Opinion

At the feet of the Taj, where love was once carved into stone, an untold story awakens. It is not a story preserved in monuments alone, but one that breathes through rhythm, gesture, and sound—through a dancer who speaks with her feet, a Dotar that hums with the ache of distant lands, and a Tabla that answers with the pulse of the earth. This is not merely a performance. It is remembrance. RUMInation – A Silk Road Nomadic Musical Journey from Iran to India revives the spirit

Each year, World Art Day invites us to reflect on the enduring power of creativity. More than a celebration, it is a reminder that art does not exist in isolation—it responds, resists, heals, and connects. In moments of uncertainty, art becomes more than expression; it becomes a language of survival. In today’s world, marked by rapid change and fragile realities, artists continue to create not despite challenges, but through them. Creativity becomes an act of resilience—a qui

In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, division, and rapid change, art remains one of the few universal languages capable of bridging distances and healing invisible wounds. A new international exhibition, *“Resilience & Hope: The UAE Spirit – Art for Peace, Voices for Humanity,”* invites artists from across the globe to contribute their vision to a meaningful and timely dialogue. This open call extends a warm invitation to creatives of all backgrounds to participate

In a time when global challenges demand collective awareness and action, art continues to stand as one of the most powerful tools for connection, reflection, and transformation. The upcoming “VOICES UNITE – Our Power, Our Planet 2026” Virtual 3D International Art Exhibition invites artists from around the world to raise their voices and become part of a creative movement dedicated to our planet. Organized by Art4you Gallery and aligned with the spirit of Earth Day 2026, this

In a world constantly shaped by change, art remains one of the most powerful ways to reflect resilience, identity, and collective spirit. This April, Hayat Events & Arts invites creatives from across the globe to take part in a meaningful celebration of the United Arab Emirates through its open call: “Still We Rise: UAE.” This online exhibition is more than a showcase—it is a tribute to a nation that has transformed vision into reality, honoring the UAE’s journey of strength,

In a city celebrated for its innovation and cultural diversity, Dubai continues to nurture creative expression through initiatives that bring writers and readers together. One such inspiring event is the recent reading session titled “The First Publication in a Writing Workshop”—a collaborative effort between the Emirates Writers Union and Dubai Culture. Held at Al Mankhool Library, this intimate gathering offers more than just a traditional reading. It opens a window into th

Dubai’s ever-evolving cultural landscape has just welcomed an inspiring new force: the Dubai LitArt Society. Founded by Dr. Ana Stjelja—an accomplished author, digital artist, and editor of The Sands & City Magazine—this visionary initiative is set to redefine how literature and art are experienced, shared, and celebrated across the city. At a time when creativity serves not only as expression but also as connection, the Dubai LitArt Society emerges as a vibrant platform wher

There are books that speak loudly, and then there are books that whisper — gently, tenderly — yet leave an echo in the heart long after the final page. Whispers of Quiet Strength is one such book. The debut poetry collection by contemporary visual artist Shilpi Dabral is a soft yet powerful offering born from silence, lived moments, and deep emotional reflection. In this beautifully intimate collection, Shilpi invites readers into a quiet space — a place where feelings are ho

Faezeh Mohammed Hassan To mark the celebration of Chinese New Year, SHI unveils a special artistic collaboration with acclaimed Emirati artist Faezeh Mohammed, bringing together Chinese heritage and Emirati culture in a refined dining setting. In honour of the Year of the Horse, Faezeh Mohammed has created a series of bespoke artworks inspired by the strength, grace, and symbolism of the horse — an animal deeply rooted in both Chinese tradition and Emirati heritage. Represen

Book clubs are booming in Dubai. Books are everywhere — in Reels, in cafés, tucked beside cappuccinos and candles, peeking out of tote bags like accessories. Aesthetic? Absolutely. Aspirational? Of course. And I am all for it. But I worry when books become props instead of portals. At one club, pirated PDFs are passed around casually — sometimes by aspiring authors who joke, “When my book comes out, you better buy it!” At another, members are told not to bother reading at all

A Literary Masterpiece, A Global Legacy On 24 February 2026 at 9:00 PM, Louvre Abu Dhabi invites audiences to a special evening dedicated to one of the most profound works of mystical literature: The Conference of the Birds by Farid al-Din Attar. This talk explores how Attar’s timeless allegory transcended centuries and cultures to become a universal symbol of the human search for meaning. Written in the 12th century, The Conference of the Birds narrates the spiritual journ

A Landmark Coffee Painting Art Exhibition Opening & The Launch of the Coffee Art Marathon Edition 2 Dubai’s contemporary art landscape witnessed a distinctive and immersive celebration of creativity with the grand opening of THE COFFEE MARK | Traces, Tones & Transformations – Unique Coffee Painting Art Exhibition by Art4you Gallery at Qube Art Gallery, Al Quoz. The exhibition marked the official launch of the Coffee Art Marathon (CAM2), a pioneering initiative by Jesno Jackson

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

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

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

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