Jaws turns 50: Which came first, the phobia or the film?
In this episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews are joined by The National 's arts and culture editor William Mullally to talk about Jaws to mark the film's 50th anniversary.
The iconic shark attack film had such a massive impact in Hollywood when it was released in 1975, carving out an entire thriller genre for decades to come. In fact, people began describing hit summer films as "blockbusters" because of Jaws. The hosts discuss with William how director Steven Spielberg masterfully tapped into a primal human fear to create a work of art that still stands the test of time. They also talk about the film's potentially damaging impact on sharks and counter efforts in the industry to rehabilitate the marine ecosystem.
Enas and Farah also had the chance to visit the Abu Dhabi Masterpieces Collection at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The exhibition, presented by Abu Dhabi Culture, features special works by renowned artists across genres and eras. The hosts had the chance to view El Gran Espectáculo (The Nile) by the famous American 1980s artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The collection has also brought together a pair of paintings by Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin that had been separated, only to be reunited now for the first time since 2014. Enas and Farah talk about the value of giving the public unfiltered access to such significant works right here in the heart of Abu Dhabi's cultural district.
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The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Elaia Dubai review: Mediterranean dishes with a fun twist, from burrata to baklava
Mediterranean food has long been synonymous with comforting dishes and fresh ingredients brimming with flavour. At Elaia, which opened in Dubai Marina in May, dishes come from all around the Mediterranean region, featuring classics with a subtle twist to create a delicious blend of familiar and novel flavours. The setting Finding the restaurant can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the Pier 7 entrance, which is right past Dubai Marina Mall. You can hand over your car to the valet at the get-off point on the buzzing roundabout or park in the mall and walk over from level one instead. From Pier 7, take a second lift up to the fourth floor and, almost instantly, the atmosphere changes to a dimly lit but lively setting. Hit songs from the 2000s play in the background, while Greek mythology-inspired ornaments set the mood. The restaurant has an expansive view of the twinkling Dubai Marina. As the sun sets over the horizon, the water changes colour and the glimmering buildings melt into the skyline, morphing into something reminiscent of a painting. In the dining room, an air of intimacy is palpable thanks to the low-hanging chandeliers, plus warm lamps placed on every table. The vibe Elaia is Greek for olive tree, an integral element of the Mediterranean region, which is also known for its fresh flavours and sharing-style plates. 'We wanted the menu to reflect the sharing concept because Elaia is a social venue; you come here to share,' says Aleix Garcia, founder of Infini Concepts. 'We wanted to create something that was not just a restaurant, but more of a bistro with quality produce and good service,' he says. Strongly influenced by Greek culture and mythology, the restaurant's interior is replete with large painted murals and golden ornaments. 'We wanted to respect Greek mythology with a bit of creativity and a modern touch,' says Garcia, alluding to the murals hand-painted by Maria Kova, who specialises in abstract art. The food, meanwhile, represents the Spanish, Italian and Greek people working at the restaurant. 'We drew a lot of inspiration from what they actually grew up with,' says head chef Etienne Mieny, 42, who adds that he sources fish, olive oil and a range of other produce straight from the Mediterranean region. 'We just looking to create a homey, family-style environment where people can be themselves and spend time with those they love,' he adds. The menu My dining companion and I start our meal with tzatziki (Dh38), a cold yogurt-based dip that comes with cucumber, dill and a drizzle of Italian olive oil, plus warm pita bread on the side. It's well-balanced but, having tried tzatziki in the Aegean, I found this version lacking the anticipated flavour punch of garlic. Fortunately, the prawns saganaki (Dh62) starter meets expectations. The prawns are laid in a tangy, herby tomato sauce with cheese cubes, and are rich in flavour. If, like me, your spice tolerance is high, you might need to add more chilli to this dish. The Italian-inspired Sorrento salad (Dh78) takes the form of a ball of burrata served on a bed of marinated zucchini ribbons drizzled in balsamic vinegar and topped with mustard seeds. The smooth cheese is cut open and garnished with salt and pepper before being served with basil leaves for a melt-in-the-mouth experience. For the mains, the cornfed baby chicken (Dh155) is a highlight. The chicken is grilled and tender to the bite, marinated in a peppery-umami sauce with caramelised mushrooms, all reduced in non-alcoholic red wine. The beautifully plated grilled octopus tentacle (Dh175) is another winner, sitting on a smooth spread of harissa romesco paste, with crispy roasted potatoes and onions and garnished with salsa. The meat is far from chewy, making for a satisfying experience complimented by the creamy but smoky romesco. It's desserts that take the cake. We have light-as-air tiramisu with a coffee-soaked sponge layer (Dh85), creamy Basque cheesecake with tart berry compote (Dh60) and 'modern baklava', with pistachio-cardamom ice cream coated in white chocolate and sandwiched between crunchy honey filo layers (Dh65). Contact information Elaia is open daily from noon to 2am. Reservations can be made by calling 058 978 1000.
