Latest news with #CultureBites
Mid East Info
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
The National's Culture Bites Podcast Wins Best Entertainment Podcast at Publisher Summits and Awards 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
Culture Bites podcast, produced by The National, has won Best Entertainment Podcast in the 2025 Publisher Podcast Awards. Now in its fifth year, the Publisher Summits and Awards recognise excellence across the global publishing industry, honouring innovation and achievement in journalism across digital, print, video and audio. The National, the leading English-language news outlet headquartered in Abu Dhabi, was the only media outlet from the Middle East to be recognised among this year's winners, with three of its podcasts shortlisted: Culture Bites in the Entertainment category, Beyond the Headlines in Political, and Trending Middle East in News. Hosted by Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews, Culture Bites offers a dynamic take on the region's arts, culture and entertainment scene through compelling conversations and insightful storytelling. This is the second award for Culture Bites in less than two years since its launch. Having invested and expanded its video offering, this is the 6th podcast award for The National's popular podcasts in the past two years. Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief at The National, commented: 'This award is an important acknowledgement of The National's commitment to original and captivating journalism elevating regional stories. We are proud to be recognised by the Publisher Awards not only as a trusted news source but as a creative force in audio storytelling. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our podcast hosts, editors and producers who continue to innovate and expand the possibilities of how we engage with our audiences.' Doaa Farid, Podcast Editor at The National, commented: 'We are honoured to be among this year's winners. Culture Bites was created to spotlight the vibrant cultural conversations happening across our region, and this award reflects how strongly that has resonated. The National's podcast portfolio continues to grow in strength and reach, with six awards in the past two years alone. We look forward to continuing to connect with diverse audiences through storytelling that informs, inspires and reflects the region we represent.' Publishing across digital platforms, with video, audio and text, in addition and produced in print edition five days a week, The National delivers the latest in news, business, arts, culture, lifestyle and sports, while leading the region in analytical content and commentary. The National is part of IMI, a leading global privately-owned media group headquartered in the UAE. About: The National, an IMI company, was founded in 2008, setting a new standard for quality journalism in the Middle East. Each day The National reaches an influential, English-speaking audience from our headquarters in Abu Dhabi to deliver the latest in news, business, arts, culture, lifestyle and sports, while leading the region in analytical content and commentary. The National is committed to serving the local UAE community while delivering a strong international perspective to a growing audience. With bureaux in Beirut, Cairo, London and Washington, and correspondents in key cities in the MENA region and worldwide, The National has developed a reputation for providing in-depth coverage and a window into the region. The National has been extensively awarded for its design, reporting, photography and video work. Publishing across all digital platforms – reaching millions of readers, listeners and viewers each month – The National harnesses the latest multimedia tools while continuing to produce a print edition five days a week, distributed in the UAE. About IMI: IMI is a privately-owned, leading global media conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with operations across 15 countries. Established to enrich lives and connect communities through innovative storytelling, IMI oversees an extensive portfolio of prestigious media brands including The National, Sky News Arabia, Al-Ain News, CNN Business Arabic, and Euronews. Committed to digital innovation and journalistic excellence, IMI operates state-of-the-art facilities, including the IMI Media Academy at IMI HQ in twofour54's Yas Creative Hub, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of media professionals. IMI continues to set industry standards, driving impactful content creation and engagement across diverse audiences worldwide. IMI's investment arm, RedBird IMI—a joint venture with RedBird Capital Partners—focuses on global investments in media, entertainment, and sports. Some of Redbird IMI's most prominent investments include All3Media, Media Res Studio, EverWonder Studio, Hidden Pigeon Company, Front Office Sports, and UFL.
The National
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Who are the pilgrims riding from Spain to Makkah on horseback?
In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews trace the journey of pilgrims reviving an Andalusian tradition
The National
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
How Abu Dhabi is attracting Hollywood
In this episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews share some of their picks from The National 's list of the 50 most important Arabic novels of the 21st century. The compilation reflects the diversity of the region's modern literary scene and the influential authors whose works have impacted audiences near and far. Enas talks about the impression Alaa Al Aswany's The Yacoubian Building left on her and draws attention to the message behind Frankenstein in Baghdad, set in post-US invasion Iraq. Farah highlights the award-winning novel A Mask, the Colour of the Sky by imprisoned Palestinian author Basim Khandaqji. She also discusses Maha Gargash's book That Other Me, about a prominent Emirati family consumed by secrets and betrayals. This week the hosts also take a close look at how Abu Dhabi is incentivising big Hollywood productions to film in the emirate. A cashback rebate scheme launched more than a decade ago became even more attractive this year when Abu Dhabi Film Commission increased its subsidy on film and television production. The most recent production to benefit is Now You See Me: Now You Don't which wrapped its shoot in April. Enas and Farah talk about the benefits the scheme brings to the economy, tourism and local talent. The co-hosts also discuss new documentary Louis Theroux: The Settlers, which has been much discussed online. In the BBC show, the British documentarian returns to the occupied West Bank – where he filmed a documentary in 2011 – speaking to Palestinians, Israeli settlers and peace advocates.
The National
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
How political should a music festival be?
In this episode of Culture Bites, our hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews explore the unlikely connection between Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta and Sharjah, which he chronicled in his writing. Sharjah hosted a rich literary programme during its participation as guest of honour at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair, highlighting the historical connections between Morocco and the UAE. The famous 14th-century traveller's journeys to the region took the spotlight at the pavilion. Enas and Farah discuss the poetic and relatable language he used to describe towns he visited in Sharjah and the growing role of the emirate as a global cultural capital. Meanwhile, the Palestinian cause has taken centre stage at this year's Coachella music festival. The hosts discuss the acts that shared a message of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, including US band Green Day and Irish rappers Kneecap. They also talk about the privilege certain artists have over others and who can afford to make bold political statements.
The National
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Can art really cut through the turmoil?
Podcasts Culture Bites Enas and Farah explore themes of interconnectedness and cultural expression at Art Dubai Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify Youtube Podbean Enas Refaei Farah Andrews In a special episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews host the show from Art Dubai, the city's annual art fair that is taking place this week. They share some of their recommendations for what not to miss at the event this year – including regional, international and digital art. The hosts speak to Mirjam Varadinis, the curator of the Bawwaba section at Art Dubai, about her vision for the exhibit to imagine new forms of coexistence amid an era of turmoil. Between political upheaval and the impact of climate change, artists from all around the world bring their artistic commentary to the section. Mirjam talks about their use of different materials and textures in their works and how they reflect the ability of cultures to transcend borders. Renowned Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem tells the hosts about the inspiration behind his installation, a new immersive work titled Directions (Merging). The piece features GPS co-ordinates from around the world, against a backdrop of digital waves in motion, with Dubai at the centre point of convergence. He speaks about his relationship to water and how its features in his work as a metaphor for fluidity and challenging fixed borders. The Arts Edit A guide to arts and culture, from a Middle Eastern perspective Sign up By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
