Art and culture

Eid al-Itihad The UAE’s National Day Unity, Culture and A Promise of Prosperity Honouring the past, uniting the present, and imagining a future built on hope and togetherness By Janhavi Gusani Every December 2 the United Arab Emirates pauses to celebrate a story that reads like a modern fable: seven emirates  each with its own history, leadership and traditions choosing union over fragmentation and building, within a single lifetime, one of the most dynamic countries in the world. National Day is both a commemoration and a living manifesto: a ritual that connects the UAE’s foundational values to the ambitions of a future built on tolerance, safety and shared prosperity. As the dawn of 2nd December nears, the nation is wrapped in pride, patriotism, and the vibrant colours of its flag. Eid Al Ittihad is more than a national holiday, it is a commemoration of the UAE’s history, its vision, and its enduring resilience. From the dunes of the Arabian Gulf to the wings of aircraft soaring across the sky, the country prepares to celebrate 54 years of unity this year. A union born of pragmatic idealism The formation of the UAE in 1971 was a practical, visionary response to the needs of a small, disparate region at a moment of rapid change. That strategic choice to bind together for defense, development and dignity remains central to National Day’s meaning. What started as a pragmatic union has been enshrined as a national ethic: collective responsibility, sensible governance and an emphasis on long-term nation-building.  The National celebration starts right from a month ahead as the country celebrates Flag Day on November 3rd. This occasion was established by H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2013 as a mark of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan’s presidential rise (in 2004) – by quoting it as a “renewed commitment to the values of the UAE, along with a sense of belonging, loyalty and gratitude to the homeland and its leaders” Core values, the moral code behind the momentum At the heart of the UAE’s public narrative are a handful of repeated, powerful values: generosity, tolerance, dignity and service. These are not abstract slogans. The UAE’s founding generation explicitly anchored policy in moral maxims  notably the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who urged that “to treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam.” Those lines have been translated into institutions and public programmes that prize inclusion and community welfare. Multiculturalism, the city-state effect The UAE’s society is unusually cosmopolitan. Official figures and long-running demographic trends show the country hosts residents from more than 200 nationalities, and expatriates make up the overwhelming majority of residents a fact that shapes everything from festivals to cuisine to the labour market. Rather than flat-line assimilation, the UAE cultivates a model of negotiated multiculturalism: public celebration of diverse cultures alongside civic initiatives that promote workplace equality, religious freedom and cross-cultural exchange. National Day has become an occasion to showcase that mosaic Emirati heritage alongside Indian, Filipino, Egyptian, Pakistani, European and African traditions that are all woven into daily life. Culture and identity, rooted innovation The UAE’s cultural scene during National Day is instructive: traditional arts (poetry, falconry, pearl-diving stories, majlis gatherings) are deliberately staged alongside contemporary music, large-scale public art, and avant-garde design. This duality — rooted tradition plus bold innovation is intentionally cultivated by national cultural strategies and festivals. It frames the UAE not as a place that abandoned the past for the future, but as one that uses its past as a platform for creative reinvention. Prosperity with an eye to sustainability Economic success has been central to the UAE’s post-1971 story. The government’s national strategies from Vision 2021 to “We the UAE 2031” and the Centennial 2071 roadmap explicitly link prosperity to diversification, talent attraction, and high-value knowledge sectors. The message of National Day is therefore both celebratory and aspirational: to honor what has been built, and to articulate the economic targets that will define the next decades. These policy goals double GDP, stronger innovation ecosystems, and a global-talent magnet shape the public conversation around wealth, opportunity and inclusion. Safety and trust,  an asset for everyday life Public safety and order are often taken for granted by residents and visitors alike, but they are a deliberate pillar of statecraft. Recent international indices show notable improvements in the UAE’s peacefulness and safety scores in the past few years, reflecting investments in policing, diplomacy and crisis preparedness. Safe streets, predictable services and stable institutions are part of what makes the UAE an attractive place to live, work and invest and that sense of security becomes more palpable during national festivities, when public spaces fill with families and visitors. Love and belonging, how National Day feels on the ground On the ground, National Day’s aesthetic is intimate and exuberant. Flags drape office towers and balconies; children learn national songs in school; food festivals and Emirati hospitality create moments of cross-cultural exchange. The tone is one of affection rather than performative patriotism: a civic love that’s nurtured by visible public goods (healthcare, transport, public parks) and the rituals that connect people to the state and to one another. A day that builds the year National Day is not merely a public holiday. It is a calibrated civic ritual that performs the UAE’s identity back to itself: a blend of unity and plurality, heritage and invention, stability and ambition. For readers of Magnav Emirates, the day is a reminder that the UAE’s social contract has been repeatedly renewed through legislation, through culture, and most importantly, through everyday acts of hospitality and cooperation. As the country stages ever larger visions for its future, National Day will continue to be the moment when those visions are both celebrated and translated into the small, practical choices that actually build a society.