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
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'Sharing Emirati identity': Sharjah showcases UAE literature at Rio International Book Fair
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Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Inside UAE's luxury resale boom: How secondhand buying is redefining fashion
Tucked inside a high-rise in Al Barsha, a world away from Dubai's mega malls, The Luxury Closet's showroom sits quietly on the ninth floor of the API Trio Tower. No velvet ropes, no flash. Just soft lighting, mirrored displays, and rows of glass shelves holding thousands of dirhams' worth of pre-owned designer pieces — all waiting for a second life. Fresh arrivals include a blue Prada Saffiano Lux Boston bag listed at Dh 3,739 and a pair of yellow Prada crystal-embellished satin slides (size 37) for Dh 2,852 — both in near-pristine condition. For collectors on the higher end of fine jewellery, there's a pair of Tiffany & Co. platinum diamond drop earrings going for Dh 107,994. Every piece is authenticated in-house by experts — no outsourcing. That includes checking serial numbers, materials, and even hardware under magnification. It's a multi-step process backed by a lifetime authenticity guarantee, part of what has made the platform a go-to for serious resale buyers across the UAE. These pieces don't just sit on shelves — they flood social feeds. TikTok is full of young Dubai-based shoppers obsessing over resale hauls, viral 'celebrity closet' drops, and flash pop-ups at Dubai Mall. The hype isn't limited to The Luxury Closet: Vestiaire Collective is building serious traction among regional shoppers with its digital-only model, and Grand Prestige Dubai — a favourite among tourists — regularly features rare Birkins and collectible timepieces. Among them: a Hermès Birkin 30 Matte Niloticus Blanc Himalaya, once listed for Dh616,000 and now sold out — a flex even by Dubai standards. Globally, luxury isn't slowing down — it's just evolving. The 23rd edition of Bain & Company's Luxury Study released with Fondazione Altagamma, an Italian trade group representing fashion, jewellery, design, food, autos, and hospitality, estimates global luxury spending hit a record €1.48 trillion in 2024. But the real momentum is in resale. According to the Luxury in Transition report, the second-hand market reached €48 billion last year, outpacing the growth of new luxury for the first time. It's no longer just for vintage obsessives — brands like Gucci and Valentino now offer buy-back programmes and collaborate with resale platforms to meet shifting demand. Bain also notes that second-hand is increasingly a gateway to luxury for aspirational consumers. And that gateway is widening. The consultancy projects total luxury spend, which includes goods and experiences, will grow to €2–2.5 trillion by 2030. The GCC is outpacing the global curve. Chalhoub Group's 2024 GCC Personal Luxury Report found the regional luxury market hit $12.8 billion last year, growing 6 per cent — despite a 2 per cent global dip. The UAE alone accounts for 56 per cent of that spend, fuelled by high local demand, tourism, and early digital adoption. Dubai remains the luxury capital of the region, fuelled by robust tourism. Since 2023, Dubai Mall has held the title of the most visited place on earth. The UAE ranks No. 1 across all luxury categories and saw growth across the board, according to Chalhoub Group. Despite its clear dominance in the luxury market, there's no official resale figure for the UAE, a conservative estimate puts it around $341 million in 2025 — based on KD Market Insights' 2024 GCC resale valuation of $618.5 million. If the UAE maintains its 56 per cent luxury share and grows at 10 per cent annually, the math holds. Transparency Market Research expects the wider Middle East resale market to hit $3.5 billion by 2035. 'The luxury sector in our region continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability despite global economic challenges,' said Mo Shadman, director of intelligence at Chalhoub Group. That momentum isn't just boosting new store openings; it's also giving resale room to thrive. As shoppers seek pieces with a story and rarity, the line between new and second-hand is starting to blur. Nowhere is that shift more visible than among younger buyers. For Gen Z and millennials, luxury isn't just about logos — it's about meaning. A bag with history. A pair of shoes with a past. TikTok has turned resale into both a hunt and a status symbol, where every piece comes with backstory and bragging rights. It's not just about saving money — it's about buying smarter. There is a growing appetite for high-value purchases that feel personal, expressive, and emotionally resonant. Sustainability is part of that story. In a recent