Middle East

Dina Macki | The Grapevine

Award-winning cookery writer, chef, recipe developer and presenter Dina Macki joins us on the Grapevine this week with a stellar collection of recommendations.

Born and raised in the UK in an Omani and Zanzibari family, Dina’s love for food is exceeded only by her drive to share the culture and hospitality of Oman and Zanzibar with the world. Choosing food as her medium to break down the barriers surrounding the Middle East and to cast a light on the immense cultural and culinary diversity of the region, Dina tirelessly works to bring the tastes of her heritage to the world.

Ramadan At The Royal Opera House Muscat | A Musical Celebration

Now a treasured annual fixture in Muscat, the Royal Opera House Muscat has been hosting Sufi and Inshaad concerts to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan for several years, bringing together regional and local artists for a spiritual journey through the medium of sound.

Few genres evoke the depth of spiritual connection and emotional resonance quite like Sufi and Inshaad music. These musical forms serve as profound vehicles for spiritual elevation and communal expression.

The Bytna Foundation | Culture & Community In Mosul

After many dark years filled with a succession of conflicts and occupations, the Bytna Foundation for Heritage and Culture is a small renaissance of the heart of Mosul and Iraq. Mosul means “the linking point” in Arabic, and thanks to Bytna’s work, the city can once again live up to its name. Bytna is much more than just a foundation; as well as their museum, Bytna is home to a cafe, a craft shop, a book collection, an art gallery, and more.

Zahra Hankir | The Grapevine

Welcome to The Grapevine – a monthly series from Pink Jinn where we pass the mic to artists, thought leaders, influencers and pioneers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the global diaspora. We’ve got a fabulous edition of the Grapevine for you this month, including beauty recommendations from the woman who literally wrote the book on eyeliner! Journalist and author Zahra Hankir has joined us to share the art and music that inspires her, recipes and places woven into her family history and much more.

Gaza & Palestine | What You CAN Do

The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 10,000. The atrocities continue in both Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, and we’ve seen many people feeling helpless and powerless to act. Very little aid is making it into Gaza, and none at all into the worst affected areas in the north of the territory. 

It’s so important that we don’t lose hope, don’t look away, and don’t stop supporting Gaza and the rest of Occupied Palestine. Here are some things which you CAN do to channel your despair, grief and anger into action, and keep going.

12 Ways To Supercharge Your Arabic Practice

Learning Arabic is incredibly rewarding, but no one will deny that it can be challenging! Whether you are a beginner learning Modern Standard Arabic or an advanced student working on your dialect skills, most Arabic students have experienced the struggle to find the perfect resources, keep up the motivation to practise, and to maximise their progress. But we are here to help – set yourself up for success and learn smarter, not harder with our top tips and favourite tools for Arabic language learning!

Nxdia | The Grapevine

Welcome to The Grapevine – a monthly series from Pink Jinn where we pass the mic to artists, thought leaders, influencers and pioneers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the global diaspora. They’ll be sharing their top arts, culture and lifestyle picks with all of us – from the books and podcasts shaping the way they think, to the music, food, places and brands that bring magic to their everyday. This month we are so excited to have singer-songwriter Nxdia with us at The Grapevine to share what makes them tick!

8 Reasons Why You Should Start Learning Arabic This Year

Whether you’re about to start a new year of school or university or looking for a challenging new hobby to try, we think taking up a new language is always a good decision, especially if that language is Arabic! Read on for our top eight reasons to study Arabic:

Alya Mooro | The Grapevine

Welcome to The Grapevine – a monthly series from Pink Jinn where we pass the mic to artists, thought leaders, influencers and pioneers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the global diaspora. They’ll be sharing their top arts, culture and lifestyle picks with all of us – from the books and podcasts shaping the way they think, to the music, food, places and brands that bring magic to their everyday. This month, the fabulous best-selling author and journalist Alya Mooro is sharing her insider secrets and hot tips with us, from the book she couldn’t be without to the women who inspire her.