Desert After Dark, Uae Residents Celebrate Winter Nightlife By Sudipa Roy Fashion in Dubai moves with a pace that mirrors the city itself, restless, ambitious, always reaching forward. Yet within this constant motion, a few creators choose a quieter rhythm. They design from emotion rather than urgency and shape relevance instead of chasing it. Among these rare visionaries is Chathuri Samaraweera, the founder and creative director of ANAYA, a brand rooted not merely in fabric and form but in memory, introspection, and the belief that a woman’s inner world is the most powerful source of design. ANAYA emerged quietly and intuitively, yet today it carries one of the most distinct identities in the Middle Eastern fashion landscape. Its creations are soft yet defined, timeless yet modern, intimate yet global. At the center of it stands a woman who views fashion not as an industry to keep up with, but as an art form to feel. Chathuri’s story begins long before she ever touched chiffon or sculpted satin. Her childhood unfolded inside her father’s art gallery, a place where towering sculptures, textured canvases, paintbrushes, and palettes formed the backdrop of her earliest memories. While other children played with toys, she absorbed colors, shapes, shadows, and the emotional pulse of artwork. Art was not just a profession in the family, it was the air she breathed. The brand’s name came years later, inspired by her daughter, ANAYA, a tribute not born from strategy but from love, symbolizing the emotional continuity passed down from her father to her, and now from her to her child. This sense of meaning shapes every decision within the brand. To Chathuri, ANAYA began with a simple vision, to celebrate the strength and softness within every woman and create pieces that feel like an extension of her inner light. That intention remains the brand’s guiding force. ANAYA’s signature lies in its devotion to emotion before structure. Chathuri designs as though fashion is a language for translating feeling into silhouette. She does not pursue trends or the fleeting aesthetics of social media, instead, she draws from lived moments, quiet memories, underwater stillness, architectural forms, and the subtle poetry of nature. She speaks often of the organic curves of Gaudí’s designs, the shadows that dance across textured stone, the peaceful hum of the Balearic Islands, the slow sway of Posidonia beneath the sea’s surface, and the cultural textures she discovers through travel. For her, inspiration is a sensory imprint that lingers until it takes shape in fabric. This approach gives ANAYA its unmistakable softness, a softness that is not fragile, but confidently feminine. In Dubai’s competitive fashion scene, many struggle to balance couture artistry with practical ready-to-wear, yet ANAYA has found harmony between the two. The key lies in its understanding of luxury. For Chathuri, luxury isn’t defined by extravagance but by intention. Whether a gown requires hundreds of hours of handwork or a ready-to-wear piece is sculpted with clean minimalism, the craftsmanship holds the same devotion. ANAYA’s lines may simplify, but its artistry does not. Subtle architecture, refined detailing, and intentional cuts shape pieces that are both wearable and poetic, allowing the brand to remain accessible without compromising its couture soul. Dubai Design District serves as ANAYA’s creative home, a place where art, fashion, architecture, and innovation intertwine. The multicultural energy of D3 mirrors the identity of the brand, hybrid, evolving, and globally attuned. The environment pushes the brand creatively and strategically, offering exposure to international markets and collaborative opportunities. From this district, ANAYA has grown from a local label into a name recognized across the global fashion world. Sustainability runs through the brand like a quiet but unbreakable thread. ANAYA embraces sustainability not as marketing but as responsibility. Made-to-order processes reduce waste, local artisans preserve and advance craftsmanship, high-quality materials ensure longevity, and designs are created to outlive seasons and trends. Couture itself is a practice in slow, intentional creation, and ANAYA leans deeply into that philosophy. Movement inspires much of Chathuri’s design process. She is drawn to fluidity, the shifting of ocean waves, the gentle dance of marine plants, the shimmer of light across water, the way fabric can echo breath. Many of ANAYA’s gowns appear to float, their layers lifting like currents, their embellishments shimmering softly rather than shining sharply. The Balearic Dreaming collection captures this most vividly. Born from hours spent underwater watching Posidonia sway in perfect silence, it embodies the serenity and poetry of the natural world. While ANAYA’s ready-to-wear pieces expand the brand’s reach, its bespoke creations reveal its soul. Chathuri approaches custom design as a dialogue. Rather than beginning with sketches, she begins with conversation, who the woman is, what she loves, how she wants to feel. The design then evolves through sketches, fittings, and sculpted adjustments until the final piece reflects both the client’s identity and ANAYA’s aesthetic. For Chathuri, the ultimate success of a custom gown lies in honoring the woman’s story. When a client sees her truest self reflected in the finished creation, the process becomes a deeply emotional connection. As global attention increasingly turns toward Middle Eastern designers, ANAYA stands at the forefront of this cultural moment. Chathuri’s work