Motez Bishara

The Guardian • 4th October 2021

‘We wanted to make history’: Michael Jackson’s bizarre year in Bahrain

In 2005, a Bahraini prince welcomed the deposed king of pop and wrote a Hurricane Katrina charity single with him. But Jackson’s erratic behavior sent plans off course.

The National • 24th February 2020

How Kenya's growing yoga movement is empowering the country's poor

Thanks to a grassroots initiative that began over a decade ago, Kenya has emerged as the yoga capital of Africa, churning out talented yoga instructors while broadening the country’s appeal beyond safaris and white-sand beaches.

CNN • 8th October 2019

How a 500-year-old German brewery started an eco-friendly beer trend

The Hofmühl Brewery, founded by Catholic bishops in 1492, has reduced its carbon footprint by 40% over the past two decades through solar panels and efficient water filtration, while making use of excess grains.

The National • 18th June 2019

Inside London guitar repair shop Stairway to Kevin

When London’s guitar enthusiasts pay a visit to Kevin Bourque for a service, they’re not just running an errand – they’re having an experience. Located up a tight stairwell on the capital’s famous Denmark Street – known as the city’s Tin Pan Alley for its relevance to the music industry – his workshop, aptly named Stairway to Kevin, is a shrine to guitar craftsmanship.

The National • 22nd April 2019

Ben Abeba: Meet the Scottish pensioner who opened a futuristic restaurant in the mountains of Ethiopia

Former schoolteacher Susan Aitchison moved to Lalibela to start a new life – and she hasn't looked back since.

CNN • 17th October 2018

How Gay Bowl became America's liveliest tournament

For most of the 1,000 or so participants of Gay Bowl -- who include several college football players and even some ex-pros -- the long weekend represents a celebration of football, the sport they love, which in many ways shaped their lives.

CNN • 20th August 2018

'We are living on a field trip': A family reflects on sailing around the world

Ten years ago, Behan and Jamie Gifford plotted to set sail around the world with their three young children. Nearly 50 countries and 58,000 miles later, they're on a short break to drop their son at college ... before starting all over again.

CNN • 29th June 2018

Classic cars reborn as electric vehicles

The Jaguar E-type is one of several classics experiencing rebirths as zero-emission vehicles for a new generation of drivers.

Espn.Com • 13th May 2018

How Saudi Arabians experienced WWE's 'Greatest Royal Rumble'

The WWE's major push into Saudi Arabia is a prime example of the complicated clash between long-held Saudi values and the desire among many younger citizens -- who suddenly include women -- to embrace more elements of Western culture.

ENIGMA • 2nd July 2017

La Belle et La Meute

Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution of 2011 promised sweeping reform for the North African country. That notion was quickly put to the test by the explosive case of police rape victim Meriem Ben Mohamed. Now, a Tunisian film which debuted in Cannes revisits the case under controversial circumstances.

ENIGMA • 2nd July 2017

Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim

It’s not every day that a director auditions 2,000 goats to find his lead actor. That was the plight of Sherif El Bendary, who took on the herculean task of directing Egyptian feature film Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim.

CNN • 16th February 2017

Rishikesh, India: The yoga capital of the world

Although Rishikesh is the self-styled "yoga capital of the world," there's lots more to do there than simply run through vinyasas mouthing "Om Shanti."

Al Jazeera • 10th July 2016

Provocative Kuwaiti artist enjoys bright homecoming

Kuwaiti artist Shurooq Amin has returned home four years after a ban on a previous show labelled as "anti-Islamic".

Al Jazeera • 4th May 2016

Life after Egypt for Bassem Youssef: Deflect hecklers

Less than 10 minutes into his London performance last week, Bassem Youssef's plea for calm fell on deaf ears to the few who came to badger- not laugh -  at the Egyptian political satirist.

Al Jazeera English • 12th December 2015

Exploring the Arab world's challenges through film

Two recent festivals granted valuable exposure to Arab film-makers, delving into issues of migration, exile and gender.

Al Jazeera • 17th February 2015

Art auction records shattered in London

It took a breathtaking span of 26 hours in London for more records to fall in the thriving global art market.

Al Jazeera • 6th December 2014

Silence falls on London's recording studios

Historic UK studio used by Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin and Queen is being torn down and turned into luxury flats

Al Jazeera • 18th December 2006

Bid to unravel 'bad Arab' cliche

Hollywood stereotypes tend to portray Middle Eastern characters in negative light.

The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon • 6th August 2004

Kuwaiti filmmaker sorts through up close and personal view of Iraq war