Latest news with #Arta
New York Times
15 hours ago
- New York Times
Iranians Find Pockets of Connection Amid Internet Blackout
After Iranians were cut off from the world for four days, the country's nearly complete internet blackout was abruptly lifted late Friday for some Iranians, who managed to get access to weak connections by switching to different servers or perhaps through sheer luck. But many said they thought the connections were temporary or unsafe, with the government still imposing tight restrictions that were difficult to bypass. 'It feels like we're in a dark cave,' said Arta, an Iranian who fled Tehran on Tuesday and was able to briefly send a few messages over Instagram late Friday. Like many others who have exchanged messages with The New York Times over the last week, he asked to be identified only by his first name to avoid scrutiny by the authorities. 'Even SMS texts don't go through sometimes,' he said. Many Iranians rely on virtual private networks, or VPNs, to evade government restrictions on the internet, but many of those services have been disrupted since Israel's attacks began. On Saturday, as some connection returned, providers urged their users to act cautiously. 'For your own sake, don't spread the link, the server will disconnect, and our work will only get harder,' one organizer wrote on a VPN provider's Telegram channel. The organizer warned that reports of disconnection were increasing again, and asked subscribers to not share their product link because their server was overwhelmed. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Observer
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
German writers share their perspectives on Oman
MUSCAT, APRIL 26 The 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair is alive with vibrant activities and an enthusiastic crowd. At the Art Hall in the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, visitors are treated to works by prominent Omani artists, alongside a stage hosting writers and authors whose works are featured at the fair. This year, the Embassy of Germany made its debut at the fair, showcasing a special talk titled 'Oman — Seen by German Women' featuring two authors and a documentary director. The event opened with the international preview of the documentary Arta, directed and produced by journalist Nadia Frenz. Following the screening, Frenz was joined by Natascha Plankermann, editor, journalist and author of 1001 Friendships; and Sabine Reining, author of Oman from Above, for a lively discussion. 'This is the first German participation at the book fair. We wanted to highlight friendships and projects between Oman and Germany,' said Natascha, who has been visiting Oman for a decade. 'My first visit ten years ago changed my life. I formed lasting friendships, including with Germany's first ambassador to Oman, who remains deeply connected to the country.' Nadia, who works with German-French television, shared that her two-part documentary focuses on Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Dhofar, with the second part highlighting the beauty of the desert and the Luban harvest. The full documentary will premiere on May 8, 2025. 'Oman's people have been incredibly supportive,' she said, adding, 'I wanted to highlight women's roles because many in Europe misunderstand the position of women in the Arab world. Through my documentary, I showcase women as teachers, entrepreneurs and designers, emphasising that working mothers around the world face similar struggles.' Sabine, blogger and photographer behind MidnightOman, is attending the fair with two books celebrating Oman's landscapes. 'My coffee table book captures the diversity of Oman, while Oman from Above gives readers a bird's-eye view, complete with QR codes that lead to the exact locations,' she explained. When asked about her favorite place in Oman during April, she smiled and said, 'Of course, it's Al Jabal Al Akhdhar — especially during rose harvesting season. It's featured in my book.'
Emirates 24/7
03-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Emirates 24/7
Interiors UAE Launches Elevated Statement Pieces from Uttermost to Transform Homes this Ramadan
Interiors UAE has unveiled an exclusive selection of accent pieces by Uttermost, designed to bring warmth, elegance, and sophistication to homes during the holy month of Ramadan. Featuring exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design, this collection enhances festive gatherings, transforming interiors into refined sanctuaries of style and serenity. Ramadan is a time of warmth, reflection, and togetherness, and Interiors Furniture embraces this spirit with a curated range of statement décor. From striking furniture pieces to expressive artwork and luxurious textures, each element is crafted to create an Iconic Moment - where celebrations are set against a space of inspired design. In order to create these Iconic Moments, customers can draw from a range of sophisticated accent pieces that blend function and artistry. The standout pieces from Uttermost include the Wrenley Table Lamp, which brings sculptural elegance to any setting, featuring an off-white porcelain base with organic ridges, a glossy aged finish, and antique brass hardware, and linen shade to cast a soft, ambient glow for intimate Ramadan evenings. Expressive artwork and refined mirrors add depth and character. The Henzler Glass Table, with its antiqued gold-leaf finish, reinforced mirror top, and tempered glass gallery shelf, makes for an ideal centerpiece for elegant displays. The Wenman Bronze Candleholder and textured glass lanterns add a minimal yet powerful statement to create an inviting atmosphere with their dark bronze and gold-rubbed finishes, while the coral-inspired Charbel Bookends add an organic yet refined touch. The Arta Table Clock, crafted from steel with an antique brushed brass finish and a clear bubble glass face, adds vintage charm to any refined space. When it comes to larger furniture pieces, the Voyage Brass and Wood Bench, featuring a brushed brass iron base and acacia wood top in a gray-glazed walnut veneer, offers an elegant touch whether placed in an entryway or living space. 'An Iconic Moment is more than just a celebration—it's a feeling, a beautifully curated experience that lingers in memory,' says Raed Dibs, CEO of Interiors UAE. 'At Interiors Furniture, we believe that every space tells a story, and with Uttermost's exceptional accent pieces, our customers can create interiors that are both inspiring and inviting. Ramadan is a time of warmth, gathering, and elegance, and through our carefully selected collections, we are honored to be a part of the moments that matter most The Uttermost collection is available exclusively at Interiors UAE, in stores across the country or online at Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