carries the region’s grace, softness, and femininity, fused with the structure of European couture and a universal contemporary appeal. With participation in Paris Fashion Week and a growing international clientele, ANAYA demonstrates that Middle Eastern fashion can be both rooted in cultural sensitivity and boldly global. Even as technology evolves within the fashion world, AI-driven designs, virtual fittings, automated pattern systems, Chathuri maintains a devotion to human connection. She still sketches by hand and shapes fabric physically, trusting that no algorithm can replicate the emotional intuition required in couture. Technology supports the brand, but it never replaces the artist’s touch. Each woman wears a garment differently, and understanding that requires presence, observation, and empathy. The horizon for ANAYA is expanding. The brand is moving toward global stockists across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Discussions for celebrity partnerships are

Holding A Fleeting Moment Inside Duette Studio’s Ephemeral Petunia Garden By Sara Hammoud In a city that reshapes itself almost weekly, where glass towers rise and dissolve into the desert glare, Duette Studio has crafted a moment meant to slow people down. Founded by husband and wife duo Rahat Kunakunova and Fuad Ali, the Dubai-based experiential design lab is gaining recognition for installations that blend material poetry with technical clarity. Their latest work, Ephemeral Petunia Garden, debuted during Dubai Design Week, an illuminated sculptural landscape inspired by a flower most residents overlook. “We kept coming back to the petunia,” Rahat says. “It’s humble, it blooms in winter, and then disappears. We wanted to hold that fleeting moment in place.” The installation, a field of reflective stems crowned with stainless steel mesh petals, shifts from serene to cinematic as day turns to night. In the late morning sun, mirrored surfaces fold the city into the piece. “Daylight invites calm curiosity,” Rahat explains. “People notice reflections, edges, and how the sky drifts across the base.” After sunset, the sculpture glows from within, each petal lit with low-energy LEDs. “At night, it becomes communal,” Ali adds. “A place to gather, take photos, or simply pause. Two moods, one narrative.” The project moved quickly from concept to installation, taking just eight to ten weeks. Modular stems, hand-finished petals, and flat-packable components allowed the team to fabricate locally and install with remarkable efficiency. Built for travel, the garden is already preparing for its next location. Rahat and Ali describe their working relationship as an ongoing conversation, shaped by shared life and complementary strengths. “We bring one vision through two lenses,” Rahat says. She leads narrative, lighting, and material language, while Ali focuses on systems design, production, and audience flow. “We prototype fast, critique honestly, and keep one question as our north star, How will this live with people?” Inside Duette Studio, they have created a culture rooted in psychological safety, clarity, and kindness. Debate stays separate from delivery, disagreements are private, alignment is public. Daily stand-ups keep momentum, open pin-ups encourage transparent critique, and each project closes with a candid debrief. Roles are clearly defined, and mentorship is woven into every workstream. “Younger designers grow alongside seasoned fabricators,” Rahat notes. “It keeps the studio human first while the work stays brave.” Duette Studio sits at the intersection of art, fashion, and spatial design. “Fashion gives us precision and pacing,” Rahat says. “Art gives us research and risk. Spatial design gives us flow, safety, and operations.” This cross-disciplinary approach enables the duo to transform brand values into lived experiences, installations that perform emotionally and practically long after they debut. Their signature is subtle but recognizable, light as material, memory as theme, and clarity in movement. “We want pieces that feel generous,” Ali says. “Easy to enter, hard to forget.” Following Design Week, Ephemeral Petunia Garden is set to tour internationally. Its modular system allows for new scales, new choreographies, and new contexts. The pair is also developing a collectible “Miniature Edition” for homes and studios, a way for the story to continue in more intimate environments. Sustainability, particularly in the UAE context, is central to their process. They prioritize local fabrication, re-skinning for new narratives, low-energy lighting, and avoiding wasteful one-offs. “Clients and cities are asking for longevity,” Ali says. “We are committed to evolving platforms, not temporary spectacles.” Despite their forward-looking practice, Rahat and Ali’s philosophy remains grounded in the present, specifically in the people around them. “Our inspiration comes from our surroundings, our home, friends, and community,” Rahat says. “We are inspired by the young creatives and ambitious youth of Dubai.” Their long-term ambition reaches beyond installations. They aim to help build an ecosystem of creative and cultural opportunity, one that circulates talent, resources, and growth within the community. “Dubai is writing its own cultural story,” Ali reflects. “We are proud to contribute to it through art, design, and the creative economy.” As the petals of Ephemeral Petunia Garden glow softly against the Dubai night, they embody exactly what Duette Studio stands for, a fleeting moment, held just long enough for people to draw close, and remember.

