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.
Work With The Culturelist
The Culturelist works with brands, institutions, and creatives who value clarity, cultural nuance, and powerful narratives. Our scope spans editorial consulting, custom content, and creative partnerships rooted in a sharp understanding of both regional and global culture.
Editorial and Content Consultation
We provide strategic guidance on tone, structure, and storytelling for brands and publishers seeking to elevate their cultural output. This includes everything from refining editorial direction to developing voice and positioning across platforms.
Advertorials
We craft branded editorial features that align seamlessly with The Culturelist’s tone and readership. These pieces introduce your work or initiative through stories that are informative, engaging, and grounded in cultural context.
Advertising
Our newsletter and digital platforms offer targeted access to a culturally engaged audience. Banner ads and sponsored placements are intentionally designed to integrate with our visual identity and editorial flow.
Partnerships and Collaborations
We work with festivals, exhibitions, publishers, and creative platforms to build meaningful collaborations. These can include multi-channel editorial coverage, social amplification, and co-created content designed to resonate across audiences.
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
