Society

Art, Food, Education, Health, Life and Death – A Window into Middle East Society

Topless Butlers in Dubai? Just Another Ho-Hum

Topless Butlers in Dubai? Just Another Ho-Hum

ALEXANDER MCNABB: Hoping to provoke an 'official investigation' into a 'scandal' a Dubai-based newspaper was sadly disappointed …

Immune to ‘Planning’: The Curious Dhofari Disease

Immune to ‘Planning’: The Curious Dhofari Disease

DHOFARI GUCCI: If the Swiss are at one end of the planning spectrum then my fellow Dhofaris at the furthest extreme …

The Arab Women Writers To Read: A Personal Choice

The Arab Women Writers To Read: A Personal Choice

M. LYNX-QUALEY: I'm a less than enthusiastic participant in the 'Women to Read' movement but here are some writers worth spending time with. …

Dining in Dubai: What To Expect in 2014

Dining in Dubai: What To Expect in 2014

SARAH WALTON: It's going to be a very busy year indeed on the dining front in Dubai. Here are my predictions. …

New UAE Anti-Smoking Law: It’s Not Enough

New UAE Anti-Smoking Law: It’s Not Enough

ALEXANDER MCNABB: As an ex-smoker I've vowed not to become a frothing-at-the-mouth anti puff ranter. The latest UAE legislation has turned me, however. …

Desert Elixir: The Miraculous Powers of Camel Milk

Desert Elixir: The Miraculous Powers of Camel Milk

LAYLA: Its healing properties have been known by residents of the Middle East for generations. But there is increasing scientific evidence of its power…

‘Stop Female Harassment!’ Saudis Support Stiff Penalties

‘Stop Female Harassment!’ Saudis Support Stiff Penalties

CROSSROADS ARABIA: A new poll reveals widespread public support for stronger action against individuals who abuse women in the Kingdom…

Fatherhood: The Ultimate Cure for Writer’s Block

Fatherhood: The Ultimate Cure for Writer’s Block

NASEEM TARAWNAH: There seemed no point in committing my thoughts, views, opinions feelings to print until now. …

Five Books To Get You Started on Arabic Literature

Five Books To Get You Started on Arabic Literature

M. LYNX-QUALEY: 'There's far too much to choose from. Where do I start is?' a common complaint. So here are a few primers. …

Saudi Tourism: Is It Finally About To Happen?

Saudi Tourism: Is It Finally About To Happen?

CROSSROADS ARABIA: We've had many false dawns on the Saudi tourism story but we may be on the cusp of a breakthrough now. …