The Architecture of the UAEA Journey Through Arabian Nights Reimagined for the Modern Era By Janhavi Gusani The evolution of the United Arab Emirates, from sands to skylines, is more than an architectural transformation. It is a symphony of heritage and innovation, a living narrative where the poetry of the past converses with the promise of the future. The UAE’s landscape, once defined by dunes and desert winds, now rises in shimmering glass, marble, and steel, yet still hums with the spirit of the desert that shaped it. This is the land of visionaries who dared to dream amid the vast emptiness, turning grains of sand into foundations of global marvels. The desert has always been more than a backdrop here, it is a teacher, a muse, and a silent witness to the endurance and imagination of its people. Each shifting dune carries stories of resilience, patience, and unity, lessons that now echo through the corridors of contemporary Emirati architecture. Before the skyscrapers, there was sand. Before innovation, there was survival. The architecture of the UAE is rooted in its desert identity, one that celebrates simplicity, balance, and connection to nature. The ancient Bedouin wisdom of building with harmony, not against the environment, continues to shape the region’s design philosophy. Traditional Emirati architecture was always sustainable at heart. Homes were oriented to capture the wind, shaded by courtyards and cooled by barjeel wind towers, ingenious structures that predated the modern concept of eco-design by centuries. These wind towers were not merely practical, they embodied an understanding of coexistence between man and nature.  Today, the principles of those early designs breathe within the glass walls of modern villas and the curves of cultural centers. Contemporary architects reinterpret the essence of those wind towers, courtyards, and mashrabiyas to suit modern lifestyles, preserving privacy, inviting light, and fostering community. The architecture of the UAE does not merely preserve identity, it celebrates it on a global stage. From Dubai’s futuristic skyline to Sharjah’s artistic revival and Abu Dhabi’s cultural grandeur, every emirate contributes a chapter to the nation’s architectural story. Each building tells a tale of collaboration, where Emirati tradition meets international artistry.  Materials are sourced from multiple continents, and ideas converge from diverse minds, yet the soul remains profoundly local. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi stands as a radiant embodiment of this philosophy. Constructed by artisans from around the world, it merges influences from Mughal, Persian, and Moorish architecture, uniting over 80 global cultures under one dome of faith and harmony. Its marble courtyards and delicate mosaics are not merely decorative, they narrate the story of a nation built on coexistence. Perhaps no event symbolized the UAE’s architectural narrative better than Expo 2020 Dubai, a celebration of innovation, culture, and human connection. The site itself was an architectural wonder, designed as a city within a city. Each pavilion became a national identity encapsulated in design, from Saudi Arabia’s gravity-defying facade to the Netherlands’ self-sustaining biotope and Singapore’s futuristic vertical gardens.  The Expo was more than a showcase of architecture, it was a living dialogue on how design can drive progress and sustainability. It was the physical manifestation of the UAE’s motto, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” In a world rapidly racing toward digital and artificial intelligence-driven futures, the UAE’s architects are grounding innovation in sustainability. Masdar City, nestled in the heart of the desert, stands as a beacon of this vision.  It draws from the vernacular designs of old Emirati settlements, narrow streets that channel wind, shaded walkways that reduce heat, and mashrabiyas that filter sunlight into patterned serenity. Masdar City is a triumph of mindful engineering. Built with recycled steel and aluminum, powered by renewable energy, and designed for minimal carbon impact, it redefines what it means to build for tomorrow. Here, technology and tradition cohabit, where smart infrastructure coexists with the timeless values of balance and respect for nature. It is not just a city, but a statement, a message that sustainability need not come at the cost of culture. It is the UAE’s architectural poetry written in the language of the future. While the nation’s gaze is fixed firmly on innovation, its heart beats with reverence for heritage. The Sharjah Art Foundation is a shining example of this delicate balance. What were once historical buildings in the old Al Mureijah district have been transformed into dynamic cultural spaces. The Foundation restores rather than replaces, turning courtyards into galleries and wind-towered homes into sanctuaries of creativity. Sharjah’s approach is not to erase history, but to inhabit it, allowing art, performance, and dialogue to thrive within structures that once witnessed the everyday rhythm of Emirati life. It is architecture as memory, revived, not