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Culture Bites

The National News

Join hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews as they guide you through the arts and culture scene in the UAE, the Middle East and around the world. Culture Bites — a two-time award winner recognised in New York and London — brings you fresh perspectives every Thursday from The National News in Abu Dhabi.

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#130
Thursday · 20 min
Habibi: Is Arab culture having a moment?
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews kick things off with classic Arabic greetings before getting into a bigger question: is Arab culture having a moment? Last week, Abdul El-Sayed used “habibi” and “alhamdulillah” in his US midterm elections victory speech, firmly placing the Arabic language in the cultural conversation. It follows a year of highly visible moments, from Anne Hathaway’s viral “inshallah” moment to Elyanna’s World Cup song. Enas and Farah discuss the joy, value and risks that come with this popularisation of Arab culture. Enas and Farah then take on the rise of AI slop. Viewers praised Prada’s recent hand-animated holiday campaign for its use of “art made by actual artists,” comparing it to similar brand ads suspected of using generative AI. The hosts ask whether “handmade” is the new luxury, and whether the AI backlash will fade as younger, AI-native generations take over. Finally, the hosts give their recommendations for the week, including the upcoming Nomad Abu Dhabi art and design showcase at Terminal 1 of the Old Abu Dhabi International Airport.
#129
November 5 · 20 min
When will we be able to watch You Can See Everything in the UAE?
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews invite The National’s Arts and Culture Editor William Mullally to discuss You Can See Everything, the new documentary film from Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. The A24-produced film, which follows disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in the weeks leading up to her US federal prison sentence, has earned an estimated $45.1 million at the US box office – a feat for a documentary. However, the film has yet to secure a release date in many global markets. William explains the reasons why certain films take longer to reach us in theatres and how the wait affects audiences. Enas and Farah then look at some of the Middle East's biggest archaeological discoveries of 2026 and what they tell us about Arab excellence across the ages. Finally, they leave us with their cultural recommendations for the week.
#128
October 29 · 18 min
From AI to empty rooms: What scares us in modern horror?
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss how the horror genre has evolved to reflect society’s fears as they change over time. From Get Out and Black Mirror to The Substance, the hosts talk about how horror films tackle issues from racism and artificial intelligence to beauty insecurities. They also look at how regional filmmakers are drawing on local fears and traditions, such as the Emirati film Hoba. Enas and Farah highlight some other subgenres that have become more popular recently, such as Backrooms, a film about empty, unsettling spaces, and Widow’s Bay, a comedy-horror series. Their conversation then turns to Abu Dhabi’s modernist architecture from the 1970s and 1980s, and how the government is working to preserve their heritage. This includes famed buildings such as the Abu Dhabi bus station and Al Ibrahimi Tower. The hosts reflect on how architecture shapes a city's identity and the experiences of those living in it. They also discuss how traditional Arabic design elements, such as the mashrabiya, continue to influence modern buildings.
#127
October 22 · 21 min
A millenia-old shipwreck and the stories it brings to life
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews ponder the connections that civilisations built through travel almost 5,000 years ago. They share the story of a shipwreck that was discovered off Turkey's Mediterranean coast, believed to date back to the early Bronze Age. Archaeologists were able to unlock some of the vessel’s history based on pottery that they found at the underwater site. The ship was likely travelling from east to west, possibly trading goods between the Levant, Egypt and Anatolia. Enas and Farah talk about how discoveries like this can reveal the similarities in crafts and architecture between different civilisations, and how much more connected they were than we expect. The hosts also discuss the revival of HBO’s TV series, Girls. Five new episodes are expected to begin production in 2027, a decade after the original show ended. Farah and Enas discuss what a reboot of a show about women in their 20s could look like now that they are entering their 40s.
#126
October 15 · 22 min
Michelin Guide Dubai: How have closed restaurants been awarded stars?
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the reaction to this year’s Michelin Guide Dubai, which was not without controversy. The annual list awards highly coveted stars to the most impressive eateries in the emirate. Two new venues have been awarded stars this year, while Orfali Bros has been promoted from one to two stars. But some have questioned how more than 10 restaurants on the list could have been recognised by Michelin, while their operations were paused. Enas and Farah talk about the challenges faced by the hospitality sector since the start of 2026 due to disruption caused by the regional conflict. They reflect on Michelin’s decision, which has given restaurateurs some grace in the face of these difficulties. The hosts also highlight some of the regional films submitted for the Best International Feature category at next year’s Oscars. Enas shares her thoughts on the Algerian horror film Roqia and Farah talks about Lebanon’s heist thriller Furies, which is inspired by the country’s banking crisis. They discuss how Arabic cinema has diversified its genres over the years, presenting submissions that range from romance and documentary to films about mental health.
