What We Are Reading Today: Britain’s Day-flying Moths

Author:  Thu, 2019-08-01 00:02 Authors: David Newland, Robert Still & Andy Swash This concise photographic field guide helps you to identify the day-flying moths most likely to be seen in Great Britain and Ireland.  It combines stunning photographs, clear and authoritative text and an easy-to-use design to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of these intriguing and often colorful insects.  Like butterflies, some...

Read More

Homegrown fashion emerges in troubled Somalia

Wed, 2019-07-31 22:11 MOGADISHU: Every time young fashion designer Hawa Adan Hassan makes a new gown for a paying customer, she also makes her dreams come true. “My whole life, fashion design was a dream,” says the 23-year-old university student, who last year began running a cottage business out of her family’s home in Hamarweyne, the historic heart of Somalia’s coastal capital Mogadishu. For Hassan, it began with art, when she found...

Read More

MBC, Image Nation to produce long-running Arabic original TV series

...

Read More

Mariah Idrissi calls out US fashion brand for hijab faux pas

Author:  Wed, 2019-07-31 13:40 DUBAI: British-Moroccan model and influencer Mariah Idrissi and Haute Hijab founder Melanie Elturk took to Instagram Tuesday to share their concerns about the misrepresentation of Muslim women in the fashion industry. It all kicked off when Elturk, who founded accessories e-tailer Haute Hijab in 2010, shared a promotional image used by US clothing store Banana Republic on its website. The image...

Read More

Saudi Arabian artists explore Arab identity with sculpture

...

Read More

The underappreciated appeal of Amman

...

Read More

What We Are Reading Today: Chaos and Dynamical Systems by David P. Feldman

Author:  Tue, 2019-07-30 23:20 Chaos and Dynamical Systems presents an accessible, clear introduction to dynamical systems and chaos theory, important and exciting areas that have shaped many scientific fields. While the rules governing dynamical systems are well-specified and simple, the behavior of many dynamical systems is remarkably complex, says a review on the Princeton University Press website. Of particular note, simple deterministic...

Read More

Baby on board: Woman gives birth mid-flight on Middle East Airlines

...

Read More

Huda Kattan unveils collaboration with influencer Lottie Tomlinson

...

Read More

British Museum explores roots of Orientalism in upcoming show

Tue, 2019-07-30 15:03 DUBAI: A new exhibition that explores how Western artists have been inspired by the Islamic world is to open in October at the British Museum in London. “Inspired by the East: How the Islamic World Influenced Western Art” will explore the complex cultural interactions between Europe and North America in the “West” and North Africa and the Middle East in the “East.” The curators will explore the concept of Orientalism,...

Read More

Highlights from ‘Made in Tashkeel 2019’

Tue, 2019-07-30 08:58 Here are some selected works from Arab artists being shown in the Dubai art space’s annual exhibition.  ‘Come Fly With Me’ Badr Abbas The self-taught Emirati artist uses much of his Cubist-style work to explore his country’s heritage. Of this piece, he writes, “We are inheriting a culture of eating in the UAE that is bypassing our traditional recipes and laying on some serious calories. Even in-flight, the menu...

Read More

Bling it on: KAGE introduces costume jewelry line

Author:  Tue, 2019-07-30 08:27 DUBAI: Fall/Winter 2019 will be a special time for KAGE the UAE’s homegrown contemporary luxe label. It will not only celebrate its tenth anniversary in September, but will also launch a costume-jewelry line. It has been quite a journey for KAGE founder Basma Abu Ghazaleh. In 2009, she and her childhood friend, Arwa Abdelhadi, decided to design a capsule collection for a trunk show with 35 pieces to...

Read More

What We Are Reading Today: Scale and the Incas by Andrew James Hamilton

Mon, 2019-07-29 22:18 Although questions of form and style are fundamental to art history, the issue of scale has been surprisingly neglected. Yet, scale and scaled relationships are essential to the visual cultures of many societies from around the world, especially in the Andes. In Scale and the Incas, Andrew Hamilton presents a groundbreaking theoretical framework for analyzing scale, and then applies this approach to Inca art, architecture,...