replaced. Few architectural works embody the soul of the UAE like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum’s geometric dome is inspired by palm fronds woven into traditional arish roofs. As sunlight filters through its intricate lattice, it creates a mesmerizing rain of light, reminiscent of rays piercing through date palms in an oasis. This interplay between nature, culture, and science turns architecture into a sensory experience, a modern ode to the poetry of the desert. Equally striking is Dubai’s Museum of the Future, a structure that appears as if suspended between earth and sky. Shaped like an eye gazing into tomorrow, its facade is engraved with Arabic calligraphy quoting the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on innovation and vision. The building’s void, its hollow center, symbolizes the unknown future humanity is yet to shape. Every curve, every word inscribed, transforms this museum into a living metaphor of the UAE’s identity, bold, forward-looking, and deeply rooted in its language and legacy. The UAE’s architectural narrative extends beyond glass towers and domes. It reaches for the cosmos. With the Mars Mission and advanced aerospace research facilities, the nation’s design philosophy transcends Earth itself. From sustainable urban planning to laboratories shaping interplanetary exploration, architecture here reflects the UAE’s philosophy to dream

Al Shindagha Museum Preserving Dubai’s Heritage for the Future By Ruba Al Sarahneh On the banks of Dubai Creek, where wooden dhows once carried pearls and spices and wrote the first chapters of the emirate’s story, stands Al Shindagha Museum  a living witness to a city’s journey that bridges past and present. Here, visitors do not merely view historical artifacts; they immerse themselves in an experience that transports them into the homes of rulers and merchants, hearing the voices of generations that shaped Dubai’s identity. In an age where the emirate is often defined by skyscrapers and technology, Al Shindagha Museum reminds us that Dubai’s true strength begins with its roots. The Historical Significance of Al Shindagha Al Shindagha district occupies a special place in Dubai’s history. It was once the seat of the Al Maktoum ruling family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and from this place, Dubai began its transformation from a small trading port into a global hub. According to Dubai Culture, the restoration project has converted more than 180 historic houses into cultural venues, turning the area into the emirate’s largest open-air museum. This scale reflects Dubai’s ambition to preserve heritage while making it accessible to millions of visitors. Layout and Thematic Pavilions Al Shindagha Museum is not a single building but a district of museums, each housed in restored heritage homes with a thematic focus. Collectively, they form a mosaic of cultural narratives. Perfume House: Chronicles the history of fragrances in the UAE, highlighting traditional ingredients like oud and frankincense, and showcasing how perfumes are interwoven with Emirati identity. Culture and Living Pavilion: Dedicated to social traditions, family structures, and Emirati customs, offering an intimate look at how people lived, celebrated, and preserved their values. Governance and Society Pavilion: Focuses on law, leadership, and governance, honoring the ruling family’s role in shaping Dubai’s path of development. Trade and Innovation Exhibits: Shed light on Dubai’s long-standing commercial heritage, especially in pearls, spices, and textiles, and connect these roots to the emirate’s current role as a global trade hub. Storytelling through Innovation What sets Al Shindagha Museum apart is its blend of heritage and innovation. The museum doesn’t rely solely on static displays but leverages immersive storytelling through: Interactive digital screens displaying historical maps and documents. 3D films recreating scenes from Dubai’s early days. Audio narratives where Emiratis recount their ancestors’ experiences. This ensures that new generations and international visitors engage with history in an accessible, captivating way. It reflects Dubai’s philosophy: preserving heritage doesn’t mean freezing it in time but re-telling it in ways that resonate with the modern world. Cultural and Social Impact Al Shindagha Museum is more than a tourist attraction; it is a cultural and educational platform. In 2023, Dubai welcomed 17.15 million international visitors (Dubai Tourism data), and cultural sites like Al Shindagha are increasingly central to this experience. The Dubai Historic District Project aims to attract 12 million visitors annually by 2025, positioning heritage as a cornerstone of the tourism economy. For Emiratis, the museum strengthens identity and pride, allowing families and students to reconnect with their roots. For expatriates and international visitors, it provides an authentic perspective on Emirati culture that goes beyond skyscrapers and luxury. Education and Community Engagement: Keeping Heritage Alive Beyond its role as a heritage landmark, Al Shindagha Museum functions