#125
October 8 · 25 min
Culture as a building block: How the Middle East can inspire future cities
This episode was produced by The National in partnership with LIVEX. This week on Culture Bites, host Enas Refaei sits down with speakers at LIVEX in Abu Dhabi to discuss how arts and culture can shape the cities in which people live. She speaks to Adrian Lahoud, professor of architecture and urban design, about why successful cities need more than buildings. He explains why communities should have a role in shaping projects from the beginning, and how culture needs the freedom and resources to grow organically. They also discuss what the Middle East can teach other parts of the world about designing cities for rising temperatures and the role architecture can play in social change. Enas also sits down with Bill Bragin, founding executive artistic director of The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi. He explains why he considers culture a form of infrastructure that can bring different communities together and make a city a place where people want to build their lives. They also look at how The Arts Centre has helped artists in the UAE connect, collaborate and develop professionally, and why introducing audiences to unfamiliar work is an important part of building a thriving cultural scene.
#124
October 1 · 21 min
How film festivals became a staple of Middle East cinema
Culture Bites returns with a spotlight on the revival of the Dubai International Film Festival, which has been announced for December 2027. Enas and Farah talk about the historic importance of the event, which in the past has attracted major celebrities such as George Clooney and Tom Cruise. The festival has also given a platform for local and regional producers to promote their work and talent to global audiences. The hosts discuss the evolution of the biggest film festivals in the Middle East and their role in helping filmmakers shape their own narratives. Meanwhile, celebrities are once again pushing the boundaries to advocate for Palestine. Massive Attack singer Robert Del Naja was arrested at a pro-Palestine protest in Liverpool on Saturday. Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon were detained at a protest in New York during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the UN General Assembly. Enas and Farah discuss the bolder actions that artists are taking in their activism and ask, what responsibility do they have to speak out?
#123
July 9 · 18 min
A stage for spectacle and subtlety: Inside Dar Al Funoon
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss Dar Al Funoon, the new performing arts centre announced for Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District. The hosts discuss the opportunities the centre will bring to the UAE’s cultural scene, from live music and theatre to intimate performances. They also reflect on the legacy of renowned architect Frank Gehry, who designed the new venue and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, set to open later this year. Enas and Farah then dive into The National's annual summer reading list, sharing recommendations from colleagues across the newsroom. From thrillers and black comedy to investigative journalism and healing fiction, they talk about the books they're most looking forward to reading over the summer. They sign off with their own personal picks to enjoy during Culture Bites’ summer hiatus, before they return in September in time for the UAE’s new cultural season.
#122
June 18 · 25 min
Episode 120: From bagpipes to dabke: The cultural side of the World Cup
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the cultural moments shaping the 2026 World Cup, from the opening ceremonies to viral fan experiences. The hosts talk about the reactions to this year’s three opening ceremonies in Mexico, Canada and the US. While performances from artists including Shakira and Elyanna brought global star power, Enas and Farah consider whether the events lacked the theatrical spectacle that has defined some of the tournament’s most memorable openings. They also highlight some of the best fan culture moments. Farah talks about supporters of her native Scotland bringing kilts, bagpipes and football songs to American cities. Enas shares her excitement about her country, Jordan, taking part in the World Cup for the first time, and seeing fans dancing dabke in public. But one of the most heart-warming stories to have captured the world’s attention comes from the small Midwestern town of Lawrence, Kansas, where residents have embraced Algeria’s national team. The hosts reflect on the power of the World Cup to celebrate community and to encourage cultural exchange.
#121
June 4 · 27 min
Episode 119: Could AI music help to solve a gap in culture?
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews look at Beaufort Castle, the Crusader-era fortress in southern Lebanon that has been fought over for nearly 900 years and has once again found itself at the centre of military developments in the region. They discuss the broader threat to Lebanon's cultural heritage, with archaeologists and NGOs warning of potentially catastrophic losses to unregistered sites including historic graveyards, mosques and ancestral homes across the south. Unesco, the UN cultural agency, has granted enhanced protection to dozens of Lebanese sites in response to the ongoing conflict. Enas and Farah then turn to the viral AI-generated songs dominating social media. They discuss Her e Gule, a Kurdish-language track made using AI vocals that has spread across TikTok and Instagram, and examine the complex reaction it has brought. They also look at comedian Bill Stiteler's AI-generated The Puerto Rico Song, which has attracted celebrity attention, and debate what both songs reveal about cultural representation and the value of human craft in the age of AI music tools.
