Cartoon Network MENA has announced their collaboration between its hit cartoon Teen Titans GO! and Reform Social & Grill. This one-of-a-kind partnership will bring a co-branded kids menu and fun filled activities for kids at Reform Social & Grill throughout the month of April, from the 15th to the 15th of May. During this exciting partnership, the kids' menu will be transformed into a Teen Titans GO! extravaganza. Kids will be able to envision themselves as their favorite characters, immersing themselves in the exciting world of Teen Titans GO! Every Friday will be a blast for young fans of the show as Reform Social & Grill will host special screening sessions of the cartoon series. Kids can also enjoy face painting activities where they can become their favorite Teen Titans GO! characters, including Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven. The kids menu will transform into dishes themed as Teen Titans GO! such as Robins Titan Shaped Chicken Nuggets, Cyborgs Perfect Angus Beef Burger, Starfire’s Cheese with Mac and many more.? Every Friday from the 19th of April to the 10th of May, there will be special screening sessions starting from 5pm where parents can leave their kids to watch the exciting new episodes of Teen Titans GO! "Teen Titans GO!" is a hilarious, animated series that follows the adventures of five young superheroes: Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven. The show offers a comedic take on the classic Teen Titans characters as they navigate life and save the day, all while dealing with the everyday challenges of being teenagers."We are thrilled to partner with Reform Social & Grill to bring the beloved characters of Teen Titans GO! closer to our fans in such a fun and engaging way," said Aya Hammad - Marketing, PR & Digital Manager Warner Bros Discovery Kids Networks in MENA.  Gates Hospitality CEO Naim Maadad said: "We are delighted to team up with Cartoon Network MENA and Teen Titans GO! for this exciting collaboration. Our co-branded kids menu and special activities will create an entertaining experience for families visiting Reform Social and Grill." 

In a collaboration between entertainment giant Spacetoon and renowned food company Almarai, the animated series "Cake Bar and Heroes" has taken the digital realm by storm, garnering a staggering 6 million views on YouTube and earning widespread acclaim from diverse audiences.This innovative project marks a significant milestone as the first-ever 3D animated series jointly produced by Spacetoon and Almarai, with a primary focus on showcasing Almarai’s beloved 7DAYS Cake Bar product. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K5kVkF2WGR4?si=lfxsk72KV9JLoR0v" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>Meticulously crafted with attention to detail, "Cake Bar and Heroes" delves into narratives deeply entrenched in Arabic cultural heritage. The authenticity of the series was further heightened through meticulous dubbing at the Spacetoon studios, ensuring a rich and immersive experience for viewers.Employing precise technical methodologies, the visual aesthetics of the series were tailored to resonate with the preferences of Arab children, delivering a visually captivating and culturally relevant viewing experience.Spanning 10 episodes, the series revolves around the daily adventures of siblings Badr, Bodoor, and Badran as they confront challenges with the aid of Cake Bar energy. This unique energy source not only propels their endeavors but also unlocks a realm of joy and excitement, echoing the empowering motto, "More Energy, More Victory.""Cake Bar and Heroes" has been widely distributed across various platforms, including Spacetoon TV, its YouTube channel, the Spacetoon Go app, and Almarai’s YouTube channel. With episodes tailored for children aged four to 12, each approximately two and a half minutes in length, the series ensures accessible and engaging content for its target audience.This collaboration between Spacetoon and Almarai represents a pioneering fusion of entertainment and consumer products, setting a new standard for animated content that celebrates both cultural heritage and brand innovation.

Omantel, the leading integrated Telecommunications Service provider in the Sultanate of Oman, announced its partnership with TOD – MENA region’s leading OTT platform for sports and entertainment. Under the agreement, Omantel will provide customers with exclusive sports and entertainment from TOD. This partnership aligns with Omantel’s vision to expand its digital content offerings enhancing the viewing experience for its customers.The sports offerings include the much-loved UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, Formula 1, Tennis Championships, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) competitions. Customers will also have access to 50,000+ hours of premium entertainment in Arabic, Turkish, and English offered by TOD.Through the partnership, Omantel will be offering its customers the flexibility to choose the plans as per their viewing preferences. For those who consume content on the go on their handheld devices, there is the option to choose TOD Mobile; on the other hand, those who prefer to have TOD across various devices such as smart phones and large screens can go for the TOD package. Even better, TOD 4K can be selected by avid football fans who prefer to watch their favorite matches in 4K clarity with Dolby Atmos sounds on supported devices.Saleh Mahmood Al Maimani, Caretaker General Manager Core Telco, stated:” "We're excited to announce our partnership with TOD, marking a first in Oman's telecom industry. This collaboration significantly offers a variety of sports and entertainment content available to our customers. It's a testament to Omantel's dedication to delivering wide solutions and playing a key role in advancing Oman's digital landscape."For his part, John Paul Mckerlie, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, TOD, said: "We are pleased to establish this partnership with Omantel. This collaboration allows us to further our reach in the country and offer unrivalled sports and entertainment. With interactive timelines, match highlights, watch-from-start features, and 4K matches on supported plans and devices – our range of offerings guarantees a second-to-none user experience for all of our viewers.”The partnership comes at the right time ahead of the platform’s remarkable lineup of sports and entertainment for the Holy month of Ramadan. It’s most anticipated Ramadan Gulf Original series “Zaman Al Ajaj”, directed by directed by the gifted Jasem AlMuhanna, enlists an A-list ensemble including Jassim Al Nabhan, Hussain Almahdi, Mona Hussein, and more. Additionally, it has other Original and acquired shows including Lunchox (Egyptian), Al Arbaji Season 2, Nokta Enntaha (Levant), Qalam Resas (Gulf) and cooking shows Bel’afya hosted by the famous chef Bader AlShayji, Wasfa Saeeda with Chef Sarah El Gendy and 30 Days of healthy transformation with Coach Nemo. Accompanied by Champions League, Formula 1, blockbuster western movies, Arabic, Turkish, English series and culturally oriented kids programming – the collaboration between Omantel and TOD provides a complete Ramadan viewing package for fans and families alike, proving to be a significant milestone for Omantel in its quest to offer state-of-the-art services. The partnership adds significant value to its customers, thereby playing a crucial role in the evolution of digital entertainment consumption in Oman.

Moonbug Entertainment, a subsidiary of Candle Media, today announced the launch of its second linear channel, Blippi & Friends, further expanding its reach of some of the most beloved kids’ entertainment shows. The new channel is distributed by Intigral on Jawwy TV and stc tv across the MENA region.Blippi & Friends, the first 24/7 linear channel named after Moonbug’s top-rated live-action pre-school brand, caters to children aged 4-8 years old and includes a daily segment targeted to younger pre-schoolers. The channel’s line-up features a variety of Blippi shows including Blippi Visits, Blippi Draws and the Blippi Game Show, alongside other favourites from franchises such as Meekah, and the feature-length special Big Dino Adventure. The daily segment designed for pre-schoolers, showcases popular shows such as CoComelon, Little Angel, Arpo and many more, encouraging co-viewing amongst siblings.The new channel is designed to integrate seamlessly into the daily routine of family life, offering enriching, engaging, and entertaining content throughout the day. Blippi will also share bespoke messages to promote positive behaviour such as physical activity, learning about new subjects, healthy eating and more. “Following the successful launch of our Moonbug linear channel, which is now available in 83 countries across the globe, we are delighted to announce the launch of the brand new 24/7 Blippi & Friends channel in the Middle East and North Africa,” commented Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director EMEA, APAC & Global Distribution at Moonbug Entertainment. “Designed to enrich families and their daily routines, this channel has been curated with the local market in mind, with Blippi not only sharing bespoke messages but celebrating regional holidays and moments too. The launch of this channel marks our next step in bringing great entertainment to children across the world.”This collaboration aligns with Intigral’s strategic focus on delivering responsible entertainment and instilling foundational values to its youngest audiences. Intigral’s streaming platforms Jawwy TV and stc tv, will be a secure entertainment and educational destination for pre-schoolers, offering educational adventures through Blippi & Friends to broaden children’s horizons and ignite their imagination.Blippi & Friends is now available in the following countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and United Arab Emirates.

Emirates was crowned the global winner of the ‘Best Inflight Entertainment Award’ in Airline Ratings 2024 Airline Excellence Awards, announced online.Emirates scooped the top award for inflight entertainment from an extensive finalist list of global airlines, due to its whopping 6,500 channels of high quality and acclaimed content, the world’s largest entertainment library in the sky - making it a clear winner for the Best Inflight Entertainment award.Customers enjoying Emirates flights can access a world-class entertainment library of 6,500 channels which includes;  More than 2,000 Hollywood and internationally acclaimed movies including 2024 Academy Award® winning films.  Hundreds of complete TV series and full box sets including the latest shows from leading streaming platforms and media brands such as HBO Max, Discovery+, BBC, Bloomberg Originals and Shahid.  Over 200 documentary movies and popular TV docu-series.  More than 150 Arabic movies and TV shows including a dedicated collection of Emirati movies.  More than 300 Bollywood and South Asian movies and TV shows in 13 languages.  Global cinema in over 50 languages with more than 600 international movies from across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.  Over 300 movies with ‘Closed Captions’ and 140 movies with ‘Audio Description’, offering accessibility to the visually impaired.  Emirates headphones are provided to customers in all cabin classes, including premium Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones in First Class, created by the renowned British sound experts exclusively for Emirates, using noise?cancelling technology to block out ambient cabin sounds and deliver the cleanest output.  Specially designed Emirates headphones for kids’ comfort.  Emirates headphones are also compatible with hearing aids when set to the ‘T’ position.  A music library of over 3,500 albums and curated playlists.  5 channels of live TV, including 3 news channels and two channels with live sports coverage.  Over 250 dedicated kids and family channels including dozens of shows for pre-school kids.  Happiness, wellbeing and self-development content including brands such as LinkedIn Learning and Mindvalley.  Podcasts and audiobooks including Emirates World, dedicated to highlighting the destination of Dubai and engaging with global thought leaders.  An inflight airshow capability that allows customers to follow their flight's progress on a moving map, and see the world from 40,000ft through external cameras.  Emirates Skywards members can enjoy free connectivity to Wi-Fi onboard.Emirates continually updates its inflight content every month, adding hundreds of movies, TV shows, podcasts, and music channels each month to its extensive entertainment library and securing exclusive partnerships with the best content providers. Customers can also curate their own ice experience before their flight, simply by browsing and pre-selecting movies or TV shows on the Emirates app, which can then be synchronised to ice the moment they board, maximising the seamless travel experience.Emirates inflight entertainment journey began almost 30 years ago, when it was one of the first airlines to introduce seat-back videos for economy-class passengers. Emirates is also committed to setting industry standards and accessibility for people of determination and was the first airline in the world to introduce Audio Descriptive soundtracks and Closed Captions on movies on an inflight entertainment system.Airlineratings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas commented on the award: “Our editors were unanimous in their praise for Emirates ice system as a step above. That early investment in inflight entertainment has paid off for Emirates and just when you think it can’t do it better – it lifts the bar once again.”The AirineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards are evaluated by an editorial team with many years of experience, based on a robust criteria including product and safety rating, passengers’ reviews on AirlineRatings.com and Trip Advisor, and overall profitability

KALM, the world’s first sports and esports consultancy focused on player development and performance, has launched its new global headquarters in Abu Dhabi. KALM is set to revolutionise the landscape by offering a unique blend of expertise from both traditional sports and esports, including innovations, technology and academic partnerships to develop first-in-class services for athletes. Powered by Access Abu Dhabi, an initiative by Maven Global Access and supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), KALM will provide its services to organisations, global brands and individual athletes in and out of their sporting endeavours.KALM utilises proprietary performance technology from Stanford University to identify key traits and talent of athletes by evaluating perceptive, physical and mental capabilities. It is focused on creating a best-in-class performance centre dedicated to optimising player health and recovery. KALM harnesses data science and AI applications to understand peak player performance and lifestyle factors affecting performance and develops methods to extend the longevity of an athlete’s career. Massimo Falcioni, Chief Competitiveness Officer at ADIO, commented: “Abu Dhabi is steadily emerging as a regional sports and esports centre, and KALM is joining a solid lineup of global players who are setting up their operations in the Emirate. Boasting a positive investment environment, enabling regulations and cutting-edge infrastructure and connectivity, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for innovators. We are confident that KALM will drive further growth for a key sector in the Emirate, through offering unique and innovative services.”KALM has established an athlete-centric development model through education, brand-building and commercialisation focused on protecting, managing and leveraging athlete brands. Through its global HQ, the company will engage with government, the private sector, federations, teams and key stakeholders to create, drive and deliver its athlete health and wellbeing strategy. “At KALM, our mission is to put the player at the centre,” said Dr. Melita Moore. “Esports athletes compete at the highest level and their physical, mental and overall well-being deserves the same level of care as traditional athletes. We chose Abu Dhabi as the location for our headquarters because of the incredible support and opportunities offered by this vibrant city. Access Abu Dhabi played a pivotal role in bringing us to the region initially. Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to innovation in the gaming industry made it the ideal choice for KALM to thrive.”Founded by industry veterans and medical experts with over 70 years of combined experience, KALM introduces a powerhouse team of partners.Dr Melita N. Moore, renowned in sports medicine, brings her global leadership from serving as team physician for NBA and WNBA, to a leading role at the Global Esports Federation as a Vice President. Dr. Khizer Khaderi is a visionary in neuro-ophthalmic surgery and technology, with a notable spot in “40 under 40,” contributes expertise in AI, VR and AR. Ali Al Ramahi, a leading sports scientist and performance coach, specialises in developing wellness programmes for esports athletes, while Luke Fedlam, a distinguished sports attorney, shapes the regulatory landscape of sports and esports and provides athlete development and education.KALM’s initiative will elevate the Middle East’s presence in the global sports and esports arena, providing a platform for young aspirants to achieve international acclaim. The timing of the launch aligns with the region’s growing interest in digital sports and entertainment, marking a significant stride in the development of a robust esports ecosystem.

