In this episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews are joined by The National’s in-house pop culture expert Faisal Al Zaabi to talk about his experience of the Art in Scents tour at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum has collaborated with Swiss fragrance maker Givaudan to interpret the aromas of nine artworks in its permanent collection. Visitors receive a book, which they can scratch the pages of to release a scent for each corresponding art piece. Faisal describes some of the most interesting fragrances in the tour, including The Louvre’s own signature scent, and gives the hosts a chance to try some for themselves. With Halloween approaching, film buffs will be after the scariest movie of the season. But for self-proclaimed scaredy cats – like Farah – the horror genre can be overwhelming. Faisal suggests some less frightening alternatives to watch, such as Steven Spielberg's truck-hunt thriller Duel and the creepy crawlies classic Arachnophobia.

In this episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews explore the world of art heists in the aftermath of the break-in at the Louvre in Paris. It took only seven minutes for thieves to break into the museum’s Apollo Gallery and steal several pieces of precious jewellery, all of which have significant historical value. This is not the first time the Louvre has been the target of thieves. In 1911, the Mona Lisa was taken by an Italian immigrant who said he felt it belonged to his country, only for it to be recovered two years later. Farah and Enas talk about what could happen to the jewels (will they be melted down or sold on?) and discuss other infamous museum heists. The hosts also reflect on this year’s El Gouna Film Festival, which wraps this week. This year the event has paid tribute to famed Egyptian actress Yousra, celebrating her 50-year career. From her films with actor Adel Imam and acclaimed director Youssef Chahine, Yousra has played a bold role in shaping Arabic cinema over the decades. 

This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews bring attention to an often neglected but worthy force of nature − the mushroom. Their guest in this episode, Georgina Pereira, is the species survival manager at Terra, Expo City Dubai where she works as a mushroom scientist. On the occasion of World Mushroom Day, she talks to Enas and Farah about the infinite ways that fungi shape our world: from cooking and medicinal properties, to fashion and culture, and environmental conservation. They discuss historical Emirati traditions of foraging mushrooms and the rootedness of the species in the UAE’s deserts. Georgina talks about a growing community of people in the country who are going out to explore and forage mushrooms for themselves, as ecologists draw more attention to their value. Pop culture also had its mushroom moment after the post-apocalyptic TV series, The Last of Us, unlocked new fears that a certain species could mean our demise. Are zombie fungi in fact real? Georgina tells the hosts, in a way, yes. 

In this episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews give the scoop on the production of Dune: Part Three in Abu Dhabi. Filming for the third instalment of the sci-fi blockbuster is expected to start this month in the emirate’s Liwa desert. Leading cast members, including Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, are expected to be arriving in the UAE soon. Jason Momoa was already spotted in Dubai last weekend. Farah reveals some behind the scenes details of the shoot in Abu Dhabi, including the hotel that the actors may be staying at. In the Arabic music scene, a bizarre saga may finally be coming to an end. Iconic music artist and composer Fadel Chaker has just surrendered himself to authorities after being on the run for a decade. The pop star was convicted for taking part in the 2013 clashes in Sidon that killed 18 Lebanese soldiers. Enas shares the artist’s story, his life in hiding and how he still made massively popular music despite being a fugitive.

This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews tell the story of the famous Hejaz railway, as Turkey, Syria and Jordan prepare to bring a section of it back to life. Back in the 1900s, Sultan Abdulhamid II of the Ottoman Empire envisioned a rail line that stretched from Istanbul all the way to Makkah, making pilgrimage easier. While it was never completed entirely, the railway did connect Damascus to Madinah, cutting the typical journey from a 40-day camel caravan trek to a three-day train ride. But the once prominent line fell into despair as conflict spread and the Ottoman Empire collapsed. Farah and Enas talk about the significance of reviving the route that once connected the region and how it can signal a moment of healing after so much turmoil. The hosts also share their thoughts on the Arab films submitted for Best International Feature at next year’s Oscars. Only one Arab film has won this category, the Algerian movie Z back in 1970. The hosts highlight some of the strong contenders for 2026. These include Happy Birthday, an Egyptian film that tackles the issue of child labour, and Calle Malaga, a Moroccan picture about a woman who fights to keep her childhood house in Tangier after her daughter decides to sell it.

