Culture Bites

Episode 10: Abu Dhabi art, immersing with culture during Cop28 and UAE National Day

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about their recent trip to Abu Dhabi Art – which runs until November 26 – what artistic works really stood out for them, and how coffee beans can make great music.
Farah describes what Enas can expect on her first UAE National Day, but admits that this one may be a bit different because the day coincides with the upcoming Cop28.
The hosts delve into the world of Hollywood and a promotional video that has taken social media by storm and chat about the actresses who have stood up in support of Palestine and the repercussions they have suffered as a consequence.
Arts and culture reporter Maan Jalal then joins Enas and Farah to chat about his recent cinema outing to watch Napoleon, his trip to see a Kuwaiti artist's exhibition, a mirror exhibition at the Burj Al Arab and a showing of Matilda where you can eat what you watch.

Episode 9: Exhibitions and art to raise awareness in UAE

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews are joined by Emirati artist, curator and founder of Dirwaza Curatorial Lab, Munira Al Sayegh. She talks about her journey in integrating and amplifying art in the region and the artwork curated by her lab to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, which will be on show at Abu Dhabi Art next week.
Enas speaks about her trip to the 421 Art Campus in Abu Dhabi to see Asma Belhamar's latest exhibition, which links the UAE’s architectural heritage with music.
Farah also shares an update about Russell Peters’ show in Abu Dhabi next week and why he is carrying on with it, despite cancelling most of his tour in the Middle East and South Africa.
Arts and culture reporter Maan Jalal speaks about the several exhibitions taking place at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai, including On This Land, which showcases the digital archive of The Palestinian Museum and the Barjeel Art Foundation. He also talks about the new outdoor exhibition, Manar Abu Dhabi, which encompasses site-specific light sculptures, projections and immersive artworks.

Episode 8: Dubai Design Week, Diwali in UAE and The Hunger Games prequel

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about a list of things people can see at Dubai Design Week, which runs until November 12, from installations by leading designers to exhibitions featuring eco-friendly and sustainable showcases.
Farah and Enas also shared their excitement for Diwali and how the festival of lights is celebrated in the UAE, from house decorations to fireworks.
The hosts talked about Ed Sheeran’s concert in Dubai in January and when you can get tickets, as well as The Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which is released in the UAE next week.
Arts and Culture reporter Maan Jalal speaks about Duality, an art exhibition opening at The Third Line gallery in Dubai's Alserkal Avenue, and shows to check out at the Theatre of Digital Art.

Episode 7: Sharjah Book Fair, new track for Palestine and Matthew Perry

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the famous names speaking at this year's Sharjah Book Fair, which is taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah until November 12.
 
Farah and Enas then review Rajieen, a recently released song by 25 Arab hip-hop artists who collaborated on the charity track.
 
The hosts also discuss the death of Friends star Matthew Perry and the legacy that he will leave behind, particularly in the Arab region.
 
Arts and Culture reporter Maan Jalal speaks about two exhibitions to visit and shares his excitement about a new book; and Farah and Enas reveal the cinema trips they have planned for this weekend.

Episode 6: Palestinian Cinema Days and staying connected with culture

In this week’s episode of the Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews feature the Palestinian Cinema Days, which is a four-day film programme in Abu Dhabi’s independent platform 421 Arts Campus.
The hosts Interviewed Faisal Al Hassan, the director of the platform, who said the event was created to emphasise Palestinian voices amid the current conflict between Israel and Gaza. He also added that the programme’s proceeds will be donated to the Emirates Red Crescent‘s campaign to send aid to Gaza.
With Halloween next week, Farah has described the vibes in the US, where she is located this week, while Enas talked about her excitement for her first Halloween in the UAE.
The hosts also talked about Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me, which was released this week and covered different stages of the artist’s life from childhood and her relationships to her 13-year conservatorship.
Arts and Culture reporter Maan Jalal also shares a list of the events that got cancelled recently and what’s still on, giving tips on how to stay connected with culture amid all of that, and what books to read meanwhile.

