Biennale
Film
Venice Festival Turns Screens into Political Battlegrounds
Cultural festivals now face demands for political alignment that test how far artistic freedom can stretch.
Exhibitions
The Myth of African Art at Venice Biennale
Under a Dakar mango tree, Koyo Kouoh's curatorial team heard fruit fall whenever an artist's name rang true, composing Venice's awaited future in minor keys.
Exhibitions
Qatar’s Art Storage Signals Cultural Maturity
In November 2025, Qatar announced the Gulf's largest museum-grade art storage facility, marking a shift from spectacle to stewardship.
LIFESTYLE
Qatar’s Art Storage Signals Cultural Maturity
In November 2025, Qatar announced the Gulf's largest museum-grade art storage facility, marking a shift from spectacle to stewardship.
Exhibitions
Saudi Arabia Prepares for the Second Islamic Arts Biennale
The Second Islamic Arts Biennale, themed "And All That Is In-Between," will open on January 25, 2025, in Jeddah, blending historical Islamic artefacts and contemporary art to explore space, time, and light, while addressing environmental and social issues in a celebration of cultural heritage.
Popular
Chlorine in Khartoum: a Familiar Formula
Evidence of chlorine attacks surfacing from Sudan revives a question Syria's civil war answered, chemical arms buy ground but rarely buy lasting victory.
Germany Finds a Steady Partner in Abu Dhabi
Berlin welcomes billions in Gulf capital as Abu Dhabi's state visit forges a new Strategic Dialogue
Germany Joins France in the Gulf’s Widening Orbit
Germany's courtship of Abu Dhabi follows Paris's trailblazing, confirming how Europe treats the Emirates as an indispensable partner
Merz Projects Strength Abroad as His Authority Falters at Home
A chancellor can host foreign leaders and sign investment deals right up until the moment voters at home stop believing he has a plan.
Jordan Valley: The Middle East’s New Fault Line
Iran's missiles strike Jordan, Europe's sanctions hit Israeli settlements, and London's oldest allies learn how quickly loyalty frays under diplomatic pressure.
