Culture Bites

Episode 13: Year-end lists and best of 2023

In this special year-end episode of Culture Bites podcast, regular hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews are joined this time by arts and culture reporter Maan Jalal for a delightful conversation on the best of 2023, and lots of recommendations.
The trio dive into their favourite reads and titles that left a lasting impression, including Yellowface, Careering and Down the Drain. They also share the films and TV shows that captured their hearts, including Succession, Barbie, The Bear and The Boy and the Heron.
Enas, Farah and Maan also highlight their favourite galleries and exhibitions and the masterpieces that moved them, including Iraqi-Kurdish artist Hayv Kahraman's Gut Feelings: Part II.
Listing their favourite music albums and pieces from the year from Fred Again, Jessie Ware and Reuben McIntyre, the hosts also consider the quirkiest and most unusual stories that graced the headlines in 2023.

Episode 12: Christmas in the UAE, Mariah Carey and Dubai Bling

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about Christmas in the UAE as Enas, despite growing up in the Middle East, is spending her first festive season in the country, while Farah has been celebrating the occasion in the UAE since 1997. Farah has also shared a list of Christmas films; the good, the bad and the ugly.
 
The hosts share their excitement for American singer Mariah Carey’s anticipated performance in Abu Dhabi in January. They also talk about Brad Pitt’s 60th birthday and look back at some of his career highlights.
 
Arts and culture reporter Maan Jalal joins Enas and Farah to talk about Netflix’s reality TV show Dubai Bling, which stirred controversy among Arab and international viewers for apparently depicting stereotypes about the region. The discussion also reflects an argument about the show highlighting the diversity of Arab culture, dialect and tradition.

Episode 11: Brian Cox, Denzel Washington and lots of films

n this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about Succession actor Brian Cox and his stunning reading of If I Must Die, a poem by the Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer.
The hosts also talk about Denzel Washington's casting as Hannibal, which has sparked a huge debate in Tunisia.
Enas gives her review of Naga, a new film on Netflix by director Meshal Al Jaser. The film is set in Saudi Arabia and explores a father/daughter relationship that is pushed to the limits and the vengeance of a vigorous camel.
There's a significant Tinseltown milestone that Enas and Farah discuss, as the hosts wish the Hollywood sign a very happy birthday.
Art is also on this week's agenda as Art Basel Miami Beach closed on Sunday, marking the end of the biggest art market week in North America, reporting significant sales from regional artists.

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.