Culture Bites

Episode 120: From bagpipes to dabke: The cultural side of the World Cup 18.06.2026 25mnt

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.

Episode 119: Could AI music help to solve a gap in culture? 04.06.2026 27mnt

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.

Episode 118: Reflecting on Art Dubai ahead of 20th event 13.05.2026 36mnt

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.

Episode 117: Venice Biennale - Is art becoming inseparable from politics? 07.05.2026 25mnt

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.

Episode 116: From politics to pop - What stood out at Coachella this year? 23.04.2026 24mnt

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.

Episode 115: We can all do our bit to help independent artists and small businesses in the UAE 09.04.2026 29mnt

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.

Episode 114: What are microdramas and why are they generating billions? 02.04.2026 28mnt

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.

Episode 113: Can the comedy of Saturday Night Live be universal? 26.03.2026 27mnt

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.

Episode 112: Standout Oscar moments, wins and snubs 19.03.2026 35mnt

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.

Episode 111: What we learnt from the America’s Next Top Model documentary 26.02.2026 25mnt

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.

Episode 110: What makes Ramadan TV culture so special in the Arab world? 19.02.2026 32mnt

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.

Episode 109: Who was the target audience for Bad Bunny’s half-time show? 12.02.2026 30mnt

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.

Episode 108: So you want to be a serious art collector? Abu Dhabi is calling 05.02.2026 35mnt

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about a new initiative in Abu Dhabi to attract art collectors. The scheme announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi will waive customs duties for artworks brought in for at least three years. Designed to be more than a financial incentive, the programme prioritises cultural investment in the emirate, building on its reputation as a hub for the arts. Farah and Enas point to similar schemes that have been successful and share tips for aspiring art collectors. In the entertainment world, awards season is in full swing, with the 68th Grammy Awards earlier this week. Political gestures and speeches stole the spotlight, with artists wearing “ICE out” badges in protest at recent immigration crackdowns in the US. This year’s wins reflected an evolving music industry. Farah and Enas discuss Bad Bunny winning album of the year, and give their take on the wins, snubs and captivating moments of the ceremony.

Episode 107: Why the food system is broken and why seasons matter | Asma Khan 29.01.2026 28mnt

This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews sit down with chef and author Asma Khan during the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai. Born and raised in India, Asma later moved to the UK where she eventually opened her highly acclaimed restaurant, Darjeeling Express. She became the first British chef to be featured on the Netflix documentary series, Chef’s Table. She tells the hosts she insisted her all-female team be featured on the show, as part of her mission to celebrate women, who typically do most of the cooking across cultures but seldom receive enough credit or pay. Asma also discusses the writing journey and concept of her latest cookbook, Monsoon, which includes recipes that complement the six seasons of her homeland. She explains that growing up in India, she used to know what season it was based on the produce available in the market. But times have changed significantly and she speaks to Enas and Farah about the impact that year-round ingredients have had on global food systems and vulnerable farmers. Her book, she says, is meant to encourage people to cook with fresh ingredients available to them and share the special gift of home-cooked meals with their loved ones. The hosts later explore the literary festival and pick up some of the books they’re most looking forward to reading this year.

Episode 106: Celebrating Emirati culture at Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi 22.01.2026 28mnt

In this episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews explore Abu Dhabi’s heritage through Al Hosn Festival, which runs until February 1. They are joined by Farah Al Bakoush, acting director of Intangible Cultural Heritage at Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, to discuss the highlights of this year’s event. She provides a sneak peek of the interactive activations not to be missed, including a heritage escape room. She also tells the podcast hosts about the crafts demonstrations, music and live cooking stations that are designed to celebrate Emirati identity and culture. The festival takes place at Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone structure in Abu Dhabi. Enas and Farah speak to Asma Al Maskari, senior education specialist at Qasr Al Hosn, who tells them about the importance of the site. The structure has transformed over time. It was first built in the 18th century as a watchtower protecting coastal trade routes. Later, a fort and a palace were constructed and, following renovation, it became a museum in 2018. Asma talks about the architecture, the rich history of Qasr Al Hosn and its role connecting the city’s past to its present.