MENATech Entertainment, the Middle East arm of the international gaming company GGTech Entertainment, has announced a remarkable growth in Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports (AUE) tournaments with over 100 teams registering in the KSA and a total of 2,194 students participating, almost a 57% growth from the last season. Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports is a global initiative operating in 26 countries, designed to integrate the diverse needs of the expanding esports industry by hosting competitions for university students. This platform not only fosters community and friendship through online and in-person events but also serves as a gateway for students to gain early professional experiences in various fields such as programming, design, marketing, and law, thus aligning with the industry's demand for a wide range of professionals.In its commitment to expanding participation, AUE welcomed over 10 new universities from the KSA, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and broadening the talent pool within the esports community. This initiative is a global effort, with AUE impacting over 100,000 students across 26 countries and 2,600 universities. GGTech's engagement further amplifies this reach, boasting over 600,000 registered participants across various competitions. AUE stands out by encouraging collaboration and fostering community among students through diverse games like FIFA, VALORANT, and PUBG Mobile, highlighting the platform's role in enhancing academic and social connections. Last year, the competition solidified strategic support with companies like Shahid and Deliveroo.Hosting 85% of the gaming enthusiasts in the MENA region, AUE has placed an early bet on the KSA as an up-and-coming esports hub. The country is gearing up to solidify its position as the global epicentre of esports by hosting the Esports World Cup in the summer of 2024, and the construction of the megaproject 'Qiddiya City Esports Arena', the first stadium created for the immersive gaming and sports experience. The esports market in KSA, valued at $1 billion in 2021, is on a trajectory to explode to $6.8 billion by 2030. Furthermore, with the rollout of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, KSA aims to boost its GDP by about 50 billion riyals and create 39,000 new job opportunities by 2030.Mario Perez, CEO of MENA Tech Entertainment, highlights, “With the esports industry projected to reach $1.6 billion in turnover by 2024 and an expected 24.7% increase in worldwide spectatorship, the booming sector mirrors the growth within Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports. As we reflect on the triumphs of this year's tournaments, we're eager to deepen our collaboration with universities and their students in the KSA. The enthusiastic response by both the teams and individual participants reaffirms the increasing influence of AUE within the educational domain, showing a promising future.”In KSA and the surrounding region, the goal remains to sustain growth and extend the reach of GGTech’s endeavours to an increasing number of students for its competitions, training and educational components. Moreover, this year will witness the return of the AUE Masters, an in-person event where students from the region can exhibit their gaming skills and passion, and interact and make connections with fellow gamers, elevating the region’s status as a gaming hub.Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports is made possible thanks to the support of top-level publishers and brands such as Riot Games and Shahid.

IndiaCast Media Distribution Private Limited has announced the much-anticipated return of its unique culinary show Colors Food Trail, for a captivating fourth season in the Middle East on COLORS TV, the leading entertainment channel from Viacom18. The season launched on 10th March, Sunday at 8 PM UAE / 7 PM KSA, Persil Presents Colors Food Trail, Powered by Lifebuoy promises a vibrant exploration of taste buds and travel memories, making it the most delightful cooking show to grace your screens during Ramadan.This Season features eight renowned social media influencers from the UAE – Saaniya Abass, Maradona Rebello, Sneha Rebecca, Mamta Sachdeva, Siddharth Vohra, Umang Shandliya, Rafeez Ahmed, and Saim Ali. Each episode will feature a different influencer sharing their favourite travel destination and cuisine. The show's resident culinary maestro, Chef Abs Patil, will then rise to the challenge, recreating those unforgettable food experiences right in the studio kitchen.This captivating format promises a delightful blend of nostalgia, travel inspiration, and culinary expertise. Yachana Sharma, joins the show as the host for this season, adding her infectious energy and witty commentary to further elevate the viewing experience.Commenting on the show's return and its innovative format, Govind Shahi, Executive Vice President, and Head of International Business, IndiaCast Media, shared, " Colors Food Trail has captured the hearts of viewers with its innovative format and celebration of diverse culinary experiences. This season promises even more excitement with a fresh set of influencers and their travel-inspired culinary stories, and we are incredibly excited to bring this new season to life and look forward to the audience's enthusiastic response."Colors Food Trail Season 4 is proudly supported by a prestigious lineup of sponsors, including Persil (Title Sponsor), Lifebuoy (Powered By Sponsor), and Associate Sponsors - Jif, Caprisun, Al Osra, PanaNatural, Panadol Extra, Pana Vapour Release, Centrum, Al Baker, Nair, Batiste, Flawless, Haldiram’s, and Pearl Drops.Embark on a flavour-filled adventure with Colors Food Trail Season 4, Every Sunday at 8 PM UAE / 7 PM KSA, only on COLORS TV in the Middle East! Viewers across the globe can also watch the episodes on the official COLORSTVME YouTube page <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t6YTCafzoME?si=PzG0yjllnmLagnG3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Dubai Lynx, MENA’s leading platform for creative excellence and effectiveness, has revealed this year’s winners at the Awards Ceremony tonight.Saudi Arabia wins five Grands Prix, their highest ever received at Dubai Lynx, including four Grands Prix for ‘ProtectTasbih’, for Saudia, entered by Leo Burnett, Jeddah.‘Rumble’ for General Entertainment Authority entered by Accenture Song, Dubai, United Arab Emirates took home seven Lynx Awards, including Grands Prix in the Film and Film Craft Lynx. Notable winners also include VML, Casablanca, which was awarded Morocco’s first ever Grand Prix, taking home the Grand Prix for Good.Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS & Dubai Lynx, said: “Congratulations to our 2024 winners for setting the creative benchmark in MENA for another year. Yesterday’s Festival was a fantastic day bringing MENA’s creative community together to network, learn and be inspired by the rich mix of speakers and champions for creativity in the region. I’d like to thank our Jurors for all their hard work and dedication in setting the benchmark for creative excellence across the region.”Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, added, “This year’s winners really showcase the level of excellence coming from the region. A huge congratulations to all our winners, Special Award winners and Young Lynx Competition winners. The insights and trends from this year’s work will be explored in the Dubai Lynx Creativity Report, providing the official rankings for this year’s top performing Networks, Agencies and Companies from across the region, published on 20 March.”This year’s Grand Prix winners are:Brand Experience & ActivationFrom 166 entries received, 15 were awarded: 2 Gold, 5 Silver & 7 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘ProtectTasbih’, for Saudia, by Leo Burnett, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia / Saatchi & Saatchi Middle East, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesCreative CommerceFrom 51 entries received, 5 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver & 1 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘I See Coke’, for The Coca-Cola Company, by VML, Dubai, United Arab Emirates / VML, New York City, United States of AmericaCreative EffectivenessFrom 35 entries received, 5 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver & 2 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘The Hidden Room’, for Home Box, by Leo Burnett, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesCreative StrategyFrom 59 entries received, 6 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver & 2 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Superstar Ravi’, for Adidas, by Havas Middle East / Red Havas Middle East, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDesignFrom 69 entries received, 8 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver & 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘ProtectTasbih’, for Saudia, by Leo Burnett, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia / Saatchi & Saatchi Middle East, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDigitalFrom 84 entries received, 7 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver & 3 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘I See Coke’, for The Coca-Cola Company, by VML, Dubai, United Arab Emirates / VML, New York City, United States of AmericaDirectFrom 130 entries received, 14 were awarded: 2 Gold, 4 Silver & 7 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘ProtectTasbih’, for Saudia, by Leo Burnett, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia / Saatchi & Saatchi Middle East, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesEntertainmentFrom 87 entries received, 9 were awarded: 1 Gold, 3 Silver & 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Unauthorized Trip’, for Saudi Tourism Authority, by ? AND US, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesFilmFrom 139 entries received, 10 were awarded: 2 Gold, 3 Silver & 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Rumble’, for General Entertainment Authority, by Accenture Song, Dubai, United Arab Emirates / Droga5, Part of Accenture Song, New York City, United States of AmericaFilm CraftFrom 157 entries received, 14 were awarded: 2 Gold, 5 Silver & 6 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Rumble’, for General Entertainment Authority, by Accenture Song, Dubai, United Arab Emirates / Droga5, Part of Accenture Song, New York City, United States of AmericaGlass: The Award for ChangeFrom 11 entries received, 3 were awarded: 2 Gold and the Grand Prix that went to ‘The Female Field’, for Adidas, by Havas Middle East, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesGrand Prix for GoodThe Grand Prix for Good was awarded to ‘Out of Home’, for Jood, by VML / Wunderman Thompson, Casablanca, MoroccoHealthcareFrom 68 entries received, 6 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver & 2 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘The Protective Rhymes’, for Anghami, by Leo Burnett, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesIndustry CraftFrom 87 entries received, 7 were awarded: 3 Silver & 3 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Maqroo - The First Arabic Dyslexic Font’, for Omantel, by Leo Burnett, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesIntegratedFrom 27 entries received, 3 were awarded: 1 Gold & 1 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Battle of the Baddest - Integrated’, for General Entertainment Authority, by Accenture Song, Dubai, United Arab Emirates / Droga5, Part of Accenture Song, New York City, United States of America / Droga5, Part of Accenture Song, Tokyo, JapanMediaFrom 127 entries received, 12 were awarded: 2 Gold, 4 Silver & 5 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Frequencies of Peace’, for Babyshop, by FP7 McCann, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesOutdoorFrom 116 entries received, 8 were awarded: 2 Gold, 2 Silver & 3 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘The Lost Camel’, for Emirates Development Bank, by LivingRoom Communication, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesPRFrom 82 entries received, 7 were awarded: 1 Gold, 2 Silver & 3 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘ProtectTasbih’, for Saudia, by Leo Burnett, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia / Saatchi & Saatchi Middle East, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesPrint & PublishingFrom 43 entries received, 4 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver & 1 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Plant Espresso’, ‘Planet Roast’, ‘Planet Ethiopia’, for Boon, by Grey, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesRadio & AudioFrom 50 entries received, 5 were awarded: 2 Gold, 1 Silver & 1 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘I See Coke’, for The Coca-Cola Company, by VML, Dubai, United Arab Emirates / VML, New York City, United States of AmericaSocial & InfluencerFrom 88 entries received, 7 were awarded: 1 Gold, 1 Silver & 4 Bronze Lynx Awards and the Grand Prix that went to ‘Birthmark Stories’, for Hungerstation, by VML / Wunderman Thompson, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaDubai Lynx Special Awards were given as follows:Network of the Year1. Leo Burnett2. Saatchi & Saatchi3. BBDO WorldwideMedia Network of the Year1. Initiative2. Mediacom3. StarcomMENA Agency of the Year1. Leo Burnett, Dubai, United Arab Emirates2. Impact BBDO, Dubai, United Arab Emirates3. Saatchi & Saatchi, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesIndependent Agency of the Year1. Serviceplan Middle East, Dubai, United Arab Emirates2. ? AND US, Dubai, United Arab Emirates3. Bigtime Creative Shop, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaLynx Palm Award1. Good People Films, Egypt2. Prodigious, United Arab Emirates3. Dejavu, United Arab EmiratesYoung Lynx Integrated Competition winners are as follows:Gold‘Waste No Words’Ananya Talwar & Benjamin KirbyVML DubaiSilver‘Learn Greenwash-en-ese’Mahmoud Gahallah & Zainab YasseenM&C SaatchiBronze‘Free The Green’Daniela Romero Aguirre & Ayman ShehadeTBWA/RAADThe Dubai Lynx Creativity Report will be released on Wednesday 20 March, which shines a light on the best creativity across MENA, as selected by Dubai Lynx Juries. The Report will feature interviews with winners about how the work was created, exclusive insights from the Jury room, trends and themes that have emerged from the 2024 Awards, along with the annual rankings for this year’s top performing Networks, Agencies and Companies in the region. All results can be found at https://www.lovethework.com/work-awards/awards/dubai-lynx.Contacts:Camilla LambertPR DirectorDubai LynxCamillal@canneslions.comTash NaidooSenior PR ManagerDubai LynxTashn@canneslions.comKamille MarchantFestival DirectorDubai LynxKamillem@dubailynx.comPress Portal:Press.canneslions.comAwards enquiries:awards@dubailynx.com

The I-Film Festival (IFF) concluded at the Yas Creative Hub. This inaugural event highlighted Abu Dhabi's role in fostering innovation and collaboration within the film industry, bringing together professionals, emerging talents, and enthusiasts to strengthen the creative industries ecosystem.The festival showcased Abu Dhabi's evolving status as a global content hub, with significant contributions from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and Creative Lab (CL).Mohammed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, and Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission at ADFC, spotlighted the festival's display of Abu Dhabi's advanced infrastructure and the appealing financial incentives available to filmmakers and content creators worldwide.Khalid Khouri, Director of Talent Development at the Creative Media Authority, commented on the festival's impact on talent growth: "The level of engagement and enthusiasm we've seen from emerging talents at the IFF has been remarkable. It underscores Abu Dhabi's capability to cultivate creative careers and establish meaningful industry partnerships."Saravana Prasad, Founder of the Innovative Group, shared his vision for the festival: "The I-Film Festival is more than an event; it's a catalyst for creative innovation and talent development in the region. We are immensely proud of the collaborative spirit and the breakthrough achievements of this inaugural festival. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for the film industry in Abu Dhabi and beyond."Workshops led by celebrated Cinematographer R. Rathnavelu and Manoj Paramahamsa, along with sound designer Resul Pookutty, emphasised the critical role of storytelling in film, providing attendees with invaluable insights into the cinematic arts.The success of the I-Film Festival affirms Abu Dhabi's dedication to creating a thriving environment for the creative industries, further establishing the Emirate as a leading global destination for film and media.

Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC), the region’s largest pop culture festival organised in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has revealed that Golden Globe-winning actor and producer Oscar Isaac will headline the all-star lineup of MEFCC 2024, taking place from 9-11 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.In an extraordinary journey spanning from the Star Wars saga to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the world of X-Men, Isaac has tackled an array of fan-favourite roles.It was his portrayal of X-wing fighter pilot Poe Dameron in the Star Wars sequel trilogy (2015–2019) that made Isaac an endearing global star and a household name. His role as the eponymous struggling folk singer in the musical drama Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) earned him a Golden Globe nomination, while he received a Golden Globe award for his performance in the HBO miniseries Show Me a Hero and an Emmy nomination for his role in HBO's Scenes from a Marriage.Marking Isaac’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was Moon Knight, where he played the lead character in this six-episode series about a vigilante with an otherworldly connection to an Egyptian Moon God. This was followed by more iconic roles, where he voiced Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and Duke Leto Atreides in the Hollywood Blockbuster, Dune.Isaac’s presence in Abu Dhabi will be a thrill for MEFCC fans and patrons, with the Stanley Kubrick-inspired actor being a part of Meet the Stars attraction, where visitors can meet the headline celebrity, snap a selfie, and create the memory of a lifetime.The legendary Manga artist and creator of Captain Tsubasa, Yoichi Takahashi, will also be making his way to Abu Dhabi to delight life-long fans at MEFCC. Better known as Captain Majid in the Middle East, Takahashi’s manga has inspired generations of, not just anime and manga fans, but professional football players too including Messi, Zidane, Iniesta and many more. His impact on the region is quite evident, with so many fans having grown up with the franchise in the region, and it being one of the cornerstones for Anime’s popularity in the Middle East.The latest announcement and joining the headliner is Sophia Di Martino, portraying Sylvie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series, Loki. Di Martino was awarded ‘Breakthrough Performance’ and Best Team with Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson at the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Her standout performance and show-stealing charisma made her an absolute fan favourite, with viewers actively requesting for her role to be more prominent moving forward in the MCU.Toru Furuya joins Japanese Voice Actor Line-upToru Furuya is a legend in the Japanese voice-acting world, having made his debut at age 10 and played many famous characters over a fifty-year career. He is best known for voicing Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon, Amuro Ray in Mobile Suit Gundam, Yamcha in Dragon Ball, Sabo in One Piece, Pegasus Seiya in Saint Seiya, and Rei Furuya in Detective Conan. Besides these characters, Furuya has voiced over a hundred characters in the world of anime.MEFCC 2024 is also set to welcome a stellar line-up of voice actors, including Japanese actor, voice actor and singer Show Hayami; Frank Welker, the voice behind Transformers’ Megatron, Garfield and Scooby Doo; Peter Cullen, the voice actor behind Optimus Prime, the protagonist of Transformers; as well as American voice actor and musician Troy Baker.Simone Di Meo joins Comic Creator line-upAlso making his way to Abu Dhabi next week will be acclaimed comic creator Simone Di Meo. As a DC Comics exclusive artist, Di Meo is currently working on a new series for Batman and Robin and will regale the audience with the inside story of his acclaimed journey as a comic artist.Di Meo will join a star-studded line-up at this year’s event that includes legendary Brazilian comic creator Ivan Reis, and other acclaimed artists such as Mark Brooks, Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Steve McNiven, and Kode Abdo, also known as BossLogic.Ensemble cast at MEFCC 2024The ensemble cast of guest celebrities at the convention this year includes Olivier-nominated actor Taz Skylar and his One Piece co-star Iñaki Godoy. Also taking part this year are Harry Potter’s mischievous Weasley twins, James and Oliver Phelps, and iconic Star Wars actor Temuera Morrison.Ultimate fan experience at MEFCCBoasting a 12-year legacy of celebrating film, TV, sci-fi, anime, manga, gaming, comics and collectibles, MEFCC aims to create the ultimate fan experience in Abu Dhabi, with memorable attractions including the Comic Creators Club, where avid fans can get their own unique commissions; the Artist Alley, featuring local and regional emerging and established artists showcasing and selling their latest work; and the Gaming Arena, where enthusiasts can level up with the latest challenges.The Main Stage at MEFCC will host celebrity panels, interviews, community sessions and fan screenings, while the Festival Plaza is where visitors will get to enjoy live entertainment, music, activities, and lip-smacking food and beverages.

IndiaCast Media Distribution Pvt Ltd, the content asset monetization arm of TV18 and Viacom18, is proud to announce the launch of DesiPlay TV, a South Asian ‘FAST’ (Free Ad Supported Streaming Television) Channel on Shahid in HD format. This groundbreaking partnership between IndiaCast Media and Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform by MBC Group will bring the vibrant world of Hindi entertainment to audiences across the globe, except for India.DesiPlay TV is set to revolutionize the way viewers access and enjoy South Asian content by offering a diverse range of programs, including movies, drama series, and much more with English subtitles. As a FAST channel, it is completely free and supported by advertisements, making it accessible to audiences from any device or locations.Key Highlights of DesiPlay TV on Shahid:1.     Global Accessibility: DesiPlay TV is available to audiences around the world (except India), providing a unique opportunity for South Asian content enthusiasts to connect with their roots and explore the rich tapestry of South Asian culture.2.     Evergreen Hindi Content: Viewers can expect an exciting array of content that spans genres and caters to a broad audience, from classic Bollywood movies to cutting-edge original series and culturally rich reality shows. The channel line up boasts of some of the most loved and popular shows like Na Ana Is Des Laado, Uttaran, Comedy Nights with Kapil etc.3.     Free to View: DesiPlay TV is free to access, ensuring that viewers can enjoy high-quality South Asian content without any subscription fees.4.     Continuous Engagement: The channel will regularly update its content library, providing fresh and engaging entertainment to keep viewers entertained.Mr. Govind Shahi, Executive Vice President, and Head of International Business, IndiaCast Media, expressed his excitement about this groundbreaking collaboration, saying, "We are thrilled to bring DesiPlay TV to South Asian entertainment enthusiasts in the Middle East and around the world. Our partnership with MBC and Shahid is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible content that caters to a global audience. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to providing an unparalleled viewing experience to fans of quality South Asian entertainment."Lina Matta, Director of AVOD at MBC GROUP added: We are excited to introduce DesiPlay TV, a South Asian FAST channel on Shahid, in collaboration with IndiaCast which has proved to be a significant addition to our diverse content offerings. We pride ourselves in delivering high-quality, global entertainment experiences, and DesiPlay TV aligns perfectly with our mission. We look forward to welcoming viewers from around the world to enjoy the rich tapestry of South Asian entertainment, available on Shahid."

This February, Madame Tussauds Dubai, located on Bluewaters, will unveil its latest global joining the ever-growing list of glamourous celebrities - the wax figure of Marilyn Monroe. To celebrate the launch of the icon’s figure, which is just in time for the month of love with Valentine’s Day, Madame Tussauds is offering special discounts and offerings to visitors and tourists alike.Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, she was an iconic American actress, model, and singer, renowned for portraying comic ‘blonde bombshell’ characters. Marilyn rose to fame as one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s, with her signature glamourous style. She was a top-billed actress for just a decade, but her films grossed an impressive $200 million by 1962. Marilyn Monroe’s influence as a major popular culture icon continues today, more than half a century later.Marilyn Monroe’s figure is styled in the shimmering red sequin dress from the 1953 film ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’. While her beauty look quickly evolved as her career took off, Marilyn Monroe continued to experiment with her hair and makeup, wearing her iconic curls in a variety of styles. She also proved the versatility of her glamorous look by wearing a full face of makeup for every occasion, from an on-screen appearance to a casual party at home. Her figure can be seen in her signature look: blonde curled hair, red lips and full lashes.She joins the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Lawrence and Tom Cruise in the Film Zone, one of the six themed areas of Madame Tussauds Dubai, the other zones being: Leaders & Royals, Fashion, Bollywood, Sports and the A-List Music Party.Exclusively during the month of February, visitors (groups of up to four adults) to the star-studded attraction can enjoy a special 20 per cent discount by mentioning “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” at the entrance and can cast their hand in wax for just AED25, reduced from AED40.Perfect for a Galentine’s Day outing with friends or an alternative Valentine’s Day celebration with a loved one, there are many reasons to plan a visit to Madame Tussaud Dubai this month. Pose with Marilyn Monroe’s figure, explore interactive experiences, and marvel at the fantastic selection of lifelike wax figures. “We’re so excited to celebrate the February ‘Month of Love’ with Marilyn Monroe’s figure adding that vintage Hollywood style and glamour to our vibrant Film Zone,” said Sanaz Kollsrud, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Dubai.Notes:Opening hours:Sunday – Thursday 12pm – 8pm (last entry 7:45pm)Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays 11am - 9pm (last entry 8:45pm)Ramadan hours: 3pm to 10pm dailyStandard Admission Ticket prices:Adults (11+) AED150Children (3-11) AED125Under 3s- free of chargeExclusive Fame Experience Ticket prices:VIP Tour Adults (11+) AED305VIP Tour Children (3-11) AED240UAE Resident Ticket prices:Adults (11+) AED115Children (3-11) AED90Under 3s- free of chargeFriend & Family Ticket prices:Four Adults (11+) AED480Two Adults & 2 Children (3-11) AED440Under 3s- free of charge

Yango, an international tech company and one of the leading ride-hailing services in Africa, is not standing on the sidelines of this African football celebration ongoing in Côte d'Ivoire.  Football unites different nations and people. This championship is not only a celebration of football in Africa, but also a competition of national teams. To show its support and enhance the journey of the fans, Yango has produced an anthem for a regional campaign “Ride the moment” dedicated to the event. The YANGOOOAL song was written by artists Shado Chris and Paulo Chakal. The campaign is accompanied by a challenge open to everyone on social media. By making a video to this song to show their love for African football, fans can try to win tickets for the semi-finals, 3rd place play-off and the final match of the competition scheduled for 11 February. Fans across Africa can share great experiences and special moments and post the video on social networks using the hashtag #yangoooal.Soro Kadotien, Country Director of Yango Côte d'Ivoire, said: ‘‘Yango is happy to be part of the party and what better way to celebrate than with good music. We hope that a massive number of football fans will take part in this competition and give themselves a chance to experience the final matches in person. He added, ‘We're delighted to offer the best affordable, safe and convenient mobility solution during this great celebration of football. It's truly the moments that propel us forward. Whether it's moments with loved ones, new experiences, emotions, or achievements. We hope with this contribution, to amplify football fans' excitement, support this celebration by choosing fans who will create a video showcasing football and share their emotions. Yango reaffirms its attachment to Africa, where the company has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the leaders in tech that transforms global sourced technologies into everyday services for local enrichment.'’ One of the songwriters, Shado Chris said: “We are proud that Ivory Coast is hosting this championship and to share this song with all fans. We are delighted to have been selected to work on this project by the Yango team trying to unite countries and fans across Africa by sharing Yangoooal beats and lyrics. Yango is a major international company demonstrating its closeness and support to the people of Africa. We are sure the party will be great with this beautiful song.” Yango invites football enthusiasts to celebrate their love for the game while riding every moment with Yango. To enter the 'Yango Anthem' contest:- Create a video showcasing football passion with Yango, set to the 'Yangoooal' song.- Share video on social media using #yangoooal - Accumulate the most views by February 3rd to win exclusive prizes. Prizes include match tickets for and VIP experiences in African countries to watch the finals.  In addition, Yango is putting in place a variety of activation events across the continent to enhance the unforgettable sports festival experience for fans, reinforcing its dedication to safety, affordability and accessibility across Africa. 

Mohammed Al Suwaidi secured a decisive win at the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC 2) on Friday at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, making him the first Emirati champion since the championship’s inception last year. Al Suwaidi, also part of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team, defeated South Korean Seonghyeon Joo in an intense matchup on the Prelims Card.In a gripping three-round showdown in the Grappling (Lightweight) category, Al Suwaidi showcased exceptional skills that led to a unanimous decision by the judges in his favor against the formidable Joo. Organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) and technical partner AJP, the championship features an intriguing fight card with fourteen adrenaline-pumping bouts between top jiu-jitsu and grappling athletes within the confines of a custom-built octagon.Al Suwaidi, expressing his elation and gratitude after the match, said, “I am overwhelmed by this achievement and honored to become the first Emirati to win the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship. I extend my sincere thanks to H.E. Abdulmunem Alsayedmohamed Alhashmi and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for their continued support.”Acknowledging the support during his rigorous preparation, Al Suwaidi added, “It was a wonderful experience to step into the cage for the first time. I have put in a great effort during a month and a half of training with expert coaches in grappling and jiu-jitsu. I am honored to dedicate this victory to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates.”

Lanny Smoot, a Disney Research Fellow and longtime member of Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, is being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He is the first Disney Imagineer to receive this prestigious recognition and only the second individual from The Walt Disney Company to be inducted—the first being Walt Disney, honored posthumously in 2000 for the multiplane camera. Smoot and his fellow Class of 2024 inductees will be formally honored in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 9.Upon learning of his induction, Smoot said, “I was honored and humbled at being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. With all of the inventing greats, however, I caught a true lump in my throat when I realized that I was only the second person at The Walt Disney Company being presented with this honor, and the first person was Walt Disney himself.”For nearly three decades, Smoot has continued to push the boundaries of technology to bring to life awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind experiences to Disney guests around the world. Throughout his illustrious career, he has worked as a theatrical technology creator, inventor, electrical engineer, scientist, and researcher, resulting in more than 100 patents—an incredibly rare feat that makes Smoot one of the most prolific Black inventors in American history, based on patents issued, according to Disney patent attorney Stuart Langley. Of that total, 74 of his patents were created during his 25 years at The Walt Disney Company.“At Disney Experiences, we’re committed to world-class storytelling, creativity, and innovation in everything we do, and Lanny Smoot embodies every one of those ideals,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “As Disney’s most prolific inventor, Lanny continues to amaze all of us with his artistic ingenuity, technical expertise, and endless imagination.”Among his many accomplishments, Smoot is credited with giving Madame Leota her ability to “float” in the Séance Room at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park; crafting the state-of-the-art extendable lightsaber used by Disney Live Entertainment; inventing the Magic Playfloor interactive game experience on the Disney Cruise Line; producing the immersive Fortress Explorations adventure at Tokyo DisneySea; and designing the virtual and interactive koi ponds at the Crystal Lotus Restaurant at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.When deciding which of his patents to highlight as part of his National Inventors Hall of Fame induction, Smoot selected “Where’s the Fire?” at Innoventions, previously featured at EPCOT. This interactive exhibit promoted fire prevention through engaging challenges; guests “shined” a special flashlight on the walls of a house and, through the magic of his technology, exposed hidden fire dangers and learned how to prevent them from happening.Smoot is the recipient of many awards and honors, including three Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) for his work on the attractions Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Kim Possible: World Showcase Adventure, as well as the Ghost Post limited-time experience inspired by the Haunted Mansion. In 2020, Smoot’s expertise in theatrical technology earned him the esteemed title of TEA Master.Smoot’s forward-thinking inventions have also empowered the theatrical community to create new entertainment, illusions, and magic. He is currently working on the HoloTile floor, the world’s first multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor. It allows any number of people to have a shared virtual reality (VR) experience, walk an unlimited distance in any direction, and never collide or walk off its surface. The HoloTile floor can also be an insert in a theatrical stage, allowing performers to move and dance in new ways, or stage props and structures to move around or appear to set themselves up.Prior to joining Disney, Smoot completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at Columbia University. Before Disney, he worked at Bell Laboratories, followed by Bell Communications Research. While at Bell, he received patents for his role in the early development of video-on-demand technology, video conferencing, and more.