as a living classroom where history becomes tangible for new generations. In a city where futuristic skylines and cutting-edge technologies often dominate the narrative, the museum plays a crucial role in reminding residents and visitors alike that the foundations of Dubai’s global success are rooted in culture, memory, and human experience. For schools and universities across the UAE, Al Shindagha has become an essential destination for experiential learning. Instead of reading about history in textbooks, students can walk through authentic heritage houses, feel the cool shade of barajeel wind towers, and visualize how families once gathered in open courtyards. This direct engagement with heritage creates an educational experience that is not only informative but also deeply emotional. Teachers report that visits to the museum spark curiosity among students, encouraging them to ask questions about how their ancestors lived, traded, and governed. Such interactions strengthen a sense of national pride while ensuring that cultural identity remains relevant in a rapidly globalizing society. The museum also offers specially designed educational programs and workshops tailored for young learners. These include storytelling sessions where Emirati elders share oral histories, craft workshops that teach children traditional skills such as weaving and pottery, and digital activities that blend interactive media with historical content. By combining tradition with innovation, these initiatives make heritage accessible to a generation raised in the digital age. For many Emirati children, the museum provides the first opportunity to understand the sacrifices and values that shaped their country, anchoring their identity in a fast-changing world. Al Shindagha’s role, however, extends beyond the classroom. It actively engages the wider community by serving as a space where Emiratis and expatriates can connect through shared cultural experiences. Community events, seasonal festivals, and public lectures bring together people of different backgrounds to celebrate the richness of Emirati traditions. For expatriates, who make up the majority of Dubai’s population, the museum offers an authentic entry point into the local culture, allowing them to develop a deeper appreciation of the society they live in. This inclusive approach positions the museum not just as a cultural institution but as a bridge fostering dialogue between communities. One of the most impactful aspects of Al Shindagha’s community role is its collaboration with local artisans and cultural practitioners. By hosting demonstrations of traditional crafts, from pearl diving techniques to textile weaving, the museum ensures that intangible heritage is passed down to younger generations. These demonstrations are not staged performances but genuine efforts to keep fading traditions alive. Many artisans see the museum as a platform to showcase their skills, generate income, and inspire apprenticeships. In this sense, the museum not only preserves the past but also sustains living heritage for the future. The museum’s educational and

Abdellatif Bekhouche on UAE Media Progress A Future Built on Innovation and Purpose By Hafsa Qadeer What sets the UAE’s media landscape apart from the wider Middle East, says Abdellatif Bekhouche, is its diversity and uniqueness, as the country has opened its doors to both regional and international media institutions, creating a welcoming environment for new outlets and supporting their growth. This openness has attracted some of the world’s leading media organizations, reshaping the region’s media map and fostering an ecosystem where local and global players coexist to produce purposeful, high-quality content that influences not only the Arab world but audiences far beyond. The role of world-class media zones such as Dubai Media City, Studio City, and Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 has been instrumental in building this progress. By hosting international giants alongside innovative local outlets, offering advanced infrastructure, and nurturing creativity through incentives and collaboration, these hubs have positioned the UAE as a leader in media development, driving innovation and content production while cementing the nation’s place on the global stage. Media, often described as the fourth estate, has become a key instrument of the UAE’s soft power. From his years as a correspondent for France 24 in Dubai, Abdellatif Bekhouche witnessed firsthand how international media based in the Emirates shaped Arab public opinion through credibility, balance, and trust. Reports produced from Dubai resonated widely, proving the country’s role as a platform for meaningful storytelling. Similarly, his experience at CNBC Arabia highlighted how the UAE has used media to drive economic influence, with coverage of finance, markets, and business shaping perspectives across the region. Together these experiences reflect how the Emirates has amplified its influence, bridging global narratives, strengthening credibility, and positioning itself as both an economic and political voice of authority. The