Latest news with #EnasRefaei
The National
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
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.
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
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
From Gaza to Cannes: Arab films in the spotlight
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss some of the most promising Arab entries at this year's Cannes Film Festival, which is running until May 24. They tease some of the titles they're most eager to watch, including Once Upon a Time in Gaza, a revenge thriller directed by Gaza-born twins Tarzan and Arab Nasser. Another film that's making waves at the event this year is Swedish-Egyptian filmmaker Tarik Saleh's Eagles of the Republic, which is competing for the Palme d'Or award. The hosts highlight the valuable role film festivals play to introduce audiences to new cultures. Last week, Disneyland Abu Dhabi was announced. With the hugely-popular theme park coming to Yas Island, Enas and Farah give the scoop of what to expect when the park eventually opens. They chat about which Disney characters and imagery from the region could inspire the attractions at Disneyland Abu Dhabi. They also discuss the economic boost it will bring to the emirate and the wider region, such as job creation and infrastructure development.
The National
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
What is a foreign film production anyway?
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss Palestinian poet and writer Mosab Abu Toha, who won a Pulitzer Prize this week. He was recognised for his essays on life in war-torn Gaza, which reflect the hardships faced by Palestinians under Israeli siege. The hosts also review the most notable looks from this week's Met Gala, where celebrities dressed to the theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. It has been an eventful week, starting off with an announcement by US President Donald Trump that he would authorise a 100 per cent tariff on movies produced outside America. Enas and Farah discuss how a move like this could impact big Hollywood productions coming to the region, where attractive cashback rebates have drawn in major projects in recent years. On the entertainment front, the UAE's music and comedy season promises an action packed summer. The hosts share some of the events they are most excited to see, including musical favourite Mamma Mia! and the return of star comedian Dave Chappelle.