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews react to Drake’s new track, which samples a song from the Lebanese icon Fairuz. During a live stream to promote his upcoming album, Iceman, the Canadian hip-hop artist played a song that featured vocals from Fariuz’s 1979 hit Wahdon. It sparked concern among Arab audiences over whether the Lebanese singer would be credited and compensated. Enas and Farah reflect on the criticism against Western artists sampling political Arabic songs out of context. They also discuss the merits of embracing cultural elements from the region. This comes at a time when artists all over the world are becoming more vocal about their solidarity with Palestinians. After a strong show of support by actors at the Venice Film Festival and the Emmys, London hosted Together for Palestine, a benefit concert for the people of Gaza. The hosts highlight some of the musicians in the line-up, including Bastille, Elyanna and Adnan Joubran of Le Trio Joubran. They talk about the growing action by the global art community to protest the atrocities in Gaza.

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews take a closer look at the reactions to The Voice of Hind Rajab at the Venice Film Festival. The film uses real audio from the harrowing distress call of a five-year-old girl trapped in a car in Gaza as she came under Israeli fire. It won a Silver Lion and received a record-breaking standing ovation, but some critics called it out for using “tear-jerking tactics”. Enas and Farah talk about the director’s response in an interview she gave to The National, and discuss the profound impact the film could have on audiences. In the literary world, a new book by Indian author Chetan Bhagat has stirred up controversy over its age-gap love story. The novel, 12 Years: My Messed-up Love Story, centres on a relationship between a 33-year-old and a 21-year-old. Social media users called it “creepy” but is this age difference really so strange? The hosts reflect on different cultural norms when it comes to age and look back at examples in literature.

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews follow the story of Mosul’s historical landmarks from construction to destruction and finally restoration. This week, The National’s team visited the 2,500-year-old Iraqi city to observe the completion of a seven-year UAE-led project to rebuild Al Nuri Mosque with its famous leaning minaret, as well as the churches of Our Lady of the Hour Convent and Al Tahera. After standing tall for hundreds of years, the structures were destroyed by ISIS. Now, they rise again as symbols of hope and co-existence in Mosul. The hosts talk about the immense scope of the restoration efforts and the importance of reviving such historical treasures. Meanwhile, solidarity with Palestine is in the spotlight at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. A large protest was staged at the start of the event on the back of an open letter signed by 1,500 industry professionals calling on the organisers to amplify Palestinian voices. Enas and Farah comment on the bolder actions taken by artists this year in contrast to the year before. They also preview the The Voice of Hind Rajab ahead of its premiere at the festival, and discuss what it means to have high-profile backers such as Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix.

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews trace back the origins of the seven emirates, and how they got their names. Drawing from both official records and local narratives, they look at the connection between human activity and geography that shaped each emirate. Abu Dhabi for example derives its meaning from accounts of early settlers following a gazelle to fresh water. As for Dubai, popular theories suggest that the name stems from daba, meaning “to flow slowly” – probably a reference to the movement of vessels. The hosts also share some of the powerful testimonies published in Daybreak in Gaza, an anthology book documenting life during war. The project was compiled and released in record time out of fear that its contributors in the strip would be killed before the book was finished. Enas and Farah talk about the editors’ mission of cultural preservation, and effort to humanise Palestinians, who are often reduced to mere statistics. This week, the presenters recommend their pick of television shows, including Love is Blind and Platonic, and films. 