UAE’s approach to storytelling is equally remarkable, blending tradition with innovation. Sharjah, in particular, stands as a cultural model by linking festivals, book fairs, and artistic platforms into powerful storytelling experiences that preserve heritage while reaching international audiences. Bekhouche recalls how, during his time covering cultural movements for the Saudi Cultural Channel, he saw firsthand how the Emirates not only protects its traditions but transforms them into impactful narratives that resonate globally, merging authenticity with creativity in a way that connects diverse audiences. What excites Abdellatif Bekhouche most about the future is how the UAE integrates emerging technologies like AI, AR, VR, and advanced digital platforms into journalism without losing sight of substance. The innovation here is not about replacing tradition but enhancing it, making stories more interactive, engaging, and relevant. With media zones like Dubai Media City, twofour54, and Sharjah’s cultural institutions leading this transformation, the UAE is poised to set new global standards by combining technology with authenticity to produce content that is both credible and impactful. This evolution is also shaped by the UAE’s demographic diversity. Home to over 200 nationalities, the country’s media platforms serve as inclusive spaces that reflect this multiculturalism while keeping Emirati traditions and identity at the core. By producing multilingual content that resonates worldwide while grounding stories in local culture, the UAE has created a model that celebrates diversity without losing authenticity. Major events such as Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28 have further elevated the country’s media profile. Covering these milestones firsthand, Abdellatif Bekhouche witnessed how the UAE’s ambition and strategic communication not only showcased its achievements but also enhanced its global reputation. Through such platforms, the Emirates has demonstrated how effective media engagement can amplify soft power, unify narratives, and inspire global respect. Looking ahead, Bekhouche hopes to see a headline that reads “UAE Leads the World in Innovative and Purposeful Media.” Such a future would reflect a landscape where creativity, cultural depth, and cutting-edge technology combine seamlessly, where the country continues to serve as a hub for international media while nurturing local talent, and where the content produced informs, inspires, and connects audiences across the globe. It would signify not just technological progress but also the UAE’s unwavering commitment to credibility, authenticity, and meaningful storytelling.

Saudi Arabia Celebrates 95th National Day with Spectacular Concerts, Military Shows, and Nationwide Festivities By Alhanouf Mohammed Alrowaili Riyadh, September 23, 2025 – Saudi Arabia is celebrating its 95th National Day with an unprecedented lineup of cultural, musical, and military events across the Kingdom, reflecting national pride, unity, and the country’s growing stature on the global stage. The festivities, organized by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in collaboration with various government bodies, aim to offer citizens and residents an unforgettable experience filled with patriotism and joy. Star-Studded Concerts Across the Kingdom A series of high-profile concerts began on September 22, featuring a lineup of the Arab world’s most beloved artists. Superstar Ahlam opened the celebrations with a performance at Dhahran Expo, conducted by maestro Medhat Khamis. Meanwhile, in Jeddah, Fouad Abdelwahed and Omaima Taleb delivered a night of classic and contemporary hits at the Abadi Al Johar Arena. On National Day itself (September 23), legendary Saudi singer Abadi Al Johar will headline a concert at Qassim University, joined by rising star Nawaf Al Jabarti under the direction of maestro Amir Abdel Majeed. The musical celebrations will conclude on September 24, with acclaimed artist Assala Nasri taking the stage at the Engineer Mohammed bin Saad Al Bawardi Theater in Shaqra, accompanied by maestro Tamer Fayed, delivering a soulful performance to mark the occasion. “Izz Al-Watan” A Grand Tribute by the Ministry of Interior In partnership with the GEA, the Ministry of Interior is hosting the signature event “Izz Al-Watan” on September 22 and 23 at the Binban area in Riyadh, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event showcases a comprehensive national program that highlights the Ministry’s role in safeguarding the nation and serving its people, aligned with the broader goals of Vision 2030. At the heart of the program are live military displays, taking place nightly at 8:00 p.m., featuring tactical demonstrations by various sectors of the Ministry. These visually captivating performances will be accompanied by a military orchestra, blending precision with patriotic melodies rooted in the Kingdom’s cultural memory. At 9:00 p.m., fireworks will light up the skies, delivering messages of unity and pride. Visitors will also enjoy a wide range of activities, including immersive exhibits showcasing