Read More

What We are Reading Today: The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

Mon, 2019-07-29 21:15 The Escape Room is a psychological thriller about four co-workers locked in an elevator in order to complete a team-building exercise. Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are ruthlessly ambitious high-flyers working in the lucrative world of Wall Street finance. Critic Rene Denfeld said in a review for The New York Times: “As a light thriller, The Escape Room delivers all that it promises. It is a sleek, well-crafted ride...

Read More

‘The Great Hack’: Manipulating people with their own data

Author:  Mon, 2019-07-29 16:12 CHENNAI: One of the greatest concerns of this century is the growing threat to privacy. They may not admit it, but many countries — not just those run by dictatorial regimes — are now making it their business to snoop into individuals’ lives. “The Great Hack,” now streaming on Netflix, brilliantly documents this in feature length. Made by Karim Amer and Jehane Noujaim (known for “Control Room”...

Read More

Exploring the Arab world’s influence on Paris

...

Read More

Meghan Markle’s Vogue edit spotlights changemakers

...

Read More

Saudi cinema in spotlight at global film festival

Sat, 2019-07-27 00:11 The Venice International Film Festival announced on Thursday that Saudi film “The Perfect Candidate” will compete with 14 international films for the Golden Lion prize, one of the industry’s most prestigious awards. “The Perfect Candidate,” directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour, is the first Saudi film to feature in the competition.  Al-Mansour will be competing with international directors such as Canada’s Atom Egoyan,...

Read More

Where We Are Going Today: The Hot Spot, a spice fan’s dream in Jeddah

Fri, 2019-07-26 23:46 For fans of spice, there is a shop in Jeddah dedicated to hot chili sauces from all over the world.  From Tabasco and Sriracha sauce to rare brands high on the Scoville Heat Scale, the Hot Spot has options to suit all robust tastebuds. They even have sauces from a company called Pain, which puts as much effort into creating discomfort as it does taste. And not just salsas and hot sauces — they also sell snacks known...

Read More

Huda Kattan shines bright on Instagram Rich List 2019

Sat, 2019-07-27 08:45 DUBAI: US-Iraqi makeup mogul Huda Kattan has topped the beauty section of 2019’s Instagram Rich List, it was revealed late last week. Edging out James Charles, Jefree Star, Nikki de Jager and Zoe Sugg — who, with Kattan, form the top 5 on the list — the Dubai-based influencer came in at the number one spot with her Instagram account @hudabeauty. According to the list, compiled by Hopper HQ, the social media star is able...

Read More

TheFace: Somaya Badr, founder and GM of Saudi Arabia’s Art of Heritage group

Fri, 2019-07-26 02:03 I grew up in a family of academics and scientists. My father and mother are university professors in hydrology and analytical chemistry respectively, and my siblings all come from scientific backgrounds. I was the odd one out with my passion for culture, society and art, and ended up studying economics and political science. While I did not share the specific interests of my family, I learned from them the love of hard...

Read More

What We Are Eating Today: House of Cupcakes

Author:  Fri, 2019-07-26 00:08 House of Cupcakes is my favorite cake shop because it caters to everyone’s needs with its wide variety of options. As someone who is trying to make more health-conscious decisions, I can enjoy a delicious cupcake that is gluten-free, sugar-free or even vegan. Having that option to enjoy a treat and cut down on sugar at the same time makes this shop a unique experience. The shop has an interesting variety...

Read More

What We Are Reading Today: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

Thu, 2019-07-25 23:29 Bryan Stevenson has written a compelling memoir with Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.  “This is an important work which should be read by any individual who is concerned with the concept of Justice and incidents of Injustice that merit compassion and mercy,” said a review in goodreads.com. It said Just Mercy “is an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of...

Read More

Appetite for veganism has added bite among Saudi youth

Author:  Thu, 2019-07-25 23:31 RIYADH: The Saudi appetite for veganism as a lifestyle choice is taking off among the Kingdom’s youth, fed by prominent advocates of the practice. Concerns for health, animal rights and the environment are all proving to be key factors in motivating Saudis to change their diets and stop using animal products. Among the most notable influencers is Khaled bin Al-Waleed, son of billionaire Prince Al-Waleed...