This week on Culture Bites, host Farah Andrews chats with her colleagues at The National about the UAE’s cultural representation in Japan, and the regional music scene. Gaming and Culture Reporter Faisal Al Zaabi joins Farah to talk about exploring the UAE pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The exhibit invites visitors to appreciate the country’s past, present and future and is designed to evoke their senses through scent, sound and touch. Faisal described the nostalgia evoked by the fragrance of two million date palm fronds, arranged into towering columns. He and Farah also discuss the evolution of the UAE pavilion since Expo 2020 Dubai.  In music, a new generation of rich and diverse talent is driving the industry to new heights. Music Reporter Saeed Saeed talks about the creative renaissance in the Middle East and North Africa that is making it the fastest-growing music market. Saeed will be hosting Tarab, a new podcast from The National featuring powerful voices from across the region, such as Lebanese artist Yasmine Hamdan and Palestinian singer Lina Makhoul.

In this episode of Culture Bites, host Farah Andrews explores the intersection of cities and street art through No Trespassing, an exhibition at the Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, running until August 30. Curated by Priyanka Mehra, the show presents six site-specific interventions that brought street materials into the gallery space. Priyanka joins Farah in the studio to share her insights on what street art means in the UAE, common misconceptions about this form of art in the region, how it has evolved in recent years, and which neighbourhoods are becoming creative hotspots. The conversation then moves into the exhibition itself and the meaning behind the title of No Trespassing. Priyanka also talks about the artists behind the exhibition and how their works reflect the relationship between urban art and cities.

On Culture Bites this week, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews offer some inspiration for a richer summer with their recommendations of what to read, watch and see during the holidays. For long flights, the hosts suggest skipping cinematic spectacles and opting instead for breezy, entertaining films that are more suitable for smaller screens. If video is not an option, Enas and Farah also share some ideas for podcasts and audiobooks to enjoy. The holidays are a good time to pick up a bingeable book. Farah recommends Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez for an easily digestible read. Enas’s pick is The List by Yomi Adegoke, a novel about a journalist who seems to have it all until a list changes everything. For globetrotters planning a holiday to Amman or Edinburgh, the hosts also suggest standout museums and exhibits to visit there.

This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss their favourites from this year’s Emmy nominations. From dramas to comedies, some of the most highly rated TV series from 2025 have made the list, including Adolescence, The Last of Us and the latest season of The White Lotus. Some of the shows that Enas and Farah have recommended before on the podcast made the cut, such as The Bear's new season, and Shrinking, a comedy about a grieving therapist who says too much. Also in this episode, the hosts explore the Arabic roots of common English words and trace their journeys. Coffee, for example, originated in Yemen and evolved from the Arabic word “qahwa”. Others are less commonly known, such as candy – which evolved from the word “qandi” meaning sugar, and hazard, taking its root from “al-zahr”, or dice, an object used in games of chance. Enas and Farah talk about the spread of the Arabic language through ancient trade and how it reflects the region’s golden era of knowledge and innovation. Editor’s Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews give a preview of the Zayed National Museum which is set to open in December. The building has already become a landmark of Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District. Its five steel structures are shaped like feathers, inspired by the country’s tradition of falconry, and the museum itself will tell the story of the UAE over 300,000 years. Enas and Farah highlight some of the main galleries to visit and notable pieces to view, including a full-scale replica of a Bronze Age Magan boat and an Iron Age stamp etched with a camel motif. On the big screen, James Gunn’s new Superman has audiences drawing parallels between its storyline and real-life events. Social media users have drawn links from the film to Israel’s war in Gaza, with references to military might and political dynamics. Farah has watched the film and talks to Enas about the scenes that appear to resemble the conflict.

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews offer some inspiration for an art-infused summer with respite from the heat. Enas discusses a family day out at Saadiyat Cultural District, including a stop at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. The Japanese multisensory digital art concept was founded in 2001 and has expanded across the globe, most recently to the UAE where it opened a 17,000-square metre space in April. Enas tells Farah about the installations that captivated her and the interactive features her children most enjoyed. In the entertainment world, Syrian television is preparing for a revival after US President Donald Trump removed sanctions on the country. For decades, Syrian dramas dominated screens across the Arab world but the civil war, and subsequent financial challenges, disrupted the industry. Farah and Enas talk about the creative and economic boost that easing sanctions will bring to Syrian actors and producers.

