Randa Maddah’s solo exhibition Hanging Gardens is running at Tabari Artspace in DIFC until October 12. Photo: Tabari Artspace
Syrian artist explores duality of life in occupied Golan Heights

Syrian visual artists paints serene landscapes that represent a state of the 'in -between'

September 18, 2024, 3:00 AM
Al-Quds Al-Arabi daily newspaper confirmed the death of Elias Khoury on Sunday. AP
Elias Khoury: Remembering the Lebanese novelist's life in six works

The celebrated writer, who died on Sunday, frequently explored themes of conflict and the Palestinian cause in his work

September 16, 2024, 2:10 PM
The 75th Emmy Awards took place in January 15 this year and the The 76th Emmy Awards will take place on September 15. Photo: Reuters
The story behind the double Emmys taking place in 2024

An industry-wide dispute in 2023 affected the calendar and led to a postponement

September 15, 2024, 10:58 AM
The Arabic word for finger is issbaa. Photo: The National
How the term for finger is popular in proverbs

Also pronounced as ousbaa in many colloquial dialects, this week's word can also be used as a metaphor to explain a number of things, from feelings to complex social situations

September 13, 2024, 6:01 PM
A replica of Tintin Moon Rocket, which accompanied the Emirati astronaut Dr Sultan Al Neyadi into space, is on show at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo: Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center
Weekly UAE museum and gallery guide: New Louvre display

Plus, a group exhibition that is influenced by nature

September 13, 2024, 7:59 AM
Bookshops have a 'vibe and soul' that can't be replicated by digital equivalents, say owners. Victor Besa / The National
Why bookshop communities are important in the UAE

Despite living more of our lives online, shops still champion the benefits of experiencing physical media

September 10, 2024, 4:20 AM
The word for onion in Arabic is Bassal. Photo: The National
'Bassal', like the onion, has many layers

While mostly used to refer to the vegetable, it can also be used to describe someone's character

September 06, 2024, 6:02 PM
Al Bidya Mosque does not contain wood, meaning carbon dating cannot be used to identify its age. Leslie Pableo for The National
Mosques of the UAE: Al Bidya welcomes worshippers for 600 years

Oldest place of worship in UAE is best known for two things: its domes – and lack of minaret

September 06, 2024, 3:04 AM
These eight books have captured the attention of readers online
It Ends With Us to Uglies: The BookTok novels set for bigger things

Which of these popular books will be the next massive blockbuster?

September 05, 2024, 3:04 AM
From female friendships, loveless marraiges and political upheavels these stories of Arab women are diverse and span the region. Photo: Publishers
Eight novels that capture the Arab female experience

Set in Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and beyond, these stories tackle themes of love, survival and identity

September 01, 2024, 3:02 AM
Alia Hamaoui's artwork Shaded Containment is part of Carbon 12's group exhibition Backbone. Photo: Carbon 12
Five art exhibitions to see this weekend in the UAE

Plus, fossilised shark teeth, portraits, native plants and the backbone feature in exhibitions

August 31, 2024, 3:03 AM
The word for anger in Arabic is ghathab. Photo: The National
‘Ghathab’: This week's Arabic word for anger can also imply passion

The word associated with strong emotional reaction can also imply passion in certain contexts

August 30, 2024, 6:02 PM
One of the equestrian bronzes by sculptor Antoine Coysevox due to go under the hammer. Photo: Dreweatts
Maleki family to auction off personal art collection in London

The Dreweatts sale will include Old Master paintings as well as furniture and contemporary pieces

August 26, 2024, 2:04 PM
Brat, a popular slang word coined by artist Charli XCX, has been used by the Kamala Harris presidential campaign team. EPA
Popular Gen-Z words explained: from brat to demure

Some of these words are much older than you think

August 25, 2024, 3:08 AM
This week, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage. AFP
Celebrity divorces through the years, from Lopez and Affleck to UK royals

Separations often sound like a Hollywood script, going on to shape both careers and the public's perception

August 24, 2024, 3:05 AM