Read More

Swedish prosecutor says US rapper ASAP Rocky to be tried for assault

Author:  Thu, 2019-07-25 16:19 STOCKHOLM: A Swedish prosecutor said Thursday that US rapper ASAP Rocky will be tried for assault over a June street brawl in a development likely to infuriate fans already indignant over his three weeks in custody. "Today I have pressed charges against the three suspects for assault, because in my judgement what has happened amounts to a crime, despite the objections about self-defence and provocations,"...

Read More

BelSodfa: Finding a new Middle Eastern sound

Author:  Thu, 2019-07-25 12:16 DUBAI: “Music is all about energy and coming into contact with another artist’s vibe can only make you evolve,” says Swerte, one third of hip-hop trio The Recipe. “It’s great to have control and do things on your own, but if you’re ever stuck and need a jolt to get you going, working with another artist usually gets you inspired again.” Swerte is discussing collaboration and, in particular, BelSodfa,...

Read More

Egyptian actor Farouk Al-Fishawi dies at 67

Thu, 2019-07-25 09:11 Renowned Egyptian actor, Farouk Al-Fishawi, died in the early hours of Thursday at a local hospital in Cairo.  The star, who died at the age of 67, went into a coma on Wednesday night due to liver failure, according to local media. Last October, Al-Fishawi announced he was diagnosed with cancer at the Alexandria Film Festival. “After some tests and radiation, my doctor told me I have cancer…I will defeat it and I...

Read More

Blade Runner actor Rutger Hauer dies aged 75

Author:  AFP ID:  1563989143362182700 Wed, 2019-07-24 17:19 THE HAGUE: Hollywood actor Rutger Hauer, best known for his role in Blade Runner, has died after a brief illness, his official website said on Wednesday. Hauer’s non-profit HIV/AIDS charity, the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association, said on its website that it was announcing “with infinite sadness that after a very short illness, on Friday, July 19, 2019, Rutger...

Read More

What We Are Reading Today: My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams

Author:  Wed, 2019-07-24 23:52 A former friend of fake heiress Anna Sorokin says she has wondered how she missed all the red flags from the convicted con-woman, who she now calls a “sociopath.” Rachel Williams recounts her experience in her new book, My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress. Williams wishes she never met Sorokin, she was quoted saying by ABC News. Williams was among many others who Sorokin — a globe-trotting,...

Read More

Red Hot Chili Peppers to make their UAE debut in September

Wed, 2019-07-24 16:13 DUBAI: The Red Hot Chili Peppers will make their long-awaited UAE debut on Sept. 4 at The Arena, a new indoor venue on Yas Island, during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week. The band behind such hits as “Can’t Stop” and “By the Way” will headline Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a seven-day series of events set to run alongside UFC 242, which will take place in the UAE capital on Sept. 7. ABU DHABI!! Red Hot Chili Peppers are pleased...

Read More

Syrian-Canadian composer takes a trip to outer space

Author:  Wed, 2019-07-24 14:13 DUBAI: Syrian-Canadian guitarist, composer, producer and lyricist Rawad A. Massih released his new album earlier this month, giving fans of trippy, other-worldly music something new to enjoy. Aptly named “Away from Planet Earth,” the gloriously eerie new album features tracks such as “Vacant Planet,” marked by its synth-filled melodic landscape, and “Out of the Black Hole.” Conjuring up imagery...

Read More

Book Review: An enlightening look into the birth of Egyptology

Wed, 2019-07-24 12:18 BEIRUT: Alessandro Ricci’s travels to Egypt and Sudan took place a few years before the birth of Egyptology in 1822, the year Jean-Francois Champollion deciphered the hieroglyphs. His work, a detailed account of his journeys enriched with beautiful drawings of ancient monuments, was never published in his lifetime. Ricci is little known today yet his contemporaries, including Champollion, unanimously acknowledged...

Read More