On Culture Bites this week, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about the perks of going phone-free during comedy shows. Enas tells Farah about her experience of watching Dave Chappelle’s stand-up act in Abu Dhabi where the provocative comedian took to the stage for a second year in a row. Attendees had to secure their smart devices in locked pouches to ensure no one filmed the performance. The hosts reflect on how a phone-free environment can enrich the audience experience and protect the arts from being overshared and diluted. Meanwhile, the Glastonbury Festival continues to make headlines all over the world even after it wrapped. Beyond the A-star line-up of headline acts, plenty of surprise sets kept fans on their toes: from an unexpected return by Lewis Capaldi to a performance by New Zealand singer Lorde. Enas and Farah talk about the power of commodifying surprises in a world where predictability reigns. We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our two-minute listener survey. Click here.

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews join the hype around F1 The Movie, the thrilling motorsport film that was partly filmed in Abu Dhabi. The National’s arts and culture editor William Mullally returns to the podcast to give his take on the film on its UAE cinema release day. He talks about the fine details that went into the production to make the race scenes as real as possible, and to capture the emotional experience of being a motorsport driver. He also gives some hints, but no spoilers, about the Yas Marina Circuit scenes in the movie and other Abu Dhabi landmarks that made the cut. With summer in full swing, the hosts suggest good books to read, inspired by The National’s staff. Farah shares some of her favourites, including All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. They also talk about the staff’s picks, ranging from the classic Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres to the biographical The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri. Editor’s Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our two-minute listener survey. Click here.

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews are joined by The National’s arts and culture editor William Mullally to talk about Jaws to mark the film’s 50th anniversary. The iconic shark attack film had such a massive impact in Hollywood when it was released in 1975, carving out an entire thriller genre for decades to come. In fact, people began describing hit summer films as "blockbusters" because of Jaws. The hosts discuss with William how director Steven Spielberg masterfully tapped into a primal human fear to create a work of art that still stands the test of time. They also talk about the film’s potentially damaging impact on sharks and counter efforts in the industry to rehabilitate the marine ecosystem. Enas and Farah also had the chance to visit the Abu Dhabi Masterpieces Collection at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The exhibition, presented by Abu Dhabi Culture, features special works by renowned artists across genres and eras. The hosts had the chance to view El Gran Espectáculo (The Nile) by the famous American 1980s artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The collection has also brought together a pair of paintings by Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin that had been separated, only to be reunited now for the first time since 2014. Enas and Farah talk about the value of giving the public unfiltered access to such significant works right here in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s cultural district. 

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews trace the journey of pilgrims who rode all the way from Spain to Makkah on horseback. The riders crossed 6,500km over seven months to arrive at the holy site in time for Hajj. Inspired by a promise that one of them made to himself 36 years earlier, the journey recreates the Andalusian tradition performed by Muslims 500 years ago. Enas and Farah reflect on the pilgrims’ role in representing their faith and community to the world. The hosts also discuss the South Asian and Arabic influences in western pop music and hip-hop. The latest example is Sapphire, a new song by Ed Sheeran in which he sings a line in Punjabi. But he is certainly not the first. Our hosts recall some of the big hits from artists such as Jay-Z, Britney Spears and Aaliyah that have sampled tracks from the region, and they pose the question, where do we draw the line between collaboration and appropriation? Editor’s Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our two-minute listener survey. Click here.

In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews celebrate Abu Dhabi’s urban culture through some of its beloved local businesses. A number of long-time establishments in the emirate have been honoured as Urban Treasures by Abu Dhabi Culture for their contribution to the commercial and cultural fabric of the capital over the past few decades. As the city grows and evolves, these pastry shops, fitness centres and even clinics thrive as historic landmarks reminiscent of a bygone era. Enas and Farah speak to one of the honorees, Santa D Souza, owner of Orchid Tailoring & Embroidery Shop, about what this recognition means to him. To mark the start of Eid Al Adha, the hosts take a closer look at the different customs that observers across the region have adopted, from the universal rituals of sacrifice to more individual traditions that families have created in their own homes and communities. Editor’s Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.