#120
May 13 · 36 min
Episode 118: Reflecting on Art Dubai ahead of 20th event
In this special live edition of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews look back at the past 20 years that shaped one of the UAE’s most significant fairs: Art Dubai. In this episode, Art Dubai director Dunja Gottweis and Emirati artist and designer Azza Al Qubaisi join the hosts for a conversation about the evolution of the event, as well as the country’s flourishing art scene over the past two decades. They talk about the legacy of the fair and its role in championing talent from the Middle East and wider Global South. They also address the challenges of organising this year’s event as regional tension rise. Originally planned to take place in April, Art Dubai is now set to open to the public on May 15. Gottweis and Al Qubaisi offer advice for visitors on how to make the most of the fair, especially when short on time. And in true Culture Bites fashion, the guests and hosts share their recommendations of what not to miss this year.
#119
May 7 · 25 min
Episode 117: Venice Biennale - Is art becoming inseparable from politics?
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the Venice Biennale, exploring highlights from this year’s edition and the controversies surrounding the event. The 61st exhibition, titled In Minor Keys, brings together pavilions from around the world. The hosts put the spotlight on the UAE’s Washwasha exhibition, which explores sound, memory and identity, as well as regional contributions including Syria’s participation and an independent Palestinian exhibition featuring traditional tatreez embroidery. Enas and Farah also unpack the political tensions around the event, including backlash to a statement form jurors about excluding certain countries from prizes, which ultimately led to the jury’s resignation. The hosts talk about how cultural events are increasingly shaped by geopolitical debate. They later highlight a viral moment from HBO show Hacks, where actress Hannah Einbinder appears wearing the shirt of a Palestinian football club based in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. They discuss how this casual scene in the show reflects a wider shift in mainstream cultural representation of Palestine.
#118
April 23 · 24 min
Episode 116: From politics to pop - What stood out at Coachella this year?
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews unpack the biggest viral moments from this year’s Coachella festival. Among the most talked-about performances was the set by The Strokes, which featured a montage referencing world leaders removed from power by US interventions. The political imagery sparked debate about the role of activism on the festival stage. The hosts also react to the return of Justin Bieber and the heart-warming moment he shared when he sang to long-time “Belieber” Billie Eilish on stage. On the internet, another popular moment captured the hearts of people all over the world. In a short clip, Ramy Youssef teaches Elmo to speak Arabic on Sesame Street. In the video, which has received millions of views, the actor explains the meaning of phrases such as “salam alaykum” and “habibi” on the occasion of Arab American Heritage month. Enas shares with Farah why content like this resonates so strongly with people who grew up in the West without seeing much representation of Arab language and culture on mainstream children’s television.
#117
April 9 · 29 min
Episode 115: We can all do our bit to help independent artists and small businesses in the UAE
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about the initiatives in the UAE working to support independent artists and small businesses. While the conflict in the region has made it challenging for creators, start-up entrepreneurs and local brands to keep operating as normal, a number of community-led efforts are offering support. For example, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai is inviting businesses in need of a space, also offering to help them with marketing and public programmes. Farah also tells Enas about food photographer John Marsland who has volunteered to give portrait sessions for independent restaurants and cafes. The hosts spotlight some of the Arab acts performing at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. The line-up features a range of styles, from Palestinian-American DJ Habibeats’ Arabic and house music blends to Tunisian-British DJ Hamdi’s club tracks. Enas sets the stage for an acoustic journey into each of their individual sounds ahead of the event starting this weekend.
#116
April 2 · 28 min
Episode 114: What are microdramas and why are they generating billions?
In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about the creative ways the entertainment industry is adapting to disruptions in the events calendar. Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena is hosting a shopping clearance sale this week to keep the venue running. After some of its scheduled concerts were postponed due to the regional war, staff quickly pivoted from live events to retail, offering shoppers free entry and attractive prices. Enas and Farah talk about the increased community support for local brands and businesses in the UAE to help them overcome the uncertainty. The hosts also discuss the microdrama phenomenon taking over social media platforms. These short-form, vertical video series became popular in China before spreading worldwide. Despite being low-budget productions featuring soapy plot lines and stereotypes, they are turning into a multibillion dollar industry. Farah and Enas explore how media creation and consumption trends have evolved as doomscrolling and shorter attention spans influence what and where we watch.
#115
March 26 · 27 min
Episode 113: Can the comedy of Saturday Night Live be universal?
