Exploring Uzbekistan: a crossroads of cultures 

Exploring Uzbekistan: a crossroads of cultures 
The Poi Kalan complex consists of the Kalan Mosque, Kalan Minaret, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. (Getty Images)
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Updated 06 March 2025
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Exploring Uzbekistan: a crossroads of cultures 

Exploring Uzbekistan: a crossroads of cultures 
  • The Central Asian country is home to some of the finest examples of Islamic design in the world 

BUKHARA: As a young Saudi girl, I didn’t often hear stories from my late Uzbek grandmother about her homeland. Instead, she shared her heritage through food. During family gatherings, she would pile our plates high with Bukhari rice, a fragrant dish as rich in history as Uzbekistan itself. But neither my father nor my siblings had ever been to her homeland, so when I was offered the chance to go — close to my birthday too — it felt like a gift from destiny.  

Saudi citizens can now visit Uzbekistan without a visa, and though it remains a niche tourist destination, the country has been a crossroads of Islamic, scientific and cultural development, for centuries, influencing Central Asia and the wider Islamic world.  

It has been home to some of the Islamic world’s most significant scholars, including Imam Al-Bukhari, Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Biruni and Al-Khorezmi. Their contributions to science, mathematics and astronomy are still globally influential.  




The walls of the ancient city of Khiva in Uzbekistan. (Getty Images)

While glitzy Tashkent, the capital, offers a beguiling blend of modernity and history — and the country’s best shopping options — you’d be doing yourself a disservice if that was your only destination. 

Try, for example, the storied ancient city of Samarkand in the northeastern Zerafshan River valley. Once a hub on the Silk Road, Samarkand is a tapestry of Persian, Greek, Arabic, Mongol and Soviet influences, and earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001. Founded in the 7th century BCE and flourishing during the Timurid era of the 14th and 15th centuries, Samarkand became a beacon of Islamic culture. Its famed Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Registan Square are exemplars of Islamic creativity; the square’s trio of majestic madrasas — Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori — feature intricate tilework, calligraphy and design that influenced Islamic architecture far and wide. I had the best ice cream there, too. 




The Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand, Uzbekistan. (Getty Images)

Bukhara, another millennia-old Silk Road city that has long been a center of Islamic scholarship and spirituality, is another must-see. During the Golden Age of Islam, the city became a hub of Sufi thought and Muslim theology, and today it houses more than 350 mosques and 100 religious institutions. It was here that Imam Al-Bukhari compiled “Sahih al-Bukhari,” a major work of Sunni Islam. 

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, Bukhara offers a rare view into a perfectly maintained ancient Islamic city. Highlights include the Ark of Bukhara fortress, dating back to the 5th century, and the Ismail Samani mausoleum, a pristine example of 10th-century Muslim architecture. The city’s Poi Kalan complex  — consisting of the Kalan Mosque, Kalan Minaret, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasa — is a fine showcase for Islamic decorative arts, with tilework and mosaics that have survived through the centuries.  

Both cities are also celebrated for their artistic traditions, which are central to Uzbekistan’s identity. Their high-quality silk, handwoven carpets, and embroidery, notably using the traditional textile adorned with intricate floral and geometric patterns are fan favorites. Along with the hand-painted pottery and other handmade goods, the quality on offer will make you wish you had more suitcases with you. 




 Traditional rugs for sale in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. (Getty Images)

As for the food, Uzbek cuisine is influenced by flavors and techniques from across Central Asia. While it’s heavy on the meat — horse is very popular — there are some great vegetarian dishes and plenty of pomegranates to go around. The plov, a famous rice dish with fragrant meat, carrots and spices, is a must-try; indeed, the plov I shoveled down in Bukhara was better than anything I ever tasted at my family home. Sorry grandma.  

My next favorite thing was to rip into the fresh bread and dried fruit — perfect.  




