Culture Bites

The National News

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 Dhabi.

  1. 18 июн.

    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 of her native Scotland bringing kilts, bagpipes and football songs to American cities. Enas shares her excitement about her country, Jordan, taking part in the World Cup for the first time, and seeing fans dancing dabke in public. But one of the most heart-warming stories to have captured the world’s attention comes from the small Midwestern town of Lawrence, Kansas, where residents have embraced Algeria’s national team. The hosts reflect on the power of the World Cup to celebrate community and to encourage cultural exchange.

    26 мин.

  2. 4 июн.

    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 response to the ongoing conflict. Enas and Farah then turn to the viral AI-generated songs dominating social media. They discuss Her e Gule, a Kurdish-language track made using AI vocals that has spread across TikTok and Instagram, and examine the complex reaction it has brought. They also look at comedian Bill Stiteler's AI-generated The Puerto Rico Song, which has attracted celebrity attention, and debate what both songs reveal about cultural representation and the value of human craft in the age of AI music tools.

    28 мин.

  3. 13 мая

    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 event as regional tension rise. Originally planned to take place in April, Art Dubai is now set to open to the public on May 15. Gottweis and Al Qubaisi offer advice for visitors on how to make the most of the fair, especially when short on time. And in true Culture Bites fashion, the guests and hosts share their recommendations of what not to miss this year.

    37 мин.

  4. 7 мая

    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 event, including backlash to a statement form jurors about excluding certain countries from prizes, which ultimately led to the jury’s resignation. The hosts talk about how cultural events are increasingly shaped by geopolitical debate. They later highlight a viral moment from HBO show Hacks, where actress Hannah Einbinder appears wearing the shirt of a Palestinian football club based in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. They discuss how this casual scene in the show reflects a wider shift in mainstream cultural representation of Palestine.

    25 мин.

  5. 23 апр.

    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 people all over the world. In a short clip, Ramy Youssef teaches Elmo to speak Arabic on Sesame Street. In the video, which has received millions of views, the actor explains the meaning of phrases such as “salam alaykum” and “habibi” on the occasion of Arab American Heritage month. Enas shares with Farah why content like this resonates so strongly with people who grew up in the West without seeing much representation of Arab language and culture on mainstream children’s television.

    25 мин.

  6. 9 апр.

    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 portrait sessions for independent restaurants and cafes. The hosts spotlight some of the Arab acts performing at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. The line-up features a range of styles, from Palestinian-American DJ Habibeats’ Arabic and house music blends to Tunisian-British DJ Hamdi’s club tracks. Enas sets the stage for an acoustic journey into each of their individual sounds ahead of the event starting this weekend.

    29 мин.

  7. 2 апр.

    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 hosts also discuss the microdrama phenomenon taking over social media platforms. These short-form, vertical video series became popular in China before spreading worldwide. Despite being low-budget productions featuring soapy plot lines and stereotypes, they are turning into a multibillion dollar industry. Farah and Enas explore how media creation and consumption trends have evolved as doomscrolling and shorter attention spans influence what and where we watch.

    28 мин.

  8. 26 мар.

    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. Elsewhere, on the internet a viral video of a group of pet dogs in China escaping their kidnappers has tugged at people’s heart strings all over the world. The hosts remember some of the most famous internet animals over the years and reflect on why we have become so invested in them from behind our screens. Enas and Farah also give an extended list of recommendations this week. With rainy weather in the UAE keeping people indoors, they offer their top suggestions of what to read and watch at home.

    28 мин.
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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 Dhabi.

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