Episode 105: Sitting down with viral artist Werner Bronkhorst 15.01.2026 22mnt

This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews host contemporary artist Werner Bronkhorst ahead of his first exhibition in Dubai. The 24-year-old South Africa-born Australian painter talks about the global premiere of his new collection, Crack, which will be on display at Concrete in Alserkal Avenue from January 16 to 18. Even at his young age, Bronkorst’s work has become massively popular, appealing to people all over the world. The Sydney-based artist is known for his technique of drawing realistic paintings of miniature people and objects on abstract backgrounds, which are created using thick layers of paint. In his new collection, Bronkhorst explores landscapes under pressure, featuring deserts and earthy palettes that may feel familiar to Gulf dwellers. He tells Enas and Farah about his largest piece yet, to be showcased at the upcoming exhibition, and shares his reflections on cultural appreciation in the UAE, as well as what’s inspiring him here to make more art.

Episode 104: The band reviving Kuwaiti pearl-diving music through jazz 08.01.2026 20mnt

In this episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei is joined by UAE-based musician Ghazi Al Mulaifi to talk about the traditions of Kuwaiti pearl-diving music that inspired his band, Boom.Diwan. Ghazi tells Enas about his own family history of pearl diving and the intrigue it sparked in him. The rich cultural practice was also an arduous one, marked by long perilous journeys and hardship. Music was an important component to boost morale and help the divers prepare for their working day. Boom.Diwan revives these rhythms in a Khaleeji jazz-fusion style that Ghazi describes as experimental. He talks about how elders react to his music and the importance of preserving the authenticity of pearl-diving heritage, while also performing for new and diverse audiences. Boom.Diwan’s cross-cultural collaborations have also uncovered shared histories and sounds that span continents. Their coming performance at The Red Theatre at NYU Abu Dhabi on January 14 will feature a number of international guests including South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini.

Episode 103: The year in culture - top reads, movies and moments of 2025 25.12.2025 28mnt

In this season finale of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews reflect on the culture-defining moments that had the biggest impact on them in 2025. The hosts share their favourite movies, TV series and books from the past year, with a look back at both fiction and non-fiction titles. They also highlight their most memorable art institution visits. Enas describes what it was like stepping into the Grand Egyptian Museum ahead of its history-making opening this year. Farah talks about her journey at Nomad Abu Dhabi, which transformed the decommissioned Terminal 1 of Zayed International Airport into a sprawling art and design venue. No review is complete without a nod to the year’s most captivating pop culture moments. Enas offers lessons learnt from a major scandal in the music industry, while Farah conducts a postmortem of a space mission that created more questions than answers.

Episode 102: Preserving Arab heritage - From Zayed National Museum to Unesco's list 18.12.2025 38mnt

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews explore how cultural heritage is preserved, celebrated and carried forward, from one of the UAE’s newly opened museums to the living traditions recognised by Unesco. The episode opens at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, where Farah records from inside the new landmark on Saadiyat Island. In that segment, Moaza Matar, director of the curatorial and collections management department at the museum, explains how the galleries were developed to reflect the nation’s journey, from ancient history and maritime life to the formation of the modern state. She discusses how the themes were chosen and how the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, shapes the narrative throughout the museum. Moaza also talks about the visitor experience, beginning with the outdoor Al Masar Garden and moving through the galleries, sharing what she hopes visitors will feel and understand as they leave. Back in the studio, the episode turns to recent developments in regional culture, including the addition of Arab dishes and traditions such as koshary, bisht and zaffa to Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list. Enas and Farah both share their thoughts on what this list means for the wider Arab culture. The hosts also give their recommendations for what to do and see this week, including Manar Abu Dhabi and A Merry Little Ex-Mas a Christmas romcom on Netflix.

Episode 101: Why are we so obsessed with (our own) Spotify Wrapped? 11.12.2025 28mnt

In this episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews reveal their Spotify Wrapped summaries, each with their own listening age plot twist. The end-of-year stats delivered by Spotify and other similar audio streaming platforms have become popular among users over the years. Enas and Farah dig through their listening habits to understand why people love to learn about their own personalities. While the over-mining of user data is generally controversial, Spotify Wrapped has managed to turn information into a fun experience that people love to share publicly. This time of year also marks the run up to awards season. The 83rd Golden Globe Award nominations have been announced before the ceremony, set to take place on January 11. The hosts share their thoughts on some of the top contenders, including Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which is competing for nine awards. They also highlight some of the best international features in the running such as The Voice of Hind Rajab and Iranian film It Was Just an Accident.