Plov — a traditional Uzbek dish of rice and meat. (AN Photo)

While Samarkand and Bukhara are major draws, Uzbekistan’s other regions offer further gems. In Khiva, the well-preserved walled city of Ichan-Kala takes visitors back to the Silk Road days with palaces, mosques and minarets aplenty. The Fergana Valley, known for its agriculture and craftsmanship, boasts pottery in Rishtan and silk weaving in Margilan — crafts that have been handed down for generations. 

Traveling within Uzbekistan is both affordable and convenient, with well-connected train routes between the major cities. While Uzbek and Russian are commonly spoken, you can usually find menus with oddly worded English translations at most places. And if not, then smiles and hand gestures go a long way in bridging any language gaps with the friendly locals.  

For Gulf tourists seeking a road-less-travelled destination, but with familiar historical and cultural links, Uzbekistan is an ideal choice.  


Georgina Rodriguez jets to New York for Charlotte Tilbury launch

Georgina Rodriguez jets to New York for Charlotte Tilbury launch
Updated 17 min 50 sec ago
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Georgina Rodriguez jets to New York for Charlotte Tilbury launch

Georgina Rodriguez jets to New York for Charlotte Tilbury launch

DUBAI: Riyadh-based Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez flew to New York this week to mark the launch of a new product by British cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury.

Rodriguez also stars in a campaign for the brand, which she previewed on social media late last week.

“Super Nudes are my contour SUPER POWER! Had the most incredible time working on this campaign with @CharlotteTilbury! You need to try her new Super Nudes Contour System - it’s like Shapewear for your face (sic),” the model captioned an Instagram post about the new contouring makeup product.  

Rodriguez then flew to New York to attend a launch event hosted by the brand before posing for photos in Times Square.

Rodriguez, who moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 alongside her longtime partner Cristiano Ronaldo, has been making headlines as of late with a number of advertising campaigns.

Most recently, Ronaldo and Rodriguez appeared together in a new campaign for Saudi Arabia’s luxury cruise line, Aroya Cruises. 

In the video, the pair exchange a lighthearted moment in Arabic, with Rodriguez saying “yalla” after selecting the cruise on her phone and Ronaldo replying with a cheerful “yalla,” meaning “let’s go.” 

The campaign then transitions into scenes of the couple exploring the cruise experience, showcasing panoramic sea views, luxurious interiors, and their private accommodation on board.

She is also known for giving fans a peek into her life in Saudi Arabia through her Instagram account. One standout moment in April was a close-up photo highlighting her Arabic tattoo, which reads: “Keep all evil away from us, Amen.” 

Rodriguez also shares snippets of her personal routine in Riyadh and recently shared a short video of herself practicing salsa dancing. “Third salsa class in Riyadh,” she wrote in Spanish.

The posts are part of her continued documentation of life in Saudi Arabia, where she lives with football star Ronaldo and their children.

In addition to her lifestyle content and brand campaigns, Rodriguez has also taken part in humanitarian efforts in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, she visited the King Fahd National Centre for Children’s Cancer to support young patients.

 


Gigi Hadid confirms relationship with first photo on social media

Gigi Hadid confirms relationship with first photo on social media
Updated 04 May 2025
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Gigi Hadid confirms relationship with first photo on social media

Gigi Hadid confirms relationship with first photo on social media

DUBAI: In a new post on social media, supermodel Gigi Hadid has confirmed her long-rumored relationship with partner Bradley Cooper with her first-ever photograph of the couple together.

The US Dutch Palestinian model took to Instagram on Saturday night to share photographs of her 30th birthday party, held in late April in New York. In the carousel of images, Hadid can be seen kissing Cooper while standing behind a tiered birthday cake.

Social media commenters, and news outlets, quickly spotted the post and dubbed it the “hard launch” of their relationship.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

Hadid, 30, and Cooper, 50, were first linked in October 2023.

"I feel so lucky to be 30!" Hadid captioned her post. "I feel so lucky for every high and low - for all the lessons and gifts both have brought me. To get to feel it all! I’m so lucky to be a mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter, colleague to some of the most unbelievable humans!!"

