About The Culturelist
The Culturelist is a weekly newsletter about the ideas, stories, and cultural shifts shaping how we live, think, and create across art, media, literature, and the internet.
Guided by the lens of East, West and What’s Next, The Culturelist explores the Middle East’s cultural landscape in dialogue with the rest of the world. From regional exhibitions and global headlines to overlooked archives and viral moments, The Culturelist connects what’s happening here with what’s happening everywhere else.
Our weekly stories (that you’ll find straight right in your inbox when you subscribe) blends accessible writing with sharp perspective usually through a listicle (because lists are just fun), sometimes through essays, interviews, or deep dives.
It’s important for The Culturelist to be thoughtful but unpretentious, curious but focused. It’s made for readers who want cultural context without the clutter, and who value storytelling that’s both informed and enjoyable.
Whether you’re here for a quick scroll or a longer read, The Culturelist offers a clear, compelling way to stay informed, think deeper, and keep culture in context.
About Me
I’m an award-winning writer, journalist, editor and consultant with nearly two decades of experience covering arts and culture across platforms and publications.
My work has appeared in Khaleej Times, Stuff Worth Reading, Mille World, Arab News, Miss Muslim, Art Dubai, Sorbet, Vogue Arabia, Architectural Digest Middle East, and The National, where I and my co-hosts received the 2024 Signal Award for Best Co-Host for the podcast Culture Bites.
In 2020, I was selected as the winner of the Short Memoir Prize by The Fish Anthology, and my writing has also been published in literary collections.
Much of my work journalism explores the local and regional art scene, with a focus on Arab artists in the region and throughout the diaspora. Whether in cultural commentary or long-form profiles, I aim to make complex artistic ideas accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking.
I’ve also moderated panels and spoken at festivals, forums, and academic institutions on topics including literature, arts writing, regional art history, and the evolving creative ecosystem of the Middle East.
Partner with The Culturelist
The Culturelist partners with brands, publishers, cultural institutions and creative organisations to tell thoughtful, well-researched stories that connect with curious audiences. Whether launching a book, exhibition, festival, destination or cultural initiative, we combine editorial expertise with strategic storytelling to create work that informs, engages and endures.
Editorial Strategy & Content Consulting
From editorial direction to voice and positioning, we help organisations develop clear, distinctive content strategies across newsletters, magazines, websites and social platforms.
Branded Editorial
We produce sponsored articles and advertorials that sit naturally within The Culturelist’s editorial style, introducing your work through stories that readers genuinely want to spend time with.
Advertising
Reach a culturally engaged audience through carefully integrated newsletter sponsorships, website advertising and selected digital placements designed to complement, rather than interrupt, the reader experience.
Partnerships & Collaborations
We collaborate with museums, galleries, publishers, festivals, tourism boards and cultural brands on editorial series, social campaigns, interviews, event coverage and bespoke creative projects.
Other Opportunities
We’re also available for freelance writing, copywriting, panel moderation, speaking engagements, podcast appearances and other editorial collaborations.
Follow The Culturelist
Start by subscribing to The Culturelist newsletter for weekly insights, stories, and cultural coverage that comes straight into your inbox. You’ll also find us on Instagram and YouTube, where we share highlights, clips, and extras from across the cultural landscape.
Every like, follow, comment, and share helps us grow so thank you!
To get in touch, drop us a message on Substack or email us at m.theculturelist@gmail.com
