Culture Bites

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss their recent trip to watch Mariah Carey's performance on the first night of the Saadiyat Nights concert series. Enas and Farah were blown away by the American singer's voice and the intimate venue's atmosphere.

The hosts also talk about the Golden Globes, the fallout from Jo Koy's Barbenheimer jokes and the inevitable memes that come from awards ceremonies.

The focus then turns to the Brunei royal wedding of Prince Abdul Mateen, 32, the son of the Sultan of Brunei, and his longtime girlfriend Anisha Rosnah. They discuss the cultural traditions followed during the 10-day event and speculate over which international royals will attend the final banquet.

Arts and culture reporter Maan Jalal joins the hosts to talk about Syrian artist Tammam Azzam and his digital art that is being showcased at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai. Maan also gives his top three tips for movies and books of 2024, before chatting about Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize winner Luke Leafgren.

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews catch up and discuss how they celebrated the New Year and their resolutions for 2024.

Farah also shares her excitement about awards season, which kicks off next week. From the Golden Globes, on January 7, to the Academy Awards in March, Farah details all the must-know dates, events and predictions for the next few months.

Enas and Farah then chat about Mickey Mouse, as the character enters the public domain, They explain what that means for him and who might be the next character to face a deadly reinvention.

The hosts are then joined by arts and culture reporter Maan Jalal, who takes them on a conceptual art journey as he talks about Afra Al Dhaheri, a young Emirati artist who is showcasing her work at Alserkal Avenue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.