Episode 5: Global Village, Arab art and concerts season in UAE

In this week’s episode of the Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the reason why publishing bodies have withdrawn from the Frankfurt International Book Fair after a planned award to a Palestinian author Adania Shibli was scrapped over the Israel-Gaza war.
 
Farah has also given Enas some insights into Global Village, which opened its doors in Dubai this week, summing up why it makes a great destination for families and friends to visit every winter.
 
The hosts also discuss their favourite Arab artists, while talking about an upcoming Christie’s auction that will feature highlights from the Dalloul Collection and will be held in London from November 9.
 
Music reporter Saeed Saeed joined the hosts to talk about the most anticipated concerts in the UAE this year, from the Foo Fighters to Westlife.

Episode 4: Sci-fi documentary about Palestine and Israel, Arab Cinema Week

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about how art and culture can guide us through tough times and how people can be at their most creative during their darkest times, producing beautiful films, novels and poetry.
 
The hosts discuss Lyd, a sci-fi documentary about Israel and Palestine. The story documents a city that once connected Palestine to the world, looking at its past as Lyd and present as Lod in Israel. It also imagines, in animated scenes, what it could have become if the Nabka had not taken place. Click here for more information on Lyd.
 
They discuss the inaugural Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival, which runs until October 15, and will feature more than 1,000 poets, as well as regional and international authors.
 
Refaei and Andrews also delve into Arab Cinema Week – taking place this week – complete with a selection of fantastic films by Arab creators. The hosts then talk about what else is happening in the UAE, as Rock DJ singer Robbie Williams prepares to entertain fans at the Etihad Arena on October 18.

Episode 3: NBA Abu Dhabi, Assassin’s Creed in Baghdad and Wes Anderson

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about Abu Dhabi’s busy week and the return of the NBA to the capital for a second season, which will feature preseason games between two teams and appearances from a host of NBA legends.
The hosts discuss the new Assassin’s Creed video game, Mirage, which launched on October 5 and brings old Baghdad back to life by recreating the Abbasid Caliphate. The game has a new educational feature called History of Baghdad, which offers players an interactive way to learn more about the rich setting.
Enas and Farah also delve into the world of American filmmaker Wes Anderson as Netflix releases his series of short films based on works by British author Roald Dahl. The converted works include The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and The Swan, starring Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Arts and Culture reporter Maan Jalal shares a personal story of how AI helped him find a book he read when he was a teenager but lost track of, and spent years trying to remember. He also has a list of creative events to check out this week, including the Assouline books launch in the Mall of Emirates, the first Dubai Calligraphy Biennale and Matilda The Musical in Dubai.

Episode 2: Outdoor season in UAE and Arabic hip-hop

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about what to do during the long weekend in the UAE, which marks the Prophet Mohammed's birthday.
Farah shares her recommendations for places to visit as the weekend coincides with the reopening of many outdoor activities in the country, including Hatta Wadi Hub, as the weather starts to cool.
The hosts discuss the end of the historical film and TV writers strike in Hollywood, what changes the writers (and viewers) are anticipating and which shows will be back on our screens next month.
As this year the world is celebrating 50 years of hip-hop, Enas talks about her passion for the music genre and cultural movement, which started in New York City in 1973. She also shares a songs from her favourite Arab hip-hop artists.
Arts and Culture reporter Maan Jalal has a list of creative events to check out this week, including Alserkal Lates in Alserkal Avenue and the Opera House Gallery's Fernando Botero exhibition at Atlantis The Royal.

Episode 1: Talking exhibitions, portraits and TV

In the first episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about their passion for arts and culture in the UAE and why they decided to explore more of this vibrant scene.
The hosts shared their thoughts on the new exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi “Letters of Light”, which showcases some of the oldest and rarest texts of the three monotheistic religions.
Commenting on the Taylor Swift and Beyonce beat reporters vacancies at one of the largest newspapers in the US, they also discussed what the writers’ and actors’ strikes in Hollywood mean for movies, TV and reality shows.
Arts and Culture reporter Maan Jalal also gave a roundup of the must-see exciting exhibitions in the UAE this week, and his take on John Wick prequel The Continental.