"So lucky for the support and encouragement from all of YOU around the world, every day and on my birthday last week," she continued. "I had the best time celebrating, and it’s a blessing to feel so loved!! I am grateful and honored to take on a new decade."

Cooper shares daughter Lea De Seine, 8, with model Irina Shayk while Hadid shares her daughter Khai, 4, with One Direction alum Zayn Malik.

The birthday party was held at Le Chalet in New York City on April 25.

Hadid entered the venue with Oscar nominee Cooper, and met up with her sister Bella Hadid, mother Yolanda Hadid, father Mohamed Hadid, Russian media personality Keni Silva and US actress Anne Hathaway, among others.

Gigi’s birthday was on April 23, and the internet was abuzz with celebrities, designers, family and friends who sent birthday wishes to the supermodel as she turned 30.

Bella shared a carousel of photos on Instagram to celebrate, writing: “IT’S GIGI DAY EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME. HAPPPYYY 30th BIRTHDAYYYY JELENAAAA.”

Yolanda Hadid, Gigi’s mother, took a moment to reflect on her daughter’s 30-year journey. “Thirty years went by in a flash, 10,950 days to be exact but there hasn’t been one day without you on my mind,” she wrote, sharing photos of Gigi from babyhood to recent moments.


Kevin Hart brings laughs and life lessons to Abu Dhabi with ‘Acting My Age’

Kevin Hart brings laughs and life lessons to Abu Dhabi with ‘Acting My Age’
Updated 03 May 2025
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Kevin Hart brings laughs and life lessons to Abu Dhabi with ‘Acting My Age’

Kevin Hart brings laughs and life lessons to Abu Dhabi with ‘Acting My Age’

ABU DHABI: Kevin Hart returned to the stage at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday with his signature energy and a new show, following his successful performance there in 2023.

“It’s good to be back,” Hart said, kicking off a night of relentless humor and heartfelt honesty.

As part of the Abu Dhabi comedy festival, Hart performed a classic American standup show mixed with a lot of self-deprecating humor. 

Titled “Acting my Age,” the show is themed around understanding old age and realizing that aging is about gaining experience and wisdom. 

With jokes about his endless injuries and health problems, Hart’s signature facial expressions and animated vocals brought the show to life, and left members of the audience in tears of laughter. 

The show was targeted at an older crowd, and Hart was able to capture their attention with his personal anecdotes. 

Crowd work and audience interactions were missing from his performance and some people yelled out to grab his attention, but he mostly ignored these callouts. 

As usual, his line delivery was on point and he was able to easily transition from one story to the next while maintaining running gags throughout the show, which lasted about an hour. 

Opening for Hart were a group of comedians who go by the name of “Plastic Cup Boyz.” The trio, consisting of Joey Wells, Will “Spank” Horton and Na’im Lynn, delivered an entertaining and captivating opener for the show. 

Hart ended his performance with heartfelt sentiment, saying: “The win in life is old age. Old age is not guaranteed.” 


Maya Akra on the Oscars and making space for Arab voices in Hollywood

Maya Akra on the Oscars and making space for Arab voices in Hollywood
Updated 03 May 2025
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Maya Akra on the Oscars and making space for Arab voices in Hollywood

Maya Akra on the Oscars and making space for Arab voices in Hollywood

DUBAI: Lebanese actress and comedian Maya Akra has spent years carving out her niche across Beirut and New York. This year, that journey reached a new milestone when “Anora,” a film she appears in, won five Oscars, including Best Picture.

But for Akra, the recognition is just one part of a much longer story.