the Ministry’s digital platforms, most notably Absher, alongside awareness exhibitions in road safety, cybersecurity, and civil defense. The event also includes national-themed operettas, stage shows, interactive zones, and a military theater performance that blends drama, music, and modern production in what is being described as the first of its kind in the Kingdom. Visitors can engage in simulated military operations, live shooting experiences, and enjoy a selection of Saudi cuisine at designated food courts. Air Shows, Naval Displays, and Fireworks Nationwide Adding to the celebration, Chairman of the GEA, HE Turki Alalshikh, announced a Kingdom-wide schedule of aerial, naval, and ground displays. These will be held across multiple regions in partnership with entities including the Royal Guard, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, National Guard, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and Saudi Arabian Airlines, among others. Air shows will paint the skies with the colors of the national flag through dazzling aerobatic maneuvers, while naval parades featuring frigates and patrol boats will take place along Saudi shores. These displays will be accompanied by musical parades and vehicle exhibitions, forming an integrated celebration of national identity. A synchronized fireworks show is set to launch at 9:00 p.m. on September 23 across 14 cities, creating a unified national spectacle. Riyadh’s main show will take place in Binban, while other cities such as Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Abha, Tabuk, Buraidah, and Najran will host local displays at iconic venues, offering citizens across the Kingdom a chance to participate in the celebrations.

Fight of the Century Draws Global Spotlight as Saudi Arabia Sets New Benchmarks in Sports and Entertainment By Alhanouf Mohammed Alrowaili In a landmark moment for global sports and entertainment, the much-anticipated bout between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence Crawford, staged at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as part of Riyadh Season 2025, has become the most-watched boxing match of the century. Streaming exclusively on Netflix, the event attracted over 41 million viewers worldwide, setting a new benchmark for viewership in the sport. The showdown, which ended in a unanimous decision victory for the American Crawford, drew a record-breaking live audience of more than 70,000 fans the largest ever for an indoor boxing event in U.S. history. The gate revenue exceeded $47.2 million, marking the highest single-day income in Allegiant Stadium’s history. With this victory, Crawford became the first boxer in history to claim undisputed titles in three different weight classes, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The event featured an unprecedented production scale, involving over 1,200 personnel and 55 cameras to deliver a truly cinematic sports experience recognized as the most extensive production in modern boxing. In the lead-up to the main event, fans witnessed an electrifying Public Workout session featuring five high-stakes undercard bouts. Highlights included undefeated Kazakh fighter Bek Nurmaganbet taking on Steven Sumpter, and Cuban knockout artist Yoandy Toirac facing off against Skylar Lacy. These matchups added depth and intensity to an already historic night. The success of the event further underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global entertainment and sports stage, largely driven by Riyadh Season and the strategic leadership of HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). Beyond boxing, Riyadh Season also celebrated a creative milestone. The GEA’s creative partner, Big Time Creative Shop, became the first agency from the Arab World, Africa, or Asia to win a prestigious Emmy® Award. The agency took home the honor in the “Outstanding Promotional Announcement” category for its work on the Usyk vs. Fury: Reignited campaign, showcasing the Kingdom’s rising stature in global media innovation. In another major achievement, the traveling entertainment experience “City Hub” concluded its 98-day journey across seven Saudi cities, attracting over one million visitors and generating more than 10,000 jobs. With 49 diverse events tailored to families, youth, and children, “City Hub” demonstrated the GEA’s commitment to cultural accessibility, economic impact, and regional inclusion. As Saudi Arabia continues to deliver world-class events and creative excellence, it solidifies its position as a global powerhouse in entertainment turning vision into reality and audiences into believers.

Loneliness in the Age of Connection By Ami Jain The world that never stops buzzing, where our phones light up before our eyes fully open and the hum of notifications follows us everywhere, it feels impossible to imagine being alone. Yet beneath the surface of constant connectivity, many of us carry a quiet, unshakable truth: the more connected we become, the lonelier we often feel. This is the paradox of our age, one we rarely name out loud but one that defines our days in ways we are only beginning to understand.