Reporter
Olena Stashek
Olena Stashek is a professional Ukrainian artist from Kropyvnytskyi, a cultural writer for Dubai News, covering a wide range of topics with a particular focus on culture, art, hospitality, cinema, music and fashion. Olena is a professional drawing teacher and participant in international fine art exhibitions. That's why she writes her articles about art from the heart, as art has been a passion for her since childhood. Olena also studied at a music school and is a keen music lover, from classical to contemporary.
Latest stories by Olena Stashek
MED YU MED Celebrates 9 Years of Bespoke, Systemic Health and Beauty
10 Jul 2026
Coconut Affogato in a Real Coconut Shell Is Dubai's New Trend
Rationed cafe in Nad Al Sheba is serving a coconut affogato inside a real coconut shell, pairing hot espresso with creamy coconut ice cream in a tropical, Instagram-ready dessert that is quickly going viral across Dubai.
9 Jun 2026
Alina Bashkina Dubai Concert Lights Up TODA This June
The Alina Bashkina Dubai concert series keeps building momentum at TODA, the Theatre of Digital Art in Madinat Jumeirah. After her cinematic Night at the Movies show, the Ukrainian vocalist returns on June 14 with a brand-new immersive performance, La Nuit Bohème.
6 Jun 2026
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Named JW Marriott Global Ambassador
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been named JW Marriott's first-ever global brand ambassador, a partnership pairing one of the world's most recognized hospitality brands with one of India's most influential global stars and the brand's "Stay in the Moment" well-being platform.
3 Jun 2026
Ukrainian Nights Dubai Lights Up Vyshyvanka Day on the Palm
The second edition of Ukrainian Nights took over Harbor by Samakje at Palm Jumeirah on May 21, 2026, bringing the UAE's Ukrainian community together for a Vyshyvanka Day celebration of live performances, embroidered fashion, karaoke, and shared traditions.
28 May 2026
Celinedee Matahari Closes The Fridge Season 49 in Dubai
Celinedee Matahari headlined the closing night of Concert Series Season 49 at The Fridge Warehouse in Alserkal Avenue on May 19, performing originals, ballads, and K-pop favorites in her first intimate headline show.
23 May 2026
Hollywood Films Shot in UAE: 16 Iconic Locations
The UAE has quietly built one of the most impressive Hollywood filming resumes in the world. From Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa to the Empty Quarter doubling as a distant planet, here are 16 major films that used the Emirates as their backdrop.
28 Apr 2026
Lyrid Meteor Shower Dubai: Best Times to Watch in 2026
The Lyrid meteor shower Dubai peak arrived the night of April 21–22, 2026, giving residents their best shot at catching bright meteors over the UAE. Head to darker spots like Al Qudra after midnight for the strongest viewing window.
21 Apr 2026
Art Dubai 2026 Free Entry: What to Know
Art Dubai 2026 is making history this May: free admission for the first time in 20 years, with 75+ presentations, large-scale installations, and the Global Art Forum at Madinat Jumeirah.
21 Apr 2026
Gifted Box Dubai: Katsiaryna Ryzhykava's Story
Katsiaryna Ryzhykava launched Gifted Box in Dubai in 2020 with a simple idea — bring people closer even when they are far apart. Each curated, personalized box includes a handwritten card and is tailored to the recipient's hobbies, interests, and personality.
16 Apr 2026
DIFC Art Nights 2026: Free Art, Workshops and Live Music
No tickets. No booking. No fee. DIFC Art Nights 2026 is back for its 21st edition at Gate Village, April 23–26, from 5pm to 10pm daily. Entry is free, with Christie's and Opera Gallery co-curating the programme.
13 Apr 2026
Ti22 Films Earns New York Festivals 2026 Shortlist for UAE Doc
In a defining moment for the UAE's creative industry, Donna Benton and Reim El Houni have taken The ENTERTAINER and Ti22 Films to the global spotlight. The branded documentary has been shortlisted at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2026 — the only UAE entry recognized
7 Apr 2026
Omar Harfouch's Concerto for Peace Returns to Dubai
Dubai experienced an evening of rare emotional intensity as the Concerto for Peace, led by Omar Harfouch, was performed at Steinway & Sons — drawing ambassadors, DMCC chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem, and guests from across the UAE.
