel Antiquities Authority, marks a significant step in strengthening cultural heritage cooperation between the two nations.
Gaza: Still Reporting - A Journalist's Resilience Amid Conflict
A new documentary titled Gaza: Still Reporting follows journalist Maram Humaid as she documents the war in Gaza while balancing motherhood and the dangers of forced evacuations.
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season Announces 13 Major Shows Featuring International and Regional Stars
The Abu Dhabi Comedy Season has officially launched, with 13 major comedy shows featuring international and regional stars scheduled at venues like Etihad Arena and The Club from October through February.
How Microchipped's Abu Dhabi Event Helped Rescue Cats Find New Homes
A successful adoption event in Abu Dhabi organized by Microchipped.ae and the Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel helped rescued cats find new homes while promoting responsible pet ownership.
Morgan Jay at Etihad Arena: How TikTok Comedy Transformed into Live Stage Success in Abu Dhabi
Social media star Morgan Jay kicked off the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season at Etihad Arena with The Goofy Guy Tour, blending viral humor, acoustic music, and spontaneous crowd work.
Arabic Literature Expands Global Reach with New Translation Deals at Frankfurt Book Fair
New translation and co-publishing agreements signed at the Frankfurt Book Fair are introducing Arabic literature and Emirati stories to readers in Brazil, India, North Macedonia, and beyond.
Mike Flanagan Discusses Stephen King's Vision for Carrie Season 2 and Major Plot Changes
Creator Mike Flanagan explains the major plot changes in his Prime Video adaptation of Carrie and reveals how Stephen King contributed ideas for a potential second season.
Egypt and Italy Successfully Restore the Ancient Fayoum 'Portrait of the Two Brothers'
Egypt and Italy have completed the meticulous restoration of the ancient Fayoum 'Portrait of the Two Brothers,' which will be displayed in Italy next May.
Dubai Parks and Resorts Returns for New Season With Exciting Attractions and Live Shows
Dubai Parks and Resorts has reopened after a six-month closure, offering new attractions, live shows, and dinosaur-themed glamping for the new season.
Oscars 2027: Arab Nations Announce Their Official Submissions for Best International Feature
Several Arab nations have announced their official film submissions for the Best International Feature category at the 2027 Academy Awards, highlighting diverse regional stories and experiences.
Jordan Nassar Explores Diasporic Identity and Imagined Palestinian Landscapes Through Tatreez Panels in London
Artist Jordan Nassar's solo exhibition in London features traditional tatreez panels and mosaics that explore diasporic identity, imagined landscapes, and the politics of heritage.