Podcast · Arts & Books

Culture Bites

by The National News · English · Arts & Books

Join hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews as they guide you through the arts and culture scene in the UAE, the Middle East and around the world. Culture Bites — a two-time award winner recognised in New York and London — brings you fresh perspectives every Thursday from The National News in Abu D

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 28 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 26 min

Culture as a building block: How the Middle East can inspire future cities

This episode was produced by The National in partnership with LIVEX. This week on Culture Bites, host Enas Refaei sits down with speakers at LIVEX in Abu Dhabi to discuss how arts and culture can shape the cities in which people live. She speaks to Adrian Lahoud, professor of architecture and urban design, about why successful cities need more than buildings. He explains why communities should have a role in shaping projects from the beginning, and how culture needs the freedom and resources to grow organically. They also discuss what the Middle East can teach other parts of the world about…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E124 · 1 Oct 2026 · 21 min
How film festivals became a staple of Middle East cinema
Culture Bites returns with a spotlight on the revival of the Dubai International Film Festival, which has been announced for December 2027. Enas and Farah talk about the historic importance of the event, which in the past has attracted major celebrities such as George Clooney and Tom Cruise. The festival has also given a platform for local and regional producers to promote their work and talent to global audiences. The hosts discuss the evolution of the biggest film festivals in the Middle East and their role in helping filmmakers shape their own narratives. Meanwhile, celebrities are once…
E123 · 9 Jul 2026 · 18 min
A stage for spectacle and subtlety: Inside Dar Al Funoon
This week on Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss Dar Al Funoon, the new performing arts centre announced for Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District. The hosts discuss the opportunities the centre will bring to the UAE’s cultural scene, from live music and theatre to intimate performances. They also reflect on the legacy of renowned architect Frank Gehry, who designed the new venue and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, set to open later this year. Enas and Farah then dive into The National's annual summer reading list, sharing recommendations from colleagues across the…
E122 · 18 Jun 2026 · 26 min
Episode 120: From bagpipes to dabke: The cultural side of the World Cup
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…
E121 · 4 Jun 2026 · 28 min
Episode 119: Could AI music help to solve a gap in culture?
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…
E120 · 13 May 2026 · 37 min
Episode 118: Reflecting on Art Dubai ahead of 20th event
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…
E119 · 7 May 2026 · 25 min
Episode 117: Venice Biennale - Is art becoming inseparable from politics?
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…
E118 · 23 Apr 2026 · 25 min
Episode 116: From politics to pop - What stood out at Coachella this year?
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…
E117 · 9 Apr 2026 · 29 min
Episode 115: We can all do our bit to help independent artists and small businesses in the UAE
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…
E116 · 2 Apr 2026 · 28 min
Episode 114: What are microdramas and why are they generating billions?
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…
E115 · 26 Mar 2026 · 28 min
Episode 113: Can the comedy of Saturday Night Live be universal?
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.…
E114 · 19 Mar 2026 · 36 min
Episode 112: Standout Oscar moments, wins and snubs
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…
E113 · 26 Feb 2026 · 26 min
Episode 111: What we learnt from the America’s Next Top Model documentary
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…
E112 · 19 Feb 2026 · 33 min
Episode 110: What makes Ramadan TV culture so special in the Arab world?
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…
E111 · 12 Feb 2026 · 30 min
Episode 109: Who was the target audience for Bad Bunny’s half-time show?
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.…
E110 · 5 Feb 2026 · 36 min
Episode 108: So you want to be a serious art collector? Abu Dhabi is calling
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…
E109 · 29 Jan 2026 · 29 min
Episode 107: Why the food system is broken and why seasons matter | Asma Khan
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…
E108 · 22 Jan 2026 · 28 min
Episode 106: Celebrating Emirati culture at Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi
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.…
E107 · 15 Jan 2026 · 22 min
Episode 105: Sitting down with viral artist Werner Bronkhorst
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…
E106 · 8 Jan 2026 · 21 min
Episode 104: The band reviving Kuwaiti pearl-diving music through jazz
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…
E105 · 25 Dec 2025 · 28 min
Episode 103: The year in culture - top reads, movies and moments of 2025
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…
E104 · 18 Dec 2025 · 38 min
Episode 102: Preserving Arab heritage - From Zayed National Museum to Unesco's list
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…
E103 · 11 Dec 2025 · 28 min
Episode 101: Why are we so obsessed with (our own) Spotify Wrapped?
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…
E102 · 27 Nov 2025 · 21 min
Episode 100: A day out at the newly-opened Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
This week, Culture Bites celebrates its 100th episode from the newly-opened Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews tour the sprawling space in Saadiyat Cultural District and explore the 13.8-billion-year story of the universe. They speak to the museum’s director Peter Kjaergaard about the emotional connection to the natural world that he wants visitors to experience. He tells them about the hidden gems worth discovering beyond some of the main highlights, including surprise easter eggs placed across the museum. The key message, he says, is for people to…
E101 · 20 Nov 2025 · 20 min
Episode 99: How stories of migration come to life at Abu Dhabi Art
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews visit the Abu Dhabi Art fair and speak to some of the artists whose work caught their eye. The Beyond Emerging Artists programme features up-and-coming UAE-based talents, and this year it is curated by renowned Syrian artist Issam Kourbaj. He speaks to Enas about working with the participants to bring their installations to life, and he gives a preview of his own showcase within the fair’s Gateway exhibition, a commentary on the burdens and inevitability of migration. On a related theme, Farah explores the interactive piece by Jou…
E100 · 13 Nov 2025 · 23 min
Episode 98: What to look forward to at this year's Abu Dhabi Art
In this episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews preview Abu Dhabi Art before its opening on November 19. Dyala Nusseibeh, director of Abu Dhabi Art, speaks about what visitors can expect to see this year, as a record number of galleries from around the world take part. The fair’s growth over time reflects Abu Dhabi’s efforts to become a centre for culture enthusiasts, especially as it brings more focus to art from the global south. Several countries will be participating for the first time this year, while special exhibitions will focus on Nigeria, Turkey and the Gulf region.…
E99 · 6 Nov 2025 · 37 min
Episode 97: Dhai Dubai festival artists are using light as a medium
In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews speak to executive creative director at Expo City Dubai, Amna Abulhoul, about curating the upcoming Dhai Dubai festival. Celebrating heritage through light, seven Emirati artists are showcasing their installations at the second edition of the event, taking place at Expo City Dubai's Al Wasl Plaza from November 12 to 18. Amna talks about the inspiration behind the name of the festival and shares stories about working with the artists to bring their pieces to life. By the Giza pyramids in Cairo, the long-awaited opening of…
E98 · 30 Oct 2025 · 28 min
Episode 96: Scratch and sniff art comes to Abu Dhabi
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…
E97 · 23 Oct 2025 · 29 min
Episode 95: Sell it or melt it down - What will thieves do with the stolen Louvre jewellery?
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…
E96 · 16 Oct 2025 · 29 min
Episode 94: The mighty mushroom - UAE’s desert-dwelling marvel
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…

About Culture Bites

Culture Bites is a English arts & books podcast from The National News. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The National News
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 28 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1707328144

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