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews share their thoughts on the newly launched UK version of Saturday Night Live. The first episode of the British adaptation of the sketch comedy show received better reviews than expected after its broadcast last weekend. Some of the most popular segments shared online feature veteran SNL cast member Tina Fey hosting the monologue and an impersonation of sir David Attenborough hosting a dinner party with celebrated British personalities. Farah tells Enas why she initially had low expectations for SNL UK but later changed her mind. Elsewhere, on the internet a viral video of a group of pet dogs in China escaping their kidnappers has tugged at people’s heart strings all over the world. The hosts remember some of the most famous internet animals over the years and reflect on why we have become so invested in them from behind our screens. Enas and Farah also give an extended list of recommendations this week. With rainy weather in the UAE keeping people indoors, they offer their top suggestions of what to read and watch at home.
#114
March 19 · 35 min
Episode 112: Standout Oscar moments, wins and snubs
This week on Culture Bites, host Farah Andrews is joined by The National's culture reporter Faisal Al Zaabi to discuss their reactions to this year’s Oscars. One Battle After Another took home the most awards at the 98th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Michael B Jordan won Best Actor for his role in Sinners while Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for Hamnet. Farah and Faisal share their thoughts on which wins and snubs were most deserved. They also talk about some of the bold statements on stage, such as Javier Bardem’s Handala badge and anti-war statement. This week as Eid begins, the much anticipated film Project Hail Mary comes to UAE cinemas. But the big-screen adaptation of Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel is not the only version to receive glowing praise. The audiobook has also become a favourite, thanks to its atmospheric sound production and Ray Porter’s narration. The hosts share some of their other recommendations for audiobooks that are more captivating than the original texts.
#113
February 26 · 25 min
Episode 111: What we learnt from the America’s Next Top Model documentary
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and guest host Faisal Al Zaabi, The National's culture reporter, reflect on a new Netflix documentary revisiting the hit 2000s reality show America’s Next Top Model. The docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, features interviews with former contestants, judges and host Tyra Banks. It has reignited debate about the fashion industry's standards at the time and the treatment of young models on the programme. Enas and Faisal discuss criticism of the show's pursuit of ratings at the expense of contestants’ well-being, and question whether its creators have taken sufficient responsibility in the years since. The hosts also share their favourite Ramadan cultural traditions as the holy month enters its second week. Faisal talks about Gargee’an, a popular Gulf celebration in which children dress in traditional clothing and go door-to-door collecting sweets and nuts. Enas recalls the mosaharaty, who would walk the streets at night, drumming and chanting to wake families up for suhoor.
#112
February 19 · 32 min
Episode 110: What makes Ramadan TV culture so special in the Arab world?
In this episode of Culture Bites, The National’s music and culture journalist Saeed Saeed is back, this time joining Enas Refaei to discuss Ramadan TV. Every year during the holy month, households across the Arab world tune in to watch the most popular comedies, dramas and talk shows of the season. Over time, networks – and now streaming platforms – have invested bigger budgets into Ramadan specials, as audiences spend more time watching television after iftar and late into the night. Enas and Saeed discuss how this cultural phenomenon became so dominant in the region and share some of the shows they’re looking forward to watching. The hosts also react to a recent marketing campaign by Egypt’s Diwan Publishing to encourage young people to read and write in Arabic. Classics by authors like Naguib Mahfouz and Taha Hussein were printed entirely in Franco-Arabic, colloquially known as “Arabizi” – a way of writing Arabic words using English letters. The campaign was meant to prompt concern over the loss of Arabic language. Enas and Saeed talk about Diwan’s previous project to make book covers more vibrant and attractive for the younger generation, and also how schools in the UAE are changing their rules to promote the Arabic language.
#111
February 12 · 30 min
Episode 109: Who was the target audience for Bad Bunny’s half-time show?
This week on Culture Bites, Farah Andrews is joined by guest host Saeed Saeed, The National’s music and culture journalist. After much acclaim and debate over Bad Bunny’s half-time Super Bowl show, the hosts reflect on its massive worldwide appeal. They discuss the powerful cultural messages layered through the Puerto Rican artist’s viral performance, described as a celebration of Latin American culture. But they also question whether the half-time performances have lost some of their magic as they evolve into polished productions made for a digital audience rather than fans at the venue. Farah and Saeed discuss what this means for audiences and why it can be impactful either way. Meanwhile, one of the world’s most famous fossils is preparing to return to its home. Lucy, the 3.2 million-year-old fossil, currently on display at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, will be going back to Ethiopia next month. Named after the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, she is considered to be one of the most widely recognised early human ancestors that helped transform scientific understanding of humanity’s origins. The hosts talk about the significance of her discovery and share their own existential contemplations of Lucy’s profound cultural impression.

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