“I was raised by ‘Comedy Central’ (and) … ‘The Nanny.’ Fran Drescher was my hero,” Akra told Arab News. Her early love of performance was sparked at home, where her father, a filmmaker, recorded endless hours of her childhood on VHS. “Being in front of the camera has been my reality since I was a baby. I have hours of footage from my childhood, sometimes just talking endlessly like I was the host of my own show. Somehow that early lens shaped me,” she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maya Akra (Acra) (@mayaacra)

She began performing on stage at a young age, often drawing from real-life experiences marked by grief, resilience and reinvention. After building her career in Lebanon — working behind the scenes at MTV, acting in student films and her comedy sketches going viral — Akra moved to New York to pursue acting and stand-up full-time.

Now part of the city’s vibrant improv and comedy scene, she has performed at venues such as The Stand, Stand Up NY and Broadway Comedy Club.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maya Akra (Acra) (@mayaacra)

Her acting work includes short films, commercials and theater, often centered around stories of identity and migration. “I’m drawn to stories that spotlight the emotional and cultural struggles of Arab immigrants,” she said.

Akra is passionate about breaking the mold for Arab characters onscreen. “Arab talent is slowly gaining more visibility in Western media… (but) the industry still has a long way to go. Too often, the roles offered to Arab actors are still limited to certain tropes, like the villain, the terrorist or the oppressed woman.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maya Akra (Acra) (@mayaacra)

“We have so many untold stories that reflect the diversity and success of Arabs in America,” she added.

While “Anora” was not an Arab story, being part of an indie project that defied expectations — and that went on to sweep the Oscars — was a powerful moment for Akra. She had been invited to the ceremony but did not attend.

“I didn’t even watch the ceremony. I had just moved into my apartment. I was in a really emotional place. I had just lost my aunt,” she recalled. “Then suddenly, I got a message: ‘You’re featured in the Best Picture of 2024!’ I was stunned. It felt completely surreal. I was so happy, and I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Looking ahead, Akra is focused on continuing to tell real, layered stories through both comedy and drama. “I carry Lebanon with me into every room,” she said. “I’ll be at the Oscars when I win my own one day. I’m claiming that.”


Ramy Youssef’s ‘#1 Happy Family USA’ comedy hits close to home

Ramy Youssef’s ‘#1 Happy Family USA’ comedy hits close to home
Updated 03 May 2025
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Ramy Youssef’s ‘#1 Happy Family USA’ comedy hits close to home

Ramy Youssef’s ‘#1 Happy Family USA’ comedy hits close to home
  • Focus on challenges facing Muslim Americans post-9/11
  • Stark reminder that today’s dystopia is no laughing matter

TORONTO: American-Egyptian comedian and actor Ramy Youssef’s first animated venture “#1 Happy Family USA,” on Amazon Prime Video, is a satirical take on the challenges faced by Muslim-American families in a post-9/11 world.

Created with Pam Brady of “South Park” fame, the eight-episode series opens with a darkly comic twist of fate — the Egyptian-American Hussein family is at the airport when news breaks of the World Trade Center attacks.

And from that moment, everything changes. The patriarch and owner of Hussein’s Halal Cart is convinced that “we must work harder at being like them. So, we blend in.”

To fit in, Hussein shaves his beard and pushes the family to “look more American.” Meanwhile, mom Sharon (also known as Sharia) embraces her faith with renewed conviction by donning a hijab.

Twelve-year-old Rumi (voiced by Youssef) finds himself an outcast at school and is now forced to navigate not only the throes of middle school and adolescence, but also the harsh realities of a post-9/11 world.

Each character is so vividly portrayed that you can easily imagine your Arab teta or the local Pakistani imam in the mix. The well-timed vocal interjections and cultural (Arab and American pop-culture) references bring an extra layer of freshness and humor to the show.

Known for his Emmy-nominated “Ramy,” Youssef continues to shed light on the Muslim-American experience.

The show evokes the familiar sentiment of fear. It captures the lived reality of Islamophobia and surveillance in Muslim communities, and explores related themes of identity struggles, microaggressions, and code-switching.

We can laugh at the Hussein family’s antics, but the show serves as a stark reminder that in today’s dystopian and polarized political climate, there is little humor to be found.