Line Investments & Property LLC has successfully concluded the exciting 'Mall Millionaire' campaign, announcing the lucky winners of the AED One Million grand prize and five T5 EVO cars. The campaign held, across thirteen malls in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, redefined the shopping experience, offering customers an array of rewards, entertainment, and shopping deals. The grand prize draw was the highlight of the campaign, with one fortunate shopper winning AED One Million. The lucky winner, Mr. Mohammad Sameer took home a million dirhams. Additionally, five lucky winners drove away with brand new Forthing T5 Evo 2024 cars. Throughout the campaign, shoppers also enjoyed winning Lulu Trolley gift vouchers, AED 20,000 Laka Cards worth up to AED 500K, and other instant prizes. "Witnessing the joy and excitement among our shoppers has been truly rewarding," said Wajeb Al Khoury, Director of Line Investments and Property LLC. "The 'Mall Millionaire' campaign's third edition has not only offered fantastic shopping deals but has also created unforgettable moments and happy winners. It's gratifying to see our vision for a unique shopping experience come to life across our malls." Biju George, General Manager, Line Investments, commented, "The overwhelming response to the 'Mall Millionaire' campaign underscores our commitment to offering exceptional experiences to our shoppers. We are thrilled to have brought back this campaign, making the shopping season memorable. Congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to hosting more such engaging events in the future." The campaign's success has set a new benchmark for shopping extravaganzas in the region, with weekly prize-giving ceremonies, daily draws, and the mega prize of AED 1 million plus cars. The participating malls witnessed an unprecedented turnout, reflecting the campaign's popularity. Line Investments & Property LLC extends its gratitude to all the participants and partners who made the 'Mall Millionaire' campaign a phenomenal success and promises to return with more exciting initiatives in the future. Participating malls included Al Wahda Mall, Mushrif Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Al Raha Mall, Mazyad Mall, Forsan Central Mall, Al Falah Central Mall, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre and Gold Centre, Hameem Mall, and Mafraq Mall in Abu Dhabi as well as Al Foah Mall and Barari Outlet Mall in Al Ain and Al Dhafra Mall in Al Dhafra.

Advanced Media Trading recently launched CINETomorrow, the third edition of its biannual digital cinema community event, as an interactive intersection of digital cinema, virtual production and sustainability in media and entertainment from January 11-13, 2024.The three-day event from January 11 to 13, 2024 was broken down into three main themes: “Light, Sound, Action!,” “Behind the Scenes,” and “Future of Cinema.” Every theme corresponded to a day of workshops and addressed the main subjects associated with the theme. Day three, “Future of Cinema,” focused on how environmental concerns have shifted productions from physical to digital with virtual production and cloud technology. “ On January 13th M&E technology expert Iain Churchill-Coleman kicked off the day with a 90-minute workshop on “Mastering Remote Production for Video Editors.” Powered by EditShare, the workshop emphasized how navigating remote video production demands not only requires technical knowledge but also a good understanding of project management, permissions, and IT security. In this era of rapid change, remote editing has become an essential skill for editors and content creators. “We have called it the future of cinema but it is really the present. The amazing technology developed by EditShare and the services provided are already revolutionizing cinema for the better. We cannot recommend them to productions enough,” Abdelrahman Elalfy, Corporate Sales Manager at Advanced Media Trading.EditShare is an Emmy Award-winning technology leader, supporting storytellers through collaborative media workflows across on-premise, cloud and hybrid architectures. The market-leading open software solutions and robust APIs improve workflow collaboration, third-party integrations and content sharing across the entire production chain. Designed specifically for media applications, the high performance line-up provides shared storage, archiving and backup, and intelligent media asset management.Through a recent merger with Shift Media, EditShare now also integrates tools for content review and distribution, the creation of customized and branded pitch reels, and secure preview of high-value pre-release content. The workshop led by Iain Churchill-Coleman was designed to empower editors with the indispensable knowledge and techniques required to operate efficiently in remote work. "I was delighted to participate in the inaugural CINETomorrow event. It was a great opportunity to showcase Editshare's commitment to advancing efficient remote production and collaborative media workflows" remarked Churchill-Coleman.CINETomorrow is an edition in a series of digital cinema events organized by Advanced Media. After receiving a positive response from the workshop attendees and event participants, both Advanced Media and EditShare hope to curate more training opportunities together both in the region.

beIN SPORTS, the leading sports broadcaster in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has revealed its comprehensive coverage plans for this month’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which kicks off in Doha this Friday and runs until 10 February. beIN will have three brand new AFC Asian Cup channels that will be dedicated to Asia’s most iconic international tournament: beIN ASIAN CUP 1 and beIN ASIAN CUP 2 in Arabic, and beIN ASIAN CUP 3 in English, will broadcast every game live and exclusive with Arabic and English commentary respectively, and the biggest names in Asian Football joining the studio. Additionally, beIN SPORTS NEWS will offer 16-plus hours of live continuous daily coverage.First held in 1956, the Asian Cup is the continent’s most prestigious football event and will feature 24 national teams. The month-long tournament is being held in Qatar – home of the reigning champions – for a record third time and represents the country’s first continental football competition since it hosted the greatest ever FIFA World Cup in late 2022.With its headquarters in Doha, beIN enjoys unique access and an unrivalled presence across Qatar. beIN’s top-class coverage will feature every nation with particular focus on the 10 Arab nations participating: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, and hosts Qatar.Daily Arabic language coverage on beIN ASIAN CUP 1 is live and continuous for 14 hours a day. Kicking off at 11:00 MECCA the daily morning show ‘Sport Morning’ will cover all the latest stories and activities taking place in the host nation, Qatar, followed by the ‘Countdown’ show, which is hosted from inside the stadium for the first match of each day.Group stage matches kick off at 14:30, 17:30, and 20:30 MECCA, with every match broadcast live and exclusive on beIN’s dedicated AFC Asian Cup channels with bigger and better studio coverage than ever before.Each evening, the last match studio will be immediately followed by ‘Sport Evening’, the nightly evening show at 23:30 MECCA. AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is taking place at the same time as the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023™ and ‘Sport Evening’ is the evening studio that brings all the latest stories from host nations Qatar and the Ivory Coast.In addition to live coverage of the tournament, beIN will broadcast over 41-plus hours of archive programming including previous finals, mini-matches and best goal compilations.Led by more than 30 leading regional and international commentators, analysts, and presenters, as well as 17 on-the-ground reporters, coverage will include team training sessions and base camps, pre- and post-match press conferences, breaking news, and fan reaction. beIN, recipient of multiple global awards for its comprehensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, has raised the bar when it comes to broadcasting major sporting events and the Asian Cup is set to enjoy the same beIN experience.

Nafisa Shams Academy for Arts and Crafts, an organization that is supported by the Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, has concluded the Costumes in Cinematic Production Initiative in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, represented by the Entrepreneurship Empowerment Center, Vibes AlUla. The initiative aimed to support women in launching their businesses by providing a comprehensive training program that kicked off in AlUla province in November 2023.This initiative is aligned with the ongoing growth of the cinema and entertainment sectors in Saudi Arabia, leveraging the promising opportunities in these domains. The initiative played a vital role in supporting the film and television industry, which requires talent and innovation to create costumes that bring characters to life and reflect the director and author’s vision.For a month and a half, the initiative targeted women passionate about tailoring and fashion design, with 15 female participants selected after completing the interview stage. The training program included courses in professional marketing, entrepreneurship, and fundamentals of cinematic costume design for 60 training hours. At the end of the program, the participants received certificates accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation. The designers also got the necessary support, tools, and subscriptions to establish their e-stores on local e-commerce platforms.Dr. May Taibah, Director of Nafisa Shams Academy and Member of the Board of Trustees at Community Jameel Saudi, said: “We are proud to conclude this unique initiative successfully, which reflects the commitment of Nafisa Shams Academy and its collaboration with Vibes AlUla to empowering Saudi women. This step came as at a time where we are witnessing a rapid growth in the Kingdom’s film and entertainment industry. We believe in the ability of female craftswomen to make a positive impact in this exciting and diverse sector. The participants had gotten the necessary training and support to transform their talents into creative and inspiring artworks. We hope these efforts will help advance the field and society and enable us to realize our vision for the future.” The program was designed to provide women with the skills required in the creative industry, developing the role of women in the emerging cinematic sector in Saudi Arabia. The initiative reflects Community Jameel Saudi’s focus on empowering women to achieve financial independence, create employment opportunities, and generate income, allowing them to contribute to sustainable development and building more inclusive and prosperous societies. It comes in line with Vision 2030, especially with regard to the Human Capacity Development Program that aims to enable Saudis to enter the fields required in the labor market, and the Quality of Life Program that seeks to localize the entertainment and cinema sectors in the Kingdom.

Following the immensely successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2022TM tournament in Qatar, which was voted the best this century, Qatar is gearing up to welcome the world once more with the AFC Asian Cup 2023TM from January 12 - February 10, 2024.The AFC Asian Cup 2023TM demonstrates Qatar’s ongoing sporting legacy and showcases Qatar’s ability to host large-scale events and welcome visitors from across the globe with its world-class tourism infrastructure, which includes an award-winning airport Hamad International Airport and national airline Qatar Airways, metro and tram network (which carried over 18.2 million passengers during the FIFA World Cup2022TM), inviting hotels, and leisure attractions. In addition, Qatar will be abuzz with some of the biggest events of the year during the AFC Asian Cup 2023TM, providing visitors and residents with a packed itinerary of things to do and see pre- and post- matches.On this occasion, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: "We are pleased to host the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM this year, with its events extending from 12th January to 10th February. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exciting times and explore many tourist attractions in Qatar. Qatar Tourism will offer a rich array of exciting events and festivals that will amuse both Qatar's residents and its visitors. The kickoff of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM coincides with the organization of various festivals and events, including Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), Qatar Kite Festival, and International Horticultural Doha Expo 2023, which continues until late March. Additionally, there will be a series of musical and entertainment events that together form an unforgettable and exceptional experience."He added, "Over the past years, Qatar has successfully become a distinguished sports tourism destination, due to its advanced infrastructure, sports facilities, and medical facilities. This is in addition to the diversity of sports events it hosts, especially FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Qatar has demonstrated to the world its hospitality, exceptional organization, complemented by the presence of luxurious tourist facilities and the picturesque landscapes that characterize the destination."KEY EVENTSShop Qatar 2024Shop Qatar will be running from January 1 to 27, 2024, with incredible discounts in stores, raffle draws, and entertainment spread out in malls. There are a total of 13 malls and shopping districts participating, which residents can explore, with 100s of shops featuring different offers and entertainment.Qatar International Food Festival 2024The all-time fan favourite, Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), is set to return on February 7 – 17 at Family Zone Expo at Al Bidda Park this time. With one of the broadest ranges of cuisine in one space, QIFF is one of the most popular events in Qatar, with over 100 dishes for people to choose from. Head over to the QIFF after a game to satisfy your cravings and socialise with other food enthusiasts.Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024 DJWEThe Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024(DJWE) will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from February 5 to 11, 2024, with unique displays and products. Immerse yourself in the highest-quality, most aesthetic and luxurious jewellery at this exhibition.Doha Expo 2023One of the main events of 2023 continuing into 2024 is the Doha Expo 2023, which will run until March 28. Doha Expo 2023 has been a platform for people in Qatar to engage with local and international agricultural organisations. It is the first ever A1 international horticultural exhibition in the MENA region. Residents can enjoy several other events at the Expo as well, such as immersing themselves in virtual reality, participating in innovative workshops, exploring the botanic garden, or simply sipping on some coffee in the Cultural Zone.Museums and ExhibitionsThe Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is hosting several exhibitions until March 2024, to satiate one’s curiosity of arts and culture. Some of these include Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance, Distilled Lessons: Abstraction in Arab Modernism, Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project, and De/Constructed Meanings.Close to Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Al Samriya. Fans who have some time to spare pre- or post-match can learn about His Excellency Sheikh Faisal, one of the most influential and revolutionary businessmen in Qatar. The museum boasts traditional Syrian craftsmanship, artefacts dating back to the Jurassic age, antique automobiles, and rustic carpets, to name a few.Nature escapesBalancing football cheers with moments of solitude, fans can take respite at the Aspire Park, Qatar’s biggest park with lush green spaces, walking tracks and cozy cafes. In Education City, there is Oxygen Park, which has walking tracks and football fields to practice, and the Qu’aranic Botanic Garden, a unique garden which features plants mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.Alternatively, if you are looking for a nearby place to relax and rejuvenate post-matches, you can also visit the Heenat Salma Farm, which is a 20-minute drive away from the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. The farm offers organic products, crafts, creative workshops and vocational training, and wellness spas, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend retreat, or simply a visit to stimulate your artistic side.Concerts and MusicFor those with the appreciation of the art that is music, Qatar is hosting various music artists across three locations in the country. At Hotel Park in West Bay, visitors and residents can enjoy Arab singer Wafeek Habeeb’s music on January 17, electronic music by ‘Swedish House Mafia’ on January 19, performances by the renowned band ‘Backstreet Boys’ on January 26, and internationally-recognised pop band ‘OneRepublic’ on February 1. For tickets, visit: https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qaAt the Katara Ampitheatre, music lovers can watch performances by Arab singers Modi and Rehab Al Shamrani on January 27, Lebanese artist Najwa Karam on February 1, Moroccan-French performer Amine Boudchar on February 8, and Egyptian singer Amal Maher on February 11. For tickets visit: https://www.eventat.com/homeThe Qatar National Convention Centre will be hosting the established artist Nassif Zeytoun on February 3.Hello AsiaAs the pleasant winter weather sets on the country, the Lusail Boulevard and Plaza is welcoming fans for its ‘Hello Asia’ festival which will take place on January 10– February 10, 2024. The Boulevard is getting ready to be decked with stunning lighting, cultural flags and décor, and F&B kiosks to entertain and encourage fans to show support for their countries’ teams. There will be 24 country zones, such as Qatar, China, India, South Korea, and Lebanon to name a few. Fans are welcome to enjoy entertainment, and to show support for the national teams through this artistic parade and exhibit at Lusail.Modern ArchitectureQatar is no stranger to modern architecture. Fans headed to Education City Stadium will get a close-up look with the Qatar National Library (QNL) which is structured as a shell made by folding two pieces of paper, or the contemporary design of the Education City Mosque, Minaretein. Both QNL and Minartein are worth exploring on the inside with the library’s café, 3D printing, music studio, and reading nooks, and the mosque’s guided-tour. At Al Wakrah is the Abu Manaratain Mosque, with unconventional architecture from the 1940s to appreciate.AttractionsThe Meryal Waterpark recently opened at Qetaifan Island North, with rides designed to reflect the oil and gas industry’s omnipresence in Qatari culture. One of its rides, the Icon Tower is world’s highest tower of its kind. The annual Winter Wonderland Lusail is now operating on Al Maha Island, near the Lusail Stadium, with 50 rides which encompass 25 family rides, 15 children’s rides, 10 thrill rides, the 395-rollercoaster, and the 150 ft tall Ferris Wheel.Night Markets and BazaarsWithin the premise of the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium is the Duhail Night Market, Qatar’s pioneering night market, with the finest selection of popular finger foods, coffee, and karak. In Al Waab, there is ‘The Downtown’, a new night market at Aspire Park offering different drive-thru restaurants and cafés, where visitors can snack on delicious finger foods and of course, coffee.During the weekend, residents can explore the Torba Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday, in Education City. The market offers local, artisanal products and fresh food for visitors to enjoy. Near Al Janoub Stadium you will find the Souq Al Wakrah, where you can take a stroll by the sea in the serene winter weather, indulge in a range of cuisine, primarily seafood, and explore shops selling traditional Arabian products.For Animal LoversA 20-minute drive away from Ahmed bin Ali Stadium is Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, which hosts multiple camel racing events throughout the year. Here, you can enjoy both races and camel training, the latter of which takes place every morning at the centre. Al Shaqab, near Education City Stadium, is also a popular destination for equestrian fans to watch horseback riding events, post-matches. In addition, the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival will run from February 1 till 11, and will showcase different purebred horses in competition with each other. These horses are known to symbolize strength and pride in Arab culture.SportsThe World Aquatics Championships 2024 is taking place from February 2 – 18, 2024 at Aspire Dome, Old Doha Port, and Hamad Aquatic Center. This tournament will be hosting 2, 600 top athletes, from over 190 countries, for 75 medal events, with an opportunity for athletes to quality for Olympic Games Paris 2024. Sports include swimming (including open water and artistic), diving and high diving, and water polo. Residents can witness top-class aquatic performances from athletes from all over the world.