5 Apr 2026
Sound of the Soul Dubai: Dates, Venues & What to Expect
Sound of the Soul is a multisensory live experience coming to Dubai on 16 and 18 April 2026. Created by pianist and wellness advocate Raisa Knusel, it blends live music, crystal sound bowls, aromatherapy, and breathwork at two iconic Dubai venues.
1 Apr 2026
Omar Harfouch's Concerto for Peace Draws Elite to Dubai
Franco-Lebanese pianist Omar Harfouch staged his Concerto for Peace at Steinway & Sons Dubai on April 3, bringing together 300 VIP guests in a cultural evening celebrating Dubai's unity, safety, and global standing.
1 Apr 2026
Dinosaurs: The Immersive Odyssey at Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City Mall is now home to Dinosaurs: The Immersive Odyssey, a multi-sensory attraction combining VR, life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and interactive play zones. Developed by ActiveMe and Fever, it runs 45–60 minutes for visitors aged four and above.
18 Mar 2026
Art Dubai 2026: Global Galleries and Digital Art Take Stage
Art Dubai 2026 returns to Madinat Jumeirah from April 15 to 19, marking the fair's 20th anniversary with 120-plus exhibitors, five curated sections and a landmark Art Dubai Digital programme themed "Myth of the Digital."
12 Mar 2026
Infrared Shape Roller Treatment Trending in Dubai Studios
Infrared shape roller treatment is gaining traction across Dubai's fitness and recovery studios. Studio14 has introduced guided sessions using roller machines that pair rotating massage with infrared heat, drawing residents curious about non-invasive body care and circulation
12 Mar 2026
Splash Ramadan Collection 2026 Featuring Maya Diab
Middle East fashion retailer Splash has launched its Ramadan Collection 2026 with Lebanese singer and brand ambassador Maya Diab fronting the campaign. The edit spans kaftans, flowing dresses, co-ord sets, abayas and accessories in a palette of ivory, blush, sage, soft gold, and
5 Mar 2026
Easy Iftar Recipes: 8 Fuss-Free Dishes for Ramadan
When it's nearly Iftar and you want something nourishing without spending hours cooking, simple recipes with minimal ingredients are the answer. Less prep, less mess — and more time to enjoy the moment. Here are eight easy 5-ingredient Iftar recipes perfect for Ramadan evenings.
2 Mar 2026
Dubai Ramadan Cannon Locations: Full List 2026
Dubai Police's mobile iftar cannon Al Rahal is touring 17 locations across Dubai during Ramadan 2026, alongside six fixed cannons at landmarks including Burj Khalifa and JBR. Here's the full list of Dubai Ramadan cannon locations.
1 Mar 2026
Six Senses The Palm Dubai: Suites, Spa & Residences
Six Senses The Palm Dubai has opened reservations for stays from September 1, 2026. Located on Palm Jumeirah's West Crescent, the all-suite resort features 61 suites, 172 branded residences, and a 60,000 sq ft spa — marking Six Senses' debut in the UAE.
28 Feb 2026
Riverdance Abu Dhabi 2026 at Etihad Arena This Halloween
Riverdance Abu Dhabi 2026 is confirmed for Etihad Arena on October 31 and November 1. The 30th anniversary production, Riverdance 30 The New Generation, brings fresh choreography, new performers, and the iconic Irish dance score to the UAE capital for Halloween weekend.
26 Feb 2026
Danya Mohammed Owns Monday Night at Blume Dubai
Dubai Bling star Danya Mohammed gave followers a peek into her Monday evening, posting from Blume Dubai inside Fashion Avenue at Dubai Mall. The reality TV personality shared her dinner setting on Instagram Story, putting one of Downtown's most talked-about restaurants back in
25 Feb 2026