campaign with Dubai-based resale platform Gemaee, crypto influencer Kamila Zakirova called fashion 'one of the most important places to give second chances'. That sentiment echoes a broader shift in consumer values: buy better, buy less, and keep things in circulation. If retailers produced one fewer item for every second-hand purchase, global apparel production could drop nearly eight per cent by 2027, according to a ThredUp report. Few tap into the spirit of this resale renaissance better than Emily Abraham, the so-called 'Birkin Queen' and co-founder of Love Luxury. Operating between Dubai and London, Abraham and her husband, Adam, have built a high-trust resale brand driven by sharp authentication, blunt expertise, and viral social reach — with 3.8 million followers and more than 149 million likes on TikTok. In a pinned video filmed in Dubai, Abraham calmly appraises a client's Himalayan Salt Birkin with diamond hardware, quoting it at Dh1.6 million with the kind of quick authority that keeps viewers hooked. It's luxury with context, backed by proof — and exactly what today's second-hand shoppers are after. 'This next phase will be driven by rising consumer expectations, generational shifts, and a stronger desire for emotional connection, storytelling, and curated experiences,' said Shadman. That helps explain why minimalist, niche brands like Jil Sander and Maison Margiela — both of which recently opened flagships in Mall of the Emirates — are winning over younger shoppers. Their aesthetic is quiet, conceptual, and logo-light — a sharp contrast to legacy flash. For younger buyers, these labels — like resale — offer identity over status. Changing shopper habits are also being reflected in how luxury is delivered — not just what's being sold, but how it's discovered. As shoppers demand more curated, convenient shopping experiences, both resale platforms and brands are adapting. Denis Yurchenko, founder and CEO of AI and R&D Dubai-based company MTLAB, noted in his Q1 2025 retail outlook that challenges such as returns and real-time inventory are prompting brands to reassess how physical retail operates in the Gulf. His team's AI-powered system, DAVE, utilises virtual try-ons, in-store chatbots, and proximity-based offers to make luxury feel both personal and seamless — tools that could easily be extended to resale pop-ups. ' We are creating a new way to shop,' he said. ' You usually spend around two or three hours just to find your size, your colour, your budget, and guess if it fits or not, and so on,' Yurchenko said about MTLAB, which is set to launch in September. He explained, you can ask the AI chat for an outfit for a specific occasion, with your preferred colour and size and it will list you all relevant options. ' You can buy it in the chat. So, basically instead of two hours, you could buy it in less than one minute.' Using virtual try-ons to improve sizing accuracy, Yurchenko says his team has managed to cut return rates in half — a big deal for an industry where fit issues drive most returns. But what really sets them apart is conversion. 'Usual conversion for the marketplace is around 3 per cent,' he said. 'Ours is 18 per cent… we don't just show you the product — we talk about it, create content around it,' he added. ' We make business a lot of businesses.' Yurchenko, who tracks regional fashion trends, estimates the UAE's resale fashion market is now worth around $830 million — and growing at 20 per cent annually through 2025. Resale platforms and consignment boutiques are making high-end pieces more accessible to younger shoppers, while nudging the industry toward circular fashion. 'The new generation doesn't see reselling as shameful or reserved for big budgets anymore,' he said. 'Gen-Z and young millennials will control up to 60 per cent of all e-commerce shopping in two years. So you could call 60 per cent a niche, but I think it's a trend,' Yurchenko said. That shift in generational buying power is happening alongside a broader economic tailwind. In Q4 2024, consumer confidence across the GCC surged — with 97 per cent of shoppers saying they planned to maintain or increase their spending, according to Chalhoub Group. Over 6,700 high-net-worth individuals moved to the UAE last year, drawn by safety, tax advantages, and economic stability. Russians remained the top luxury spenders, and online platforms like Ounass and Farfetch saw sales climb 13 per cent year-on-year — far outpacing the global average. According to Chalhoub Group, the GCC's outlook remains bullish... beating the global average. And yet, in a city built on spectacle and the allure of the new, it's not the flashiest item turning heads — it's a slightly worn Birkin with a backstory. In quiet showrooms and endless scrolls, Gulf luxury is shifting — not just getting louder, but more layered.
