Culture
Events, festivals, music, film and the arts.
The Rebab: A Guide to the Gulf's Traditional String Instrument
Discover the rebab, a bowed string instrument that has accompanied Bedouin poetry and folk songs across the Arabian Peninsula for centuries.
The Kamal: Ancient Navigation Tool of Gulf Mariners
Discover the kamal, the simple yet ingenious navigation tool used by Gulf mariners for centuries to measure latitude at sea.
The Khanjar: A Guide to Oman's Iconic Dagger
Discover the history, craftsmanship and cultural significance of the khanjar, the traditional curved dagger that symbolises Omani identity and pride.
Al-Ayyala: The Gulf's Traditional Stick Dance of Unity and Pride
Discover the history and movements of al-ayyala, a stick dance performed across the Gulf that symbolises courage and community.
Noora Al Awadi brings Emirati stories to New York Comic Con
Noora Al Awadi presented her comics Tamtoom and Mato at New York Comic Con in October, introducing international readers to Emirati culture through a curious cat and a parrot mafia boss.
The Adhan: Understanding the Islamic Call to Prayer in the Gulf
Five times a day, the melodic call to prayer echoes across Gulf cities. Here is what the Adhan means, when it happens, and how to respond respectfully.
The Ramadan Cannon: A Gulf Tradition That Signals Iftar
For generations, the boom of the Ramadan cannon has marked the moment of iftar across the Gulf. Discover the history and enduring appeal of this beloved tradition.
The Crescent Moon: A Timeless Symbol in Gulf Culture
From determining the start of Ramadan to guiding traditional sailors, the crescent moon has long shaped daily life and artistic expression across the Arabian Peninsula.
The Art of Attar: A Guide to Gulf Perfumery
Discover the timeless tradition of attar, the concentrated perfume oils that have scented the Gulf for centuries, from precious oud to delicate rose.
Tying the Ghutra: A Practical Guide to the Gulf's Traditional Headscarf
Learn how to wear the ghutra, the iconic headscarf of the Arabian Gulf, with step-by-step instructions for a classic style.
Falaj: The Ancient Water Channels That Still Sustain the Gulf
Discover the traditional irrigation systems of Oman and the UAE, where gravity-fed channels have brought life to arid lands for millennia.
Gulf Wedding Traditions: A Guide to Customs and Celebrations
From the engagement to the final feast, traditional Gulf weddings are rich with rituals that express joy, community and heritage.
Wandering the Gulf's Historic Souks: A Journey Through Time and Trade
From spice-scented alleyways to gold-draped stalls, the traditional souks of the Gulf remain vibrant centres of culture, craft and community.
Clay and Fire: The Enduring Craft of Traditional Gulf Pottery
From cooling water jars to ornate incense burners, pottery has been a cornerstone of Gulf daily life for centuries. Discover the techniques, forms, and cultural significance of this timeless craft.
Hadrah and Gargoor: The Gulf's Traditional Fishing Craft
Discover the time-honoured fishing techniques of the Arabian Gulf, from intertidal stone traps to palm-frond boats, and how this maritime knowledge is being preserved.
The Gulf Burqa: A Guide to the Traditional Face Covering
Often confused with the full-body veil, the Gulf burqa is a delicate face mask worn by women across the Arabian Peninsula. Here is what it is, its history and why it still matters.
Al-Mandoos: The Gulf's Ornate Wedding Chest and Its Timeless Craft
Al-Mandoos, the traditional Gulf wooden chest, has carried bridal trousseaus and family treasures for generations, blending utility with rich artistry.
Harees: The Gulf's Hearty Porridge of Celebration and Comfort
Harees is a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish that holds a special place in Gulf cuisine, served during Ramadan, Eid and weddings. Learn about its preparation, cultural meaning and how to enjoy it.