Disney Legend Glynis Johns passed away from natural causes on Thursday, January 4, in Los Angeles, her manager confirmed. She was 100 years old.Perhaps best known to Disney fans as feminist Winifred Banks in the Academy Award®-winning Mary Poppins (1964), Johns became everyone’s favorite sister suffragette. Walt Disney himself personally selected her to play the career-defining role, having been drawn, like many a moviegoer, by her sparkling screen persona. His choice of casting was spot on, as film critic Leonard Maltin pointed out in his book The Disney Films: “She lights up the screen the minute she appears [in Mary Poppins],” he wrote. “She makes every minute count, and her amusing suffragette song is most enjoyable.”Inducted as a Disney Legend in 1998, Johns was born to Welsh parents on October 5, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa. She made history when she received a degree to teach dance by age 10. By 12, she won 25 gold medals for dance in England and, by 13, appeared in her first film, South Riding (1938). Her first adult role came in Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 49th Parallel (1941), released in America as The Invaders and starring Laurence Olivier, Leslie Howard, and Raymond Massey. By 19, she became the youngest actress to play the lead role in the theatrical production of Peter Pan.She became associated with The Walt Disney Studios in the early 1950s, when it began to produce live-action films in England.She starred as the capricious Mary Tudor in 1953’s The Sword and the Rose, co-starring Richard Todd. As Helen Mary MacGregor in Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue (1953), she played the spirited wife of a Scottish freedom fighter. A decade later, in 1964, she returned to Disney to star in Mary Poppins. The hit musical amassed 13 Academy Award® nominations and garnered five Oscars®.Johns also starred in such television shows as General Electric Theatre and The Cavanaughs, as well as her own series, Glynis. She appeared in other series including Batman, Cheers, and Murder She Wrote, starring another Disney Legend, the late Angela Lansbury.In 1960, Johns won an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mrs. Firth in The Sundowners, starring Robert Mitchum. Later, she received a Tony Award® in 1973 for her stunning stage performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. About Johns, Sondheim once said that her rendition of “Send in the Clowns” remained his favorite.In all, she performed in more than two dozen theatrical productions and more than 50 feature films, including Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband (1947) starring Paulette Goddard and Dear Brigitte (1965) starring James Stewart. She also appeared in a children’s TV anthology version of The Secret Garden alongside Derek Jacobi, for ABC.In 1994, Johns returned to The Walt Disney Studios to co-star in the Touchstone comedy The Ref. The next year she appeared in Hollywood Pictures’ smash hit While You Were Sleeping, starring Sandra Bullock. Johns was also featured in archival footage in the documentary Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: The Making of ‘Mary Poppins’ (2004) from Buena Vista Home Entertainment and the HBO documentary Six by Sondheim (2013).

Salaam TV, the much-anticipated news channel, is set to make its mark in the news media landscape. With an extensive reach spanning South East Asia, India and Dubai markets, Salaam TV promises to redefine news broadcasting with its cutting-edge approach. This channel promises to bring captivating content that celebrates diversity, fosters understanding and embraces unity.Anchored by a stellar team and equipped with state-of-the-art studios, what sets Salaam TV apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in content, graphics and programming. The channel boasts innovative and insightful content that goes beyond the headlines, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the news. The graphics are not just visually appealing but serve as a tool to enhance storytelling, making information more accessible and engaging. The programming is meticulously crafted to offer a seamless viewing experience, ensuring that each show flows seamlessly into the next.The dawn of Salaam TV heralds a new era in broadcasting, commencing each day with the informative 'Subah Ki Pehli Khabar,' setting the stage for well-informed mornings. Following suit, 'Morning Mubarak' provides a refreshing start, while 'Raah-e-Nijat' engages viewers with insightful discussions. Swift updates are delivered through 'Salaam Speed News,' complemented by the health-focused 'Hakeem Akbar Kausar.' For the Dubai audience, 'Khaleej News' takes center stage and 'Atiya Herbs' imparts valuable insights into herbal wellness. Interestingly, ‘Khabar Gulzar Hai’ also celebrates uplifting stories, spotlighting positive news to inspire and foster hope in viewers.As the sun sets, Salaam TV's evening line-up captivates audiences with the likes of 'Shaam Se Pehle' delivering the evening bulletin and 'News Panorama' presenting global updates. Engaging debates become the highlight with 'Badi Bahes,' providing platforms for thought-provoking discussions. The night concludes on a melodic note with 'Sadabahar Naghme,' and '11th Hour - The Last Bulletin' ensures viewers remain informed before bidding adieu to the day.Speaking on the vision of the news channel, Tarique Faridy , Editior Salaam TV said, “Salaam TV is where each story isn't just recounted but lived, a place where narratives unfold, discussions spark and enlightenment takes centre stage. It transcends the conventional boundaries of a typical news channel; it is a vibrant platform for exploration, meaningful discussion and intellectual enlightenment. In every show, we aspire to create an immersive experience that goes beyond the mere conveyance of information. Stay tuned for thought-provoking shows, engaging stories and a platform that promotes nationalism and harmony.”Salaam TV emerges as a comprehensive source of news, entertainment and insightful discussions, catering to a diverse audience.

Actor Neha Dhupia is set to captivate global audiences with her debut international film, Blue 52, directed by renowned Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi.Ali El Arabi, celebrated for his award-winning documentary feature "Captains of Za’atari," brings his directorial prowess to the fore in Blue 52. Having garnered acclaim at festivals such as Hot Docs and El Gouna, El Arabi is set to weave his magic once again, this time in the realm of fiction.Blue 52 unfolds against the stunning backdrops of Kochi, India, and Qatar.Neha Dhupia, known for her versatile acting skills in the Indian film industry, steps into a new dimension with her lead role in "Blue 52." The film promises a never-before-seen avatar of the actress, as she delves into a character infused with high-emotion drama. The film is the story of Ashish, who at the age of 9 is isolated by his father when he loses his oldest son and using this fear he isolates Ashish on an island by the backwaters of Kochi, India. Growing up, Ashish becomes a boy trapped in a man's body by the age of 22, with little knowledge of the world beyond his idol Messi and the life lessons imparted by his mother over the years, aimed at preparing him for life beyond their small island home. Strengthened by newfound resolve, Ashish decides to leave home with his mother's support and an opportunity that seems almost like a fantasy, offering him the chance to meet his idol, Messi, at the World Cup in Qatar 2022. Left to navigate the world on his own for the first time, he discovers his true self and finds his own passion.Speaking of her international debut, Neha Dhupia said, "Embarking on the journey of 'Blue 52' has been nothing short of magical. The fusion of diverse cultures in this international venture allowed me to delve deep into a character that is both challenging and emotionally resonant. It's a transformative experience that I believe will leave a lasting impact and I’m glad that Ali chose me to essay the lead in what is my international first”.Director Ali El Arabi said, “Creating 'Blue 52' was a labor of love, blending the cinematic languages of Egypt, America, and India. Neha brought an unparalleled dedication to her role, infusing the character with a nuanced emotional depth. The picturesque locales of Kochi and the vibrant energy of Qatar served as the perfect canvas for our storytelling. This film is a testament to the collaborative spirit of international cinema, and I am excited for audiences to experience the richness we've crafted together."The film is Presented by Ambient Light with Ali El Arabi serving as director and producer, Tariq Al-Naama as producer. Krysanne Katsoolis, Joe Matthews and Katara Studios as co-producers.

The IPL 2024 Auction will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. 333 cricketers will go under the hammer, of whom 214 are Indians and 119 are overseas players, with a maximum of 77 slots to fill. The highest reserve price for a player is Rs 2 crore, with 23 players such as Travis Head, Steve Smith, Harshal Patel, Shardul Thakur, and Lockie Ferguson listing themselves at that value. Gujarat Titans will come into the auction with the highest purse with Rs 38.15 crore while the Lucknow Super Giants have the lowest purse balance at Rs 13.15 crore.JioCinema will bring back its multi-language coverage of the league, streaming the auction in seven languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi, and Bhojpuri. Each language will have former Indian cricketers and experts to cover the auction, including the likes of AB de Villiers, Eoin Morgan, Suresh Raina, Anil Kumble, Hanuma Vihari, Abhinav Mukund, Veda Krishnamurthy, and many more.JioCinema will also live stream a mock auction with the likes of Suresh Raina, Anil Kumble, Mile Hesson, Eoin Morgan, Robin Uthappa, and others on December 18 at 12 noon to give viewers a flavour of what to expect from auction day and analyse potential strategies. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming IPL Auction 2024 live stream: What: IPL Auction 2024 When: December 19, 2023 (Tuesday) Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Time: Pre-auction analysis begins at 12 noon, followed by live auction coverage 1:00 PM onwards Live streaming in India: JioCinema 

Bollywood diva Jacqueline Fernandez added another feather to her cap as she was honored with an award of distinction for her outstanding achievements in the film industry at the seventh edition of The Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards. The glamorous event, known for celebrating excellence in cinema, recognized Jacqueline's stellar contributions to the world of entertainment.Dressed in an elegant white gown, Jacqueline radiated grace and sophistication as she accepted the prestigious award. Her presence at the awards ceremony not only marked a celebration of her individual achievements but also underscored her status as one of Bollywood's most beloved and accomplished actresses.During the ceremony, Jacqueline was captured striking a pose alongside Turkish actor Burak Deniz, and the duo looked absolutely stunning together. Known for her charismatic performances, Jacqueline is hailed as one of the greatest performers in the industry. Fans and fellow artists alike have showered her with love and congratulations for this latest accolade. Jacqueline's commitment to her craft is evident in the dedication she brings to each project. Whether it's mastering complex dance sequences or delving into the intricacies of a character's personality, she approaches her work with a passion that resonates on screen. Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Dt8KDtxTj/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Meanwhile, on the work front, Jacqueline Fernandez is gearing up Crakk and Fateh with Sonu Sood, Welcome To The Jungle and her Hollywood debut with Jean Claude Van Damme

Manga Production, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation "Misk," has signed an agreement with the renowned Japanese production company and studio, Production I.G., to license the animated series "GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto" which is scheduled to be launched in 2024. The partnership includes granting full rights to Manga Production for distribution, licensing, and marketing of the third season of the animated series "Great Pretender" in the Middle East and North Africa region, including events and merchandise rights.Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, commented on the expansion of distribution and licensing, saying: “We are witnessing significant expansion in the field of distribution and licensing at Manga Productions, and this success is attributed to the trust of our partners around the world and the special efforts of our team in their continuous pursuit of success and leadership in the creative industry. Our partnership with “Production I.G” and through “GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto” will play a crucial role in promoting the growth of the local and Middle Eastern market, as it represents a significant milestone in the licensing world within our Arab community."In addition, Mr. George Wada, the president, and the CEO at Production I.G, expressed his enthusiasm towards this partnership, saying: “GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto” is an anime that Production I.G takes full responsibility for, and we have officially entrusted its rights to Manga Productions in the Middle East and North Africa. We are confident that our partnership with Manga Productions will allow the audience in the Arab world to closely enjoy “GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto” series and other upcoming anime works.Eng. Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, Director of Marketing, Distribution, and Business Development at Manga Productions, says that “the partnership with Production I.G. in distributing and licensing “GREAT PRETENDER razbliuto” is an important step in their strategy to enhance their presence in the animation industry. They are excited to bring this unique show to audiences in the Middle East and North Africa”.It is worth mentioning that the animated series "GREAT PRETENDER" was directed by Mr. Yuuichiro Hayashi and written by Ryota Kosawa. It premiered in June 2020 on Netflix in Japan, followed by its release on Netflix worldwide. The series has received positive reviews, with an IMDB rating of 7.0 and 8.2 on My Anime List.

After expanding its businesses in India and internationally, Mukta Arts Ltd. through its Bahrain subsidiary, Mukta A2 Multiplex W.L.L. has entered into an agreement with Al-Othaim Investment Company to establish and operate cinemas across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership highlights the synergies between the real estate footprint of the Al-Othaim group and the experience of Mukta A2 Cinemas across the value chain in the movie exhibition business.  Mr. Rahul Puri, Managing Director – Mukta Arts Ltd., Commented, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Al-Othaim group to help build out the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s fledgling exhibition market. We are excited to add our experience and ethos in providing world-class entertainment to the region to follow up the stellar success we have found in Bahrain with the properties we manage there. We are deeply committed to this project and are humbled by the faith shown in us. We look forward to the partnership and the value it brings.” “Strategically positioned within Saudi Arabia, the key focal points for expansion lie in the burgeoning Tier 2 and 3 cities, which are experiencing dynamic growth as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Mukta, while not currently engaged in direct investment, has strategically positioned itself through contractual agreements solely focused on providing Management and Operations services, aligning seamlessly with the evolving landscape of these emerging markets,” he further added.  Mr. Akshay Bajaj, COO – ME – Mukta A2 Cinemas, commented, “We look forward to the synergies of our partnership with the Al-Othaim group and to provide movie-goers with unrivalled experiences as Saudi Arabia increases its ever-growing cultural and entertainment offerings.” This further boosts the expansion plans for the cinema exhibition business of Mukta Arts Limited, which already has in its control over 100 screens, i.e. through Mukta A2 Cinemas Limited, subsidiary company, Mukta A2 Multiplex WLL, subsidiary at Bahrain and through its Joint Ventures.

