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Khaleeji Rhythm: A Night of Gulf Jazz at Etihad Museum
Photo: Gemini Dubai’s cultural calendar continues to pulse with vibrant cross-regional encounters, and this February promises an evening where heritage meets improvisation. At Etihad Museum, audiences are invited to experience Khaleeji Rhythm — a live musical performance that brings together Gulf traditions, contemporary jazz sensibilities, and collaborative artistry from across the UAE and Kuwait. The evening centers on Boom. Diwan, led by Grammy-nominated ethnomusicologist
Sands and City Magazine
13 hours ago


Abu Dhabi Ignites the Power of Verse with the Return of Its Poetry Festival
Abu Dhabi is preparing once again to celebrate the power of words, rhythm, and cultural memory as the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival officially launches this Monday at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the festival reflects the emirate’s growing commitment to literature, heritage, and creative exchange. Organ
Sands and City Magazine
2 days ago


A Night with Rumi: Poetry, Music, and the Dance of the Soul in Dubai
In a world that moves relentlessly fast, moments of stillness—true, luminous stillness—have become rare. Yet in Dubai, a city often defined by speed and spectacle, there are gatherings devoted not to noise but to depth, to inner listening, to the ancient rhythms of the heart. One such evening is A Night with Rumi : an immersive encounter with poetry, Sufi music, and spiritual movement that invites participants to slow down and step inward. Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-century m
Sands and City Magazine
6 days ago


Toz (Dust): A Woman’s Life, Remembered in Fragments: Zerrin Tekindor at Zabeel Theatre, Dubai
Some lives are not told in straight lines. They return, dissolve, reappear—like dust stirred by memory. Toz (Dust) is exactly this kind of story: intimate, fragile, and deeply human. Starring the acclaimed Turkish actress Zerrin Tekindor, Toz is a powerful one-woman play that traces the life of Handan, a woman whose memories stretch from the 1960s to the present day. On stage alone, Tekindor carries an entire lifetime, moving between childhood, adulthood, loss, love, and quie
Sands and City Magazine
Feb 3


On Stage This Season: Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi Reimagines the Performing Arts
Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation is setting the tone for a remarkable season of live performance—one that moves seamlessly between classical ballet and experimental theatre, heritage-driven soundscapes and contemporary musical fusion. With an ambitious programme stretching from January to May 2026, the Foundation once again positions itself as one of the UAE’s most dynamic platforms for cultural exchange and artistic exploration. From iconic international productions to immers
Sands and City Magazine
Jan 30


Art at the Creek: Radisson Blu and ArtforumUAE Open a Cross-Cultural Exhibition in Dubai
Dubai’s historic Creek district became the setting for a new artistic milestone as Radisson Blu – Creek Hotel partnered with ArtforumUAE to present their first curated art exhibition. Opening on January 24, 2026, the show gathered an international group of artists whose practices span continents, traditions, and contemporary approaches. The opening reception, held from 6 pm to 9 pm, welcomed collectors, cultural figures, and art enthusiasts into a space where hospitality and
Sands and City Magazine
Jan 25


Interview with Wang Fangwen: “The Magic Lamp Hidden in My Heart Has Been Lit” — A Chinese Poet’s UAE Journey
Wang Fangwen in Dubai When was the first time you visited the United Arab Emirates? What was your first impression of Dubai? The first time I went to Dubai, UAE, was on May 24, 2025. Since I was a child, I have heard the story of Aladdin's magic lamp from my teachers, and I have long been fascinated by this place. Finally, the place in my dreams has become real. The magic lamp hidden in my heart, symbolizing miracles, has been lit for many years. That day, as soon as we stepp
Sands and City Magazine
Jan 14


Aswar Art Centre, Honors Faeze Mohammed with First Award at “Spirit of Sharjah” Exhibition
Award Ceremony The Aswar Art Centre in Sharjah—under the leadership of Dr. Noha Farhah and Mr. Salem Aljunaibi—successfully concluded the inspiring “Spirit of Sharjah” exhibition on January 10, 2026, at the creative and ever-growing SPARK Creative District. Organized in collaboration with the Thinking Art Foundation, the exhibition showcased the top ten artworks selected from more than 80 submissions by artists from across the UAE, the wider Middle East, and beyond. The event
Sands and City Magazine
Jan 12


INFINITE STROKES: A Global Canvas Without Borders by Hayat Events & Arts
Hayat Events & Arts Unveils a Powerful Virtual Group Art Exhibition Redefining Creative Connection In an era where creativity transcends physical space, Hayat Events & Arts has once again redefined the artistic experience with its latest virtual group art exhibition, “INFINITE STROKES.” The exhibition stands as a compelling testament to the boundless nature of imagination, where artists from diverse cultures, disciplines, and perspectives unite on one shared digital canvas.
Sands and City Magazine
Jan 5


Serbian and World Tennis Legend Novak Djokovic Honored in Dubai
Novak Djokovic (Photo: Globe Sports Award) When Legends Honor Legends: Ronaldo Salutes Djokovic in Dubai Dubai once again proved why it has become a global crossroads of sport, prestige, and symbolism. At the 16th Globe Soccer Awards, held at Atlantis The Royal, a moment stood out beyond trophies and titles: Cristiano Ronaldo honoring Novak Djokovic with the newly introduced Globe Sports Award. It was not merely an exchange between two champions of different sports—it was a r
Sands and City Magazine
Dec 29, 2025


Sharjah Children’s Book Award 2026 Now Open for Submissions
The Sharjah Book Authority has officially announced the opening of submissions for the 2026 Sharjah Children’s Book Award—one of the region’s most respected platforms dedicated to children’s and young adult literature. The award aims to spotlight exceptional books that inspire young minds, spark imagination, and enrich the reading experience of children and teens across the Arab world and beyond. This annual award encourages writers, illustrators, and publishers to present wo
Sands and City Magazine
Dec 3, 2025


“Where Do You Come From…?” Celebrating Arab Women Through Art at Novotel Jeddah Tahlia
A powerful dialogue between identity, heritage, and artistic expression is arriving in Jeddah this November. From 06 November 2025 to 06 January 2026, Novotel Jeddah Tahlia will host “Where Do You Come From…?”, an exhibition organized by ZeeArts Gallery that shines a luminous spotlight on Arab women artists and the cultural stories that shape them. Following its successful first edition in the Netherlands, this second installment comes to Saudi Arabia with renewed purpose: to
Sands and City Magazine
Dec 3, 2025
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