Art & Culture in the Gulf

Gulf states aim to deploy their heritage and culture to diversify their economies. What is on offer and will the tourists come? Meet emerging new artists, and find out how a deal with Israel is affecting the UAE’s rich literary prizes. Plus: can Iraq save what is left of its archaeological treasures, and what is keeping Iranians entertained during the pandemic

World unites to help save Iraq’s archaeological treasures
A network of support focuses on preventing further theft after chunk of human history was destroyed over three decades
Iranians escape harsh Covid realities by streaming real-life dramas about power
World-renowned movie industry takes a back seat during the pandemic
Arab authors call for boycott of UAE book awards after Israel deal
The ‘sad trade-off’ of Palestinian rights for the normalisation of UAE-Israeli ties casts shadow over lucrative cultural prizes
Boosting Gulf’s economy leads to building more art districts, not museums
Plans to encourage creation of art and to support local artistic talent aim to reduce region’s dependence on oil
Gulf states seek to diversify economy by promoting historical sites
Restored heritage offers holidays with a difference but Saudi social and political climate risks putting off some visitors
UAE becomes an incubator to help careers of local emerging artists
How are young, homegrown talents making a name for themselves and who are they?