Author
Articles by Javier Hughes
Society & Culture
Can a Moroccan and an Omani understand each other? Arabic dialects, explained
In Modern Standard Arabic, yes. In their spoken dialects, often not without switching. How the Arabic language actually works across MENA: fusha, Darija, Egyptian media reach and the lingua franca that saves every conversation.
Javier Hughes
Society & Culture
How Ramadan changes working hours across MENA
In the Gulf, labor law cuts the working day for fasting employees by two hours; across the region, schools shorten schedules and public offices compress the week. A country-by-country guide to the practical month.
Javier Hughes
Society & Culture
What is Yennayer? The Amazigh New Year, explained
North Africa's Amazigh New Year falls between January 12 and 14: Algeria has marked January 12 as a public holiday since 2018, Morocco added January 14 in 2023. What is celebrated, and why the dates differ.
Javier Hughes