The 6th Edition of META Cinema Forum, the largest and most influential cinema convention in emerging markets, is back for its highly anticipated 6th edition on November 7-8, 2023, at the prestigious Grand Hyatt in Dubai.Over the years, the META Cinema Forum has evolved into a pivotal gathering for cinema industry leaders, expanding its reach to encompass more regions, projects, and partnerships. It stands as the premier platform for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and innovations that are shaping the cinema sector in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region.The Forum will have a convention and tradeshow, conference sessions, product presentations, special screenings and premieres, workshops, masterclasses, Black Tie Awards Ceremony, networking reception, meetings areas, content and cinema construction breakout sessions.Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner, Great Mind Events Management said, "As we celebrate the 6th edition of the META Cinema Forum, I am proud it has evolved into something truly remarkable. This year’s META Cinema Forum reiterates Dubai’s position as a global entertainment hub as the forum started as a regional gathering and evolved into becoming the heartbeat of the global cinema sector. We are thrilled to welcome a diverse array of cinema stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region, along with studios and solution providers from around the world.”“The META Cinema Forum is not just a convention; it's a dynamic platform where connections are forged, ideas are sparked, and the future of cinema unfolds. It's a testament to the growing importance of emerging markets in the cinematic landscape. We look forward to another exciting edition and to seeing you there, “she added.The theme for the 2023 edition is "Growing the region’s cinema Share," reflecting a commitment to foster growth and innovation in the industry and offer industry insights and growth strategies. Discussions, presentations and workshops will revolve around the industry’s challenges, solutions and the current market situation.Sanjay Patney, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said, “As a long-standing supporter of the regional cinema industry, VOX Cinemas is proud to sponsor the META Cinema Forum once again. Events such as this provide a dynamic platform for industry stakeholders to come together, be inspired and exchange ideas, which is essential for the continued growth and innovation of the cinema industry.”Topics covered include Regional Content Production and International Collaboration, Cinemas of the Future and an in-depth look at emerging cinema trends and technologies with key cinema statistics and case studies on Rewarding Patrons and Effective Pricing Strategies.On day two, there will be a panel discussion on successful movie marketing for the region and a panel discussion on ‘Elevating the Experiential Elements of Cinemas’. Leaders in cinema design, technology, and hospitality will discuss strategies for enhancing the cinema-going experience.The META Cinema Awards and Gala Reception will be a night of celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in the cinema industry. Organised by GM Events, the META Cinema Forum guarantees a two-day immersion in priceless knowledge, networking prospects, and a sneak peek into the future of cinema.Organised by Great Minds Event Management, the forum is poised to establish Dubai as a thriving hub for filmmakers and creatives to convene, exchange insights, and showcase their own and fellow artists' works.

The television drama industry is a powerful source of soft power that bridges communities and connects diverse cultures on a global scale, globally-acclaimed Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan told audiences at the 21st edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) that commenced on Tuesday.Düzyatan, best known for his lead role in the hit Turkish drama ‘Dirilis: Ertugrul' ('Resurrection: Ertugrul'), drew large audiences to his session at the region’s pre-eminent media gathering. During his session, he shared insights from his experiences as the lead actor in the historical TV series, discussed the future of television, and highlighted his dedication to humanitarian causes. He also commended Dubai's sustainability efforts and its role in promoting awareness and the conservation of valuable resources.Addressing the audience, he said: “Turkey is a culturally rich Mediterranean country where community and family hold immense importance. As we began to narrate our stories, other communities found elements of themselves reflected in our tales. Turkish series have gained significant popularity in various Latin American countries as well as across Arabic nations. The sector has emerged as a powerful source of soft power, facilitating cross-cultural connections and enabling diverse communities to engage with our narratives,” he said in a session titled ‘Conversations with Engin Altan’.He also noted that drama productions help build cultural bridges that foster stronger ties between nations. “We are able to use such soft power to increase peace and boost communication between people,” he said, noting that Turkey is the second largest exporter of TV series.On the future of TV and its evolving trajectory, he noted the sector will change dramatically. “The mainstream we have been accustomed to will need to adapt to new systems, employ new talent, work harder, and take a leading role in the sector. Integrating AI is essential, but it's also incredibly exciting. Embracing these changes and evolving with technology is the key.”Responding to a question on the success of ‘Dirilis: Ertugrul' ('Resurrection: Ertugrul'), Düzyatan emphasised several key factors. He noted that the series had a well-coordinated and thoughtfully framed storyline that was engaging. The script was meticulously drafted and effectively conveyed the values of justice and peace that the Muslim community embraces.Furthermore, Düzyatan emphasised the importance of teamwork in the success of such a project. He highlighted that everyone involved in the production believed in the project's potential for success and worked collaboratively.On his social and philanthropic work, he said “I have a deep passion for humanitarian work, and I always seek opportunities to contribute. Access to clean water remains a significant challenge for impoverished societies around the world. I have been involved in meaningful projects addressing this critical issue. Climate change is a pressing concern as well. The reality is that our planet is warming, and water is becoming increasingly scarce. It's imperative that we use water resources efficiently.”“I'm aware that Dubai has taken substantial steps in this direction, and I have closely followed Dubai's efforts, along with those of other nations. When countries prioritise these issues, it raises awareness and inspires positive change,” he added.

META Film Fest, the four-day international motion picture gala, is back for its eagerly awaited second edition, set to take place at VOX Cinemas, Wafi City, from November 9-12. The festival promises to be a celebration of world cinema with an impressive lineup of films, an esteemed international jury, and a host of special events tailored for film enthusiasts.The festival will showcase 95 films from 32 countries, with 29 films as special festival premieres, while the remaining 66 films will compete for various prizes in categories of Feature, Short, Documentary and Student films. What is noteworthy is the increase of Arabic titles in the festival this year, with 30 Arabic films included within the festival lineup.Notable full Feature Films entries include the Turkish film Black Night, directed by Özcan Alper, Bodyguard from Kazakhstan and directed by Akan Satayev, and the French film Our Ties, directed by Roschdy Zem. Snow and the Bear, the Turkish film whose lead Merve Dizdar who won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, is another stand-out. A variety of these films will be having their official world premiere at the META Film Fest. Two Arabic titles from Kuwait, Akh with its world premiere and How I Got There with its UAE premiere, are among the surprise masterpieces in the Feature film competition category. Additionally, the full Feature Film category also includes films such as Sons of Ramses, a French film directed by Clement Cogitore, NO END, a Persian film directed by Nader Saeivar, JANANAM 1947 PRANAYAM THUDARUNNU, a Malayalam film directed by Abijith Asokan will also be having their world premiere at META Film Fest.The Persian feature film Endless Borders, directed by Abbas Amini and notably won awards such as International Film Festival Rotterdam and Hamburg International Film Festival amongst others will be the opening film this year. While the Spanish feature film Virginal Pink, directed by Dennis Smith, and starring the Argentinian superstar Juana Viale who will be visiting Dubai for the first time along with her cast and crew, will have its World Premiere at the festival, and will be the closing film at the META Film Fest.Additionally, Winners, the UK’s official entry to the Oscars in 2023 will also participate in the competition. Director Hassan Nazer and actor Reza Naji will both attend the screening.META Film Fest will also see over 25 Short Films, with entries such as Fatih the Conqueror, the Turkish film directed by Onur Yagiz, Beneath a Mother’s Feet, a Arabic film directed by Hassan Saeed, And Me, I’m Dancing Too, a Persian film directed by Mohammad Valizadegan and Palestine 87 competing for tangible recognition.In a diverse arrange of films screened, approximately 15 Documentary Films will be in competition including: Dear Memories, a German film directed by Nahuel Lopez, Earthbound: Nzambi Matee, a Japanese film directed by Farhoud Meybodi which will be screened in English and Swahili,META Film Fest will also include a Student category for passionate young tale to showcase their skills. The festival’s Student Projects category will see six compelling films competing for an award, with Alaikal, a Malayalam short produced by Dream6 and exploring themes of nostalgia, friendship, love, and companionship, one of the hot favourites, alongside titles such as as Desert Slam directed by Joshua Canlas Ponseca, The Son of a Lost Father directed by Sadeq Al, So Cool and more.In addition to the competition screenings, META Film Fest will host special premieres of notable films, including May December and Seven Winters in Tehran, the former of which is directed by Todd Haynes, written by Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik, and tells the story of a married couple grappling with the arrival of an actress researching their past tabloid romance and stars Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton. The film was nominated for the Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.Another highlight of the event is the Indian Film Festival, which will see the likes of Holy Conspiracy, a Bengali film that adapts the American play Inherit the Wind, among the nominated films. Featuring Indian celebrity couple Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, both are set to attend a screening of the film during the festival. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, a 2000 Indian English-Hindi bilingual feature film directed by Jabbar Patel, will also be screened. The movie, starring South Indian actor Mammootty, saw him win a National Film Award in India for Best Actor.Another film set to premiere during the festival is Syndrome, directed by Anton Bormatov and exploring the unsettling consequences of a car accident. It stars Oksana Akinshina and Kirill Käro.META Film Fest is bringing a total of 14 world premieres, offering audiences exclusive first views of cutting-edge global cinema. Additionally, the festival features 28 regional premieres, introducing captivating films previously unseen in the Middle East. Emphasizing local talent, there are 38 UAE premieres, and a spotlight on regional stories with 30 Arabic films. This diverse selection ensures a rich cinematic experience, making META Film Fest a vibrant hub for film enthusiasts.META Film Fest is not just about films; it also offers an array of engaging panels, workshops, and masterclasses. Attendees can look forward to a ‘Women in Cinema’ panel discussion featuring prominent industry figures, ‘Expat Connections: Exploring Cultural Intersection in UAE Cinema’, and a one-on-one interview with renowned Pakistani actress Sajal Aly.For those interested in the technical side of the industry, the festival is offering a masterclass on ‘AI in the Film Industry’ led by Pooyan Sedghi. Nancy Paton, Desert Rose Films and President of WIFTGCC will lead a masterclass on the business and the legal side of movie production. Meanwhile, a masterclass to introduce cinema to children and youths led by Fateme Fereydoun, an acting masterclass by Valeria Tsvietok, and a director’s masterclass by Indian luminary Adoor Gopalakrishnan will also be held.

The first ever localised Tom and Jerry series, featuring the beloved cartoon cat and mouse in Singapore, will premiere on Cartoon Network, POGO and the Cartoon Network Asia YouTube channel from Saturday, October 21. In the seven-part series, the legendary cartoon frenemies take their adventures to the Lion City as they weave through the labyrinth of colourful neighbourhoods, modern skyscrapers, and luscious city-in-nature experiences. New episodes air every Saturday. Christopher Ho, Head of Kids – Southeast Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “It was important for us to create stories and environments that feel authentically ‘Singapore’ – and at the same time honour the distinct animation style and sense of humour that has made Tom and Jerry so well loved for generations. Catch their antics as they experience local delicacies durian and ice kachang, and encounter Merli – a character inspired by Singapore’s mythical Merlion – in iconic locations like the Botanic Gardens, Sentosa and Marina Bay.” Tom and Jerry is one of the leading animation properties in Warner Bros. Discovery’s franchise portfolio with a global social reach of 50 million and almost 30 billion minutes watched on the Warner Bros. Kids YouTube channel. There have been more than 500 episodes and 15 movies made so far in its 83-year history, securing seven Academy Awards along the way. This new series is part of a wider partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery and Singapore Tourism Board to collaborate on content that will spotlight and inspire travel to destination Singapore. Episode Descriptions:Ep 1 (series premiere on October 21): Sky's The Limit - Tom & Jerry take their chase to the skies. Kite-flying has never been this intense. Who will emerge as the ultimate master of strings?Ep 2 (October 28): What Goes Around Comes Around - Tom is up to his usual nonsense, but two can play at this game as they take their chase into the neighbourhood. Leave it to Jerry to turn the tables on Tom!Ep 3 (November 4): Be Careful What You Fish For - Jerry has his eyes set on Tom’s catch of the day and is determined to stand in the way. Tom is also bent on getting a taste of the sea one way or the other! Will they sink or swim?Ep 4 (November 11) Count On Merli - Tom & Jerry zip along Singapore’s vibrant riverside and make a new friend – Merli! Will Merli succeed in being the maestro of peace between the two?Ep 5 (November 18) Ice Ice Paradise - It’s another hot and humid day in Singapore. Cool down with Tom and Jerry by the beach as they chase each other into a frenzy for an icy delight – Ice Kachang!Ep 6 (November 25) Colourful Chase - Jerry fancies himself an artist, but Tom disagrees. Their artistic antics blur lines between art and chaos. Other than a trail of mess, what else will they leave behind?Ep 7 (Sneak peek premiered on August 7, 2023 ) What's That Smell - One cat’s delicacy is another mouse’s poison. Tom & Jerry get caught in a thorny issue over the aroma of durian. Will the King of Fruits help reconcile their differences?

Ahead of the much-anticipated 2023 edition of cricket’s fastest format; Abu Dhabi T10, the Player’s Draft has been announced for Monday, October 9th, 2023, with the participating eight teams, Bangla Tigers, Chennai Braves, Deccan Gladiators, Delhi Bulls, Morrisville Samp Army, New York Strikers, Northern Warriors, and Team Abu Dhabi – also announcing their list of retained players and direct signings for the season.  The ‘23 edition of the season saw a registration of total 782 players from across the globe, including some of the biggest names in international cricket. Former Pakistan great, Shahid Afridi is among the list of Icon Stars who will be up for grabs on Monday, along with his compatriots Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal, and Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka.  The pre-signed players by the teams feature former Indian superstars Ambati Rayudu, and Yusuf Pathan. While Bangla Tigers roped in the explosive all-rounder Pathan, Delhi Bulls have signed on the ever-dynamic batter Rayudu.  Speaking on competing in the upcoming edition of Abu Dhabi T10, Pathan said, “The 10-over format is exciting and hence, I am always delighted to be a part of the league. My aim is to entertain the fans and help my team win the trophy this season.”  Among the retentions for the new season, the 2022 title winners Deccan Gladiators have kept hold of the powerhouse Nicholas Pooran. The left-handed batter was the leading run-scorer of the previous season as he smashed 345 runs in 10 games at an average of 49.29 and a whopping strike rate of 234.69. Pooran also smashed 25 sixes, the maximum by any player last season. Meanwhile, The Chennai Braves retained Captain Sikandar Raza, who has been a symbol of consistency over the years.  Raza said ahead of the players’ draft: “It is good to be back for another thrilling edition of Abu Dhabi T10. The tournament has become even fiercer now as players and franchises know what it takes to win. We will hope we can go all the way this year and lay our hands on the beautiful trophy.”Other strategic retentions and direct signingsFan favourite Pakistan pacer Hassan Ali has also been pre-signed by the Chennai Braves. The defending champions have also brought on kiwi speedster Trent Boult on board, while Morrisville Samp Army have roped in the services of former South Africa Captain Faf du Plessis, among other new names.The runners-up of last season, New York Strikers retained former West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard, while Morrisville Samp Army kept hold of Moeen Ali. Team Abu Dhabi have kept the game-changers Philip Salt and Alex Hales in their squad for season.Northern Warriors made a strategic move with retention of allrounder and T20 specialist Wanindu Hasaranga, while Bangla Tigers retained veteran Shakib al Hasan to bolster experience among their ranks. Delhi Bulls kept hold of dynamic Windies allrounder Dwayne Bravo, who will once again be a key player for them this season.  Abu Dhabi T10 2023, players draft on October 9                                                   England spinner Adil Rashid and Australia's fiery batsman Chris Lynn are among the players listed in the Platinum category for the player’s draft, along with Kusal Mendis, Liton Das, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The remaining players in the draft are divided across five other categories - Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Emerging, and the UAE local players, who will be up for selection on Monday.  Speaking on the upcoming draft, Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman, T10 Global, said, "The franchises have made their first moves with smart player retentions and direct signings. Some selections may come as a surprise, indicating the teams already have a few tricks up their sleeves, promising another high-octane draft day and an even more exciting edition of the Abu Dhabi T10.  Cricket's fastest format continues to grow each year and it has been our endeavour to present the most entertaining format of the sport possible for all our fans. This wouldn’t have been possible though, without the unwavering support of our partners at the Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub and we thank them for joining us on this journey. I wish the 8 teams my best ahead of the 2023 Draft and the 2023 Abu Dhabi T10 season!”  Full List of Player Retentions and Pre-Signings:  Team Abu Dhabi:  Retained: Philip Salt (Icon), Tymal Mills (Cat A), Alex Hales (Cat B) Pre-Signings: Noor Ahmad (Asian Super Star), Kyle Mayers (Platinum)  Morrisville Samp Army:  Retained: Moeen Ali (Cat A), Maheesh Theekshana (Cat B), Basil Hameed (UAE-RES) Pre-Signings: Faf du Plessis (Icon), Jason Holder (Platinum), Dewald Bravis (Cat A)The Chennai Braves:  Retained: Obed McCoy (Cat A), Sikandar Raza (Cat B) Pre-Signings: Jason Roy (Icon), Charith Asalanka (Platinum), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Cat A), Hassan Ali (Asian Super Star)  New York Strikers:  Retained: Kieron Pollard (Icon), Sunil Narine (Platinum), Akeal Hosein (Cat B), Muhammad Waseem (UAE-RES) Pre-Signings: Mohammad Amir (Cat A)  Deccan Gladiators:  Retained: Nicholas Pooran (Icon), Andre Russell (Cat A), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Cat B), Joshua Little (Cat C), Zahir Khan (UAE-RES) Pre-Signings: Trent Boult (Platinum)  Northern Warriors:  Retained: Wanindu Hasaranga (Icon), James Neesham (Platinum), Kennar Lewis (Cat C), Adam Hose (Cat C) Pre-Signings: Hazratullah Zazai (Cat A)  Bangla Tigers:  Retained: Shakib Al Hasan (Icon), Iftikhar Ahmed (Cat C), Matheesha Pathirana (Cat C), Rohan Mustafa (UAE-RES) Pre-Signings: Yusuf Pathan (Asian Super Star)  Delhi Bulls:  Retained: Dwayne Bravo (Cat A), Rilee Rossouw (Cat B), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Cat B) Pre-Signings: Quinton de Kock (Icon), Rovman Powell (Platinum), Ambati Rayudu (Asian Super Star)Fans can watch the 2023 Abu Dhabi T10 Player Draft Live on YouTube on the official channel: https://www.youtube.com/@T10LeagueOfficial  

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team has made historic achievements at the 19th Asian Games. The nation’s overall Jiu-Jitsu medal count at the Asian Games 2023 stands at 10 medals, including four gold, three silver, and three bronze. In 2018, the UAE won a total of 9 medals, including 2 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze. The team’s participation in the competition was sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company.On Saturday, the final day of the Jiu-Jitsu competitions in Hangzhou, Faisal Al Ketbi and Shamma Al Kalbani claimed gold in their respective categories during the competitions held at Xiaoshan Linpu Gymnasium JJI. Balqees Al Hashemi, Mohammed Al Suwaidi and Khaled Al Balooshi won silver medals, while Shamsa Al Ameri, Mahdi Al Olaqi and Saeed Al Kubaisi earned bronze.His Highness Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC), congratulated the Jiu-Jitsu National Team for their historic achievement. His Highness also commended the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts in promoting the sport and creating heroes and heroines who represent the nation in the best way in all sporting events.His Excellency Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, also congratulated the UAE delegation on their great achievement, as he extended the highest expressions of thanks and gratitude for the UAE leadership for their constant support for the sport of Jiu-Jitsu in the country.“I want to appreciate the champions and their families because they made many sacrifices to reach this achievement, and we must know that 4 gold medals out of 10 colored medals did not come from nowhere but are the result of great support from the wise leadership and limitless sacrifices from coaches and players over many years, in camps, tournaments, and training.”His Excellency also extended his gratitude to the National Olympic Committee: “Jiu-litsu provides a successful model and a distinctive experience for UAE sports, as it trusted the sons and daughters of the country, gave them opportunities and support, and is now reaping the fruits.”His Excellency Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of the UAEJJF and head of the UAE delegation to the Asian Games, lauded the team, describing them as a 5-star team. He emphasised that the technical staff and players had a clear vision and a deep understanding of the magnitude of their responsibilities. Al Dhaheri also highlighted the remarkable strength and techniques displayed by Emirati players, notably Asma Al Hosani, Shama Al Kalbani, Balqis Al Hashemi, and Shamsa Al Ameri, especially in the face of fierce competition where results remained uncertain until the final moments.Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, underlined the strong support from the Asian Federation and the Olympic Council of Asia. He noted the participation of officials from 28 countries and 10 medal-winning nations, underscoring the sport’s global development and strength. Jiu-Jitsu is thriving in countries such as South Korea, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Thailand, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Mongolia, Singapore, and Uzbekistan. He also expressed appreciation for China’s exceptional organization and successful hosting.In the Men’s -85Kg Final, Faisal Al Ketbi demonstrated his prowess, defeating the Republic of Korea’s Heeseoung Kim by an advantage. This victory marked Al Ketbi’s second gold at the Asian Games, with his first gold achieved in Jakarta in 2018. In the same weight division, the UAE’s Saeed Al Kubaisi secured a bronze medal by defeating Sagdeev Ruslan of Kyrgyzstan in his final match of the day, further bolstering the UAE’s impressive performance.Al Ketbi dedicated the medal to the wise leadership of the UAE. “The country that flew into space and reached the top in many fields deserves to be at the forefront in sports. I am confident that my teammates in the National Team, from the new generations, are capable of continuing their achievements in all categories, boys and girls.”In the Women’s -63Kg Final, Shamma Al Kalbani showcased her exceptional skills by defeating Kira Sung of the Republic of Korea. She secured victory by points. “I was ready to compete for gold in that tournament as of last year, as it was scheduled to be held in 2022, but postponing it for a year gave me a greater opportunity to prepare perfectly, and the Federation, spared no effort in providing us with full support from camps, and internal and external tournaments that brought us to the top of the technical, physical, and mental levels before entering the tournament atmosphere,” Al Kalbani said.

 Bollywood superstar and NBA Brand Ambassador form India Ranveer Singh was seen at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 for the second consecutive year. A true fan of basketball and the NBA, Ranveer’s energy and passion could be seen both on and off court.  Last year around, Ranveer was seen teaching Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O'Neal and Trae Young his signature dance moves and bhangra at the games and this year we’re not surprised to see him groove to some desi beats with Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns. He also had his fan-boy moment when he was gifted a signed jersey by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert.  Ranveer was seen in conversation with owner of the Dallas Mavericks, renowned businessman, and fellow Indiana University alumnus Mark Cuban. In addition, Ranveer shared candid moments with renowned actor Michael B. Jordan, former Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero, NBA Hall of Famer and 2x NBA Champion Ray Allen and 4x NBA All-Star and 3x All-NBA First Team member Luka Doncic, among others. Safe to say, Ranveer sure had a ‘ball’ at the Abu Dhabi Games 2023.  As for the exciting on-court action, Timberwolves topped Mavericks 111-99 in the preseason opener game 1. Game 2 will be broadcast on Saturday, Oct. 7, on JioCinema & Sports18 – 1HD at 9:30PM IST. Stay tuned!

Netflix is launching the second volume of short films of its “New Saudi Voices ” collection, as part of its efforts to support the flourishing film industry in Saudi Arabia. The collection features 13 short films by Saudi talent, spanning a vast selection of genres including feel-good movies, drama, fantasy, romance, and more. The films are crafted with unique storylines and highlight cultural nuances within the Saudi community, showcasing the artistic minds of the creators.The films in this year’s collection were picked from the Red Sea International Film Festival. Two of them, ‘When Red Blooms’ by Tala Alharbi and ‘The Child in His Closet’ by Khaled Zeidan, were winners in the festival’s 48-hour Filmmaking Challenge. ‘VHS Tape Replaced’ by Maha Saati, and ‘Yallah, Yallah Beenah’ by Mohammed Hammad were also supported by the festival’s Red Sea Fund. The collection includes the works of award-winning writer Faisal Buhaishi, whose film ‘Last Chance to Fal in Love’ follows the touching story of an old man reuniting with his first love after 50 years. Fictional dramas such as ‘Old Phone Number’ by Ali Saeed and ‘Zabarjad’ by Hussain Almutliq, explore the themes of character growth while holding on to parts of one’s past life. Movies from the fantasy genre include ‘A Swing’ by Raneem and Dana Almohandes follows the journey of a 10-year-old girl trekking through the woods to find a magical swing her father used to tell her about. Nora Abu Shusha highlights the untold struggles of married life with ‘Lucky you’re mine’, while Mohammed Baqer uses ‘Tea Leaf’ to artistically articulate the pain and regret that comes with failed relationships. ‘Requiem for Silence’ by Majed Z. Samman, ‘Forward’ by Fahad Alotaibi, and ‘Othman’ by Khaled Zeidan, see storylines filled with drama, changing each respective character’s life trajectory.  Nuha el Tayeb, Director, Content, Middle East, Africfa and Turkey, Netflix notes: “The second volume is not just a collection of short films; it is a celebration of untold stories, and a testament to the creative prowess of the emerging filmmakers. As these captivating tales find their home on Netflix, they transcend borders and allow viewers  to experience the beauty and dynamism of Saudi culture. We believe great stories can come from anywhere and be loved by anyone.”The entertainment landscape in the Kingdom is rapidly evolving and Netflix continues to amplify Saudi voices by launching Netflix originals such as ‘Al Khallat +’, ‘Masameer County’, ‘Whispers’, and more recently, ‘Ras B Ras’. The New Saudi Voices 2 films will be available on Netflix on October 6, 2023.

 Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City is ecstatic to have hosted India's renowned comedian and actor, Kapil Sharma, for an unforgettable weekend filled with luxury and entertainment. Kapil Sharma, celebrated for his wit and humor, experienced the best-in-class hospitality offered by the prestigious collection of hotels over the recently concluded weekend. Kapil Sharma is known for his hit television show "The Kapil Sharma Show" and an abundance of successful comedy performances. He enjoyed a truly extravagant experience during his stay at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. From a delectable spread of culinary delights to a lavish space to relax and unwind, Kapil Sharma was treated to an unforgettable experience.Saeid Heidari, General Manager of Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, expressed his gratitude of hosting Kapil Sharma, saying, "We were thrilled to host Kapil Sharma at our hotel. It was an honor to have him experience the finest hospitality and luxury that Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City has to offer. We aim to provide our guests with extraordinary experiences, and hosting Kapil Sharma was a momentous occasion for us."Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City is a part of the Al Habtoor City Collection that consists of another two landmark luxury hotels – V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton and Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Each of these hotels offers a unique blend of opulence, world-class dining, and unrivalled entertainment options, making them the preferred choice for travelers seeking luxury and sophistication in Dubai.

Hollywood writers have ended their strike after almost five months. “The WGA reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on a new three-year Minimum Basic Agreement. On September 26th, the Negotiating Committee, the WGAW Board and WGAE Council all voted unanimously to recommend the agreement. It will now go to both guilds’ memberships for a ratification vote. Eligible voters will be able to vote from October 2nd through October 9th, and will receive ballot and ratification materials when the vote opens,” stated The Writers Guild of America (WGA) in a statement.There is a separate dispute involving actors, who are concurrently participating in the strike. The agreement may offer a potential solution to end their strike, as the WGA deal seeks to address the same concerns.“The WGAW Board and WGAE Council also voted to lift the restraining order and end the strike as of 12:01 am PT/3:01 am ET on Wednesday, September 27th. This allows writers to return to work during the ratification process, but does not affect the membership’s right to make a final determination on contract approval,” the statement added.The writers began their strike on May 2. On July 13, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members also joined, resulting in the lengthiest strike to impact Hollywood in many decades. Their strike primarily revolved around disputes concerning compensation and the integration of AI within the industry. Kevin Klowden, an economist at Milken Institute, estimated that the strike has cost the US economy almost $5 billion.

Global Village’s Season 28 VIP Packs will officially go on sale this Saturday, September 30 at 10 am. Available exclusively online from the Virgin Megastore Tickets website, each pack gives guests access to a host of benefits and experiences, containing everything needed to enjoy Global Village all season long.In response to the huge demand for pre-booking reservation that took place last week, interested guests are advised to prepare in advance by registering through the website tickets.virginmegastore.me.Diamond VIP Packs will be available on sale at AED 7,000 and Platinum Packs can be purchased for AED 2,950. Gold Packs cost 2,250 AED and Silver Packs are priced at AED 1,750. Additionally, to celebrate the launch of Season 28, Global Village has hidden a golden cheque worth AED 28,000 in one of the VIP Packs.Global Village re-opens its gates on October 18, 2023, and guests can expect further announcements about Season 28 in the coming weeks.Season 28 VIP Pack highlights:VIP entry ticketsVIP parking sticker and privilegesVIP Wonder Pass cards giving access to attractions including Ripley’s Believe it or Not! ®, the Cyber City stunt show and Carnaval® funfairComplimentary or discounted access to a range of premium Global Village experiencesSpecial offers and privileges to a variety of entertainment attractions across DubaiDiamond Pack holders receive vouchers for in-park taxi transportation, car wash and porter services

Ethara, a company based in the UAE specializing in event management, and Oak View Group (OVG), a US-based arena developer, have unveiled a collaborative endeavor. This partnership marks OVG's expansion into the Middle East and aims to revolutionize the live entertainment and hospitality industries within the region.This announcement comes on the heels of OVG's acquisition of Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC), a prominent British venue caterer. The joint venture will involve close cooperation between RHC and Ethara, with the objective of enhancing the fan experience by providing top-notch food, beverage, and hospitality services at live entertainment venues throughout the Middle East, including the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.Ethara is renowned for organizing events such as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yasalam After-Race Concerts, and managing various venues in the UAE, including the Etihad Arena, Etihad Park, Yas Marina Circuit, and Yas Conference Centre.Meanwhile, OVG currently operates nine major arenas in North America and Europe, with some already open and others in development under its OVG 360 brand. This brand oversees the company's venue management operations, serving over 300 arenas, stadiums, and convention centers worldwide.The live events industry in the Middle East and Africa is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating it could reach $76.67 billion by 2028. This growth is expected to be driven by a estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2021 to 2028, as reported by Research and Markets.

