Pistachio: Flavor of the Year
From sunlit cafés in Dubai to bustling bakeries in New York, one ingredient has captured the culinary imagination like no other this year: pistachio. What was once a quiet heritage nut has become a global obsession. Celebrated for its creamy, savory-sweet character, its jewel-like pale green and purple flecks, and its beautiful balance of indulgence and nutrition.
Streaming Beyond Borders
There’s something about sweeping sandscapes and sun-kissed skylines that filmmakers can’t seem to resist. From the adrenaline-pumped precision of Mission: Impossible to the hypnotic stillness of Dune, a certain cinematic aesthetic—somewhere between myth and modernity—is rising to global prominence.
San Antonio’s ‘Silk Road’ Cultural Heritage District
A cultural phenomenon has blossomed in recent decades along a busy stretch of Wurzbach Road in San Antonio, Texas. Stepping into the Silk Road Cultural Heritage District feels like turning the pages of a global atlas. Instead of typical American suburban sprawl, a vibrant international mosaic unfolds—a microcosm of global diversity, a singular cultural drop that contains an ocean of colors, tastes, sounds, and moods.
Made from the Roots of the Land
Growing up in the Middle East, breakfast has always been a cherished meal for me. It is not just about fueling up for the day ahead, but also about starting with a profound sense of warmth and comfort. In my household, and in many others across the region, breakfast is a sacred time for families to gather and enjoy a variety of vibrant, delicious dishes.
Arabic Influence on Interior Design
Archways. Intricate geometric patterns. Rich textiles. The contemporary interior design world is undergoing a renaissance fueled by Arabic and Middle Eastern influences. More than mere borrowing or superficial trends, designers are engaging in a sophisticated integration of venerable design principles with contemporary style.
Cooling by Nature: 5 Herbal Iced Teas to Sip This Summer
When temperatures rise, the best way to cool down is to steep up. But not just with any tea—herbal blends that do more than quench thirst. These herbs don’t just refresh the palate. They awaken the senses, offer natural benefits, and bring a touch of elegance to every glass.
Reem Acra Fall 2025 RTW
In the hushed anticipation that precedes a truly visionary collection, Reem Acra has once again proven her mastery, unveiling her Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear line as a magnificent, poetic ode to the boundless grandeur of nature. This isn’t merely a collection; it’s a meticulously orchestrated symphony where luminous reflections dance with the profound depths of poetic hues, capturing the very essence of a world reimagined through the prism of high fashion.
From Cultural Origins to Modern Society
Since 1983, when Chanel opened its flagship store in Kuwait City, global fashion houses have continued to expand their presence within the highly coveted GCC market, which represents a booming abundance of wealth, influence, and consumer buying power. High-end luxury brands such as Hermès, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace are not only hosting pop-ups and opening upscale boutiques in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, they are also infusing their modern collections with designs inspired by the artisanal craftsmanship and effortless elegance of traditional Middle Eastern fashions.
Artists Shaping Contemporary Expression
In an age where identity is constantly reshaped by diaspora, dialogue, and disruption, a new generation of artists from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is stepping forward—not to explain their origins, but to express them. At this year’s VOLTA Art Fair, a powerful cross-section of artists is offering global audiences a reframed view of the region: one marked not by headlines, but by metaphor; not by policy, but by poetry.
The Sensory Souk: Tastes, Scents, & Soul of the MENA Spice Palette
Embark on a sensory journey through the sun-drenched landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa, where ancient traditions meet vibrant culinary artistry. This month, we unlock the secrets of the region’s most celebrated spices, exploring how each nation has mastered their distinct flavors and harnessed their remarkable healing properties.