Organisers of the META Film Fest have announced the star-studded, four-day international motion picture gala will return to Dubai for its second edition from November 9-12. The annual festival, which showcases the very best of international film, promises an extraordinary celebration of cinema for filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie lovers alike.Building on the resounding success of last year’s inaugural edition, the META Film Fest 2023 will focus on delivering an unparalleled experience through its emphasis on quality content, workshops and masterclasses tailored for budding filmmakers, premieres of cutting edge independent and studio-produced films, and a prestigious, high-profile judging panel.With the support of content partners such as the Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Papillon Creative, Frontrow Entertainment, and MAD Solutions, and Festival Partners including Cinema Akil, the META Film Fest is set to bolster Dubai’s Creative Economy and support the UAE’s National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries. The four-day celebration of film will take place at VOX Cinemas, Wafi City.Leila Masinaei, Founder of META Film Fest, said: “Following the festival’s hugely successful debut in 2022, this year’s META Film Fest will cement Dubai’s position and capability as a hub for filmmakers and creatives to congregate, share knowledge, and promote their own and their peers’ work. The festival garners immense appreciation from movie enthusiasts and industry professionals, and this year’s edition will see significant growth in both the number and calibre of films being shown.”The META Film Fest adopts an independent, objective approach in its shortlisting process, ensuring the best of the regional industry is spotlighted at the event. Over the four days, it will show more than 70 movies from 20+ countries, host 10+ workshops, and welcome more than 50 global celebrities and 15,000 attendees. The incredible roster of shortlisted films is set to be announced in the coming weeks.At the heart of the festival lies the star-studded red-carpet awards ceremony, which is set to attract luminaries from the film and entertainment industries, along with international and regional celebrities. The evening, a culmination of four days of cinematic celebration, will honour outstanding films in multiple categories, recognising the exceptional talent that contributes to the world of cinema.The awards this year will span 12 categories, covering feature films, short films, documentaries, debut works, student projects, films with a sustainability focus, and newly introduced special categories to celebrate home-grown UAE talent.Under the theme of 'Cinema and Sustainability', the festival has welcomed eco-friendly lifestyle and homeware brand Innara as its official Sustainability Sponsor, in addition to a number of new directors, aiming to spotlight the those leading the charge in sustainable practices in film.The festival is organised by GM Events and held in partnership with VOX Cinemas and Wafi City. Stephanie-Alexandra Chartier, Group Head of Marketing, Wafi Group said the partnership underscores its commitment to fostering the UAE’s creative economy strategy.“Emphasising local content production, promoting Arabic-language content, and empowering youth in the film industry are crucial aspects we wholeheartedly support,” she added. “Wafi City's exceptional ambiance and vibrant cultural scene make it a perfect location to celebrate the power of cinema and amplify the voices of emerging talents in this growing festival.”Sanjay Patney, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, added: “As a long-standing supporter of the regional cinema industry, VOX Cinemas is proud to sponsor the META Film Festival once again. Festivals such as this provide an important platform for filmmakers and key industry stakeholders to connect, share ideas and be inspired as well as enabling established and emerging talent to showcase their creativity on the big screen through the language of film.”Film lovers are urged to mark November 9-12 on their calendars with META Film Fest inviting the general public to embark on an unforgettable cinematic journey in the heart of Dubai. With opportunities to experience the magic of cinema, interact with industry professionals, and be a part of the burgeoning film community, those interested should stay tuned for updates and announcements.

Roxy Cinemas will serve up a thrilling line-up of English Premier League matches this September. Fans of the greatest game will get closer than ever to their heroes with the chance to watch the biggest and best teams from the EPL at Roxy Cinemas in Dubai Hills Mall.As the only cinema in the UAE screening matches, fans of all ages are in for an unbeatable game-watching experience, where they can cheer on every kick, tackle and goal, experiencing the unique passion and drama of the English Premier League in a larger-than-life spectacle.With tickets starting from AED 55, fans can watch their favourite teams battle it out in Roxy Cinemas’ Silver screens featuring plush, reclining seats and a wide selection of classic cinema snacks at the concession counters, such as popcorn, nachos and hot dogs.Following the international break, EPL action kicks off with Wolves taking on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on 16th September at 3.30PM, followed by Arsenal’s visit to Everton on 17th September at 7.30PM and Nottingham Forest vs. Burnley on 18th September at 10.45PM. Newly promoted Sheffield Utd take on Newcastle on 24th September at 7.30PM and super September reaches a climax with Brighton going to Aston Villa on 30th September at 3.30PM.Tickets can be booked at the Roxy Cinema website or via the Roxy Cinemas app, via the App Store, or Google Play.

Boomerang, the kids channel by Warner Bros. Discovery, has been rebranded as Cartoonito in the Middle East and North Africa region. This rebranding is done with the main aim of catering to the pre-school range of kids.Cartoonito will include all cherished Boomerang classics like Tom & Jerry, Mr. Bean, Grizzy & the Lemmings, and Looney Tunes Cartoons, alongside fresh additions like Dino Ranch, Thomas and Friends: All Engines Go, and Lucas the Spider. Moreover, Cartoonito is all set to launch a range of new shows such as Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders, and Interstellar Ella, providing entertainment to the whole family.The rebranding is done with the aim of promoting creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity to develop kids by encouraging empathy, respect, and fairness in their interactions with others.Earlier in July, WBD rebranded Boomerang channel as Cartoonito in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.                               Vanessa Brookman, Senior Vice President, Kids & Family EMEA, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “Celebrating individuality and originality, Cartoonito offers a safe space where kids and their families can laugh and learn alongside beloved characters. I am very proud that in the year we celebrate 100 years of Warner Bros., we are showing our commitment to our youngest audience by launching our preschool offering Cartoonito across EMEA.”

Leading sound strategy firm, WithFeeling, has joined forces with industry veteran Michelle Meyrick. With her impressive 18-year track record, Michelle will work exclusively through WithFeeling.Michelle’s distinctive Neutral RP accent has been heard across a wide range of platforms, from commercials to e-learning, with notable roles such as the region’s voice for IKEA, Nivea Middle East, Dubai Mall, and many others, highlighting her talent and versatility.Michelle spoke of her recent decision to have WithFeeling take care of her voiceover work, “I’m thrilled to be represented by WithFeeling. They handle all the details, from bookings to payments and even promotions – things I just don’t have time for. With them by my side, I can focus on what I do best: bringing scripts to life. Together, we’re going to reach audiences everywhere.”<div class="video-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/77X0xdWlH0o?si=YXKwCClmjPBXVRlX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Chris Atkins, Managing Director, WithFeeling, shared his enthusiasm, “Having collaborated with Michelle over many years, I’ve consistently been impressed by her vocal adaptability and general positive attitude. As we forge ahead with our UK and US expansion plans, her addition opens up a wealth of opportunities, and it’s a privilege to represent her.”Chona, Head of Brand Voices,WithFeeling added, “Following successful partnerships with talents like Safia Al Shehi, we’re delighted to expand our offering with more Dubai-based voice over talent. We pride ourselves on streamlining the experience for our talents; from handling bookings to ensuring prompt payments, we want them to concentrate on their craft, free from administrative burdens.”

Dubai:  Dubai-based publisher, The Dreamwork Collective, has been selected to take part in the 8th edition of the Book Adaptation Rights Market, to be staged next month as part of the 80th Venice International Film Festival. One of just 34 international publishing houses and literary agencies chosen for the exclusive invitation-only event, The Dreamwork Collective will have the opportunity to represent the UAE and present its entire catalogue of books for adaptation to the film industry.Convening in the Hotel Excelsior on Lido di Venezia, the Book Adaptation Rights Market is part of the Venice Production Bridge, which stages a range of unique initiatives to advance the development and production of film. The Market provides publishers with a dedicated platform to conduct one-on-one meetings with the producers registered to the Venice International Film Festival, to discuss the adaptation of novels, dramas, children’s literature, short stories, comics, graphic novels, essays, and biographies.As an independent publisher with a focus on authors in the Middle East and North Africa regions, The Dreamwork Collective has established a reputation for championing voices often neglected by the mainstream. The invitation to the Venice Book Adaptation Rights Market is a first among publishers across the region and recognizes the diverse voices and powerful stories backed by the all-female team.CEO and Founder of The Dreamwork Collective, Kira Jean, said, “We are honoured to be among the select few publishers to receive Gold Accreditation and to present our titles for adaption to the film industry. It is a huge step towards introducing the powerful stories we publish in the Emirates to the screen, and we are thrilled to represent the region’s best writing talent as we meet renowned filmmakers and producers at this year’s Venice International Film Festival.”The annual Book Adaptation Rights Market places a spotlight on a different literary genre each year and the 2023 edition will be dedicated to publications for children and young adults. Among the titles to be presented by The Dreamwork Collective is The Secret Life of Dubai’s Street Cats, by Bashayer Arif. A touching and triumphant story for cat lovers of all ages, the book has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Also featuring in the publisher’s children’s literature catalogue is Just Jessica, by author and Paralympian Jessica Smith, who draws on her own life experiences to tell the story of a schoolgirl who is slightly different from her friends.Renowned among publishers worldwide as one of the top three annual gatherings in the field, the Venice Book Adaptation Rights Market has provided a platform for the sale of numerous adaptations to both cinema and television in its previous seven editions. The Dreamwork Collective will be among 12 publishers and literary agencies participating in the event for the first time this year.

Riyadh: Jawwy TV is captivating audiences with its August lineup, unlocking enjoyable viewing experiences through a wave of TV series and heartwarming family features. Curating an array of top-quality content, Jawwy TV delights viewers across the MENA region with a world-class OTT experience, offering new uploads of hilarious comedies, enchanting tales, and gripping suspense that will ignite the spirit of adventure.Laughter-filled EntertainmentShalaby, a heartwarming family comedy, takes viewers on a journey of friendship and the power of dreams. The talented Karim Mahmoud Abdelaziz stars as Saber, who dreams of quitting his mundane 9-5 job and becoming a marionette show creator when his life takes an unexpected turn and brings him face to face with Karma, a nine-year-old girl who tragically lost her voice due to recent trauma. Determined to help her speak again, Saber aims to give her a once-in-a-lifetime show of a lifetime.Batn w Dahir explores the concept of twins from a fresh and funny perspective while highlighting essential social and humanitarian issues.Get lost in The Turkish Trap SeriesFollowing the tale of three brothers seeking revenge for their stolen childhood, viewers will be drawn into a world where distinguishing between good and evil, reality and illusion, becomes a daunting challenge.Time for Family Fun!With Toy Guardians, Mini Tiger and Toothless, two plushies owned by a little girl named Laura, enter into a video game and embark on a perilous adventure to save Laura from the pitfalls of the cyber world.Packed with colorful animation, Two Tails follows the adventures of two furry friends, a feisty cat and a daring fox, on a quest filled with laughter and friendship as they discover the true meaning of courage and loyalty.My Giraffe is a must-watch movie filled with heartwarming moments, combining action, family bonds, and hilarious comedy, following the adventure of a young girl named Elsa and a talking baby giraffe.The Adventure of A.R.I.: My Robot Friend is a family-friendly sci-fi movie about a boy, Noah, who befriends a discarded robot, A.R.I. They embark on an adventure to save ARI from a pursuing corporation. Amidst the excitement, a deep bond forms, highlighting themes of friendship, courage, and empathy towards artificial intelligence.More Exclusive Series from StarzplayOutlander fans will travel through time with Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser in an epic tale of love, adventure, and sacrifice that will keep audiences hooked as they delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the historical past in the show’s seventh season.The power-packed financial drama Billions returns, promising intense rivalry, high-stakes games, and complex characters. The audience will join in the battle of wits between the formidable Chuck Rhoades and the enigmatic Bobby Axelrod as they navigate the cutthroat world of high finance.A Master Aggregator of Curated Content!The Jawwy TV platform provides viewers with a next-level, seamless user experience and hours of entertainment. With its innovative Master Aggregator content strategy, Jawwy TV offers multi-device compatibility, ensuring that viewers can explore and discover their favorites anytime from any place.

beIN SPORTS, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)’s leading broadcaster, will champion the growing equality and diversity in global football by airing live and exclusive all 64 matches of this summer’s much-anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – the first of the tournament’s nine editions to feature 32 teams.Through its beINSPIRED initiative, beIN is committed to elevating the profile of under-represented sports globally and recognizes the value that all sports, and particularly women’s sports, play in advancing equality across the international sports ecosystem.beIN will broadcast the opening and closing ceremonies and matches, semi-finals and final across the MENA region on its free-to-air channel, beIN SPORTS.The remaining matches will air over a non-stop one-month programming schedule on beIN SPORTS 1 PREMIUM in Arabic, and in English on beIN SPORTS 1 ENGLISH, from 20 July to 20 August.Match timings vary between 04:00 MECCA – 15:30 MECCA with most games between 08:00 MECCA – 13:00 MECCA.Arabic coverage on beIN SPORTS 1 PREMIUM will feature in-studio commentary of the tournament’s opening ceremony and match between co-hosts New Zealand and Norway live from the Football Ferns’ national stadium in Auckland’s Eden Park, as well as all the games featuring the Moroccan national team, the semi-finals and the final.The in-studio coverage will be presented by Areej Sleem, the first female Arab presenter to cover a slew of the world’s most prestigious global sporting events.beIN SPORTS will also provide in-depth analysis hosted by two of the Arab world’s most high-profile women footballers in former Jordanian team captain Ala’a Othman, who led her national side to West Asian Championship victories in 2005 and 2007, as well as winning the 2010 First Arab Cup Championship in Bahrain. Othman also steered her Shabab al-Ordon team to four consecutive Women’s League Championship wins.Joining Othman is Fatima Zohra, the former Moroccan player and referee, and the current coach of both the women and men’s teams at Olympique club de Khouribga (OCK) in her home country.Over on beIN SPORTS 1 ENGLISH all 64 matches will be available live and exclusive. There will also be a nightly studio “World Cup Today” on air at 18:00 MECCA, that will show the best of the day’s action.The best analysis will be provided by Jodie Taylor, the current Arsenal FC player and a 51 international cap holder, who was part of the England team that finished third at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Taylor will be joined by Claire Rafferty the former England international and regular UK TV pundit.beIN SPORTS NEWS will also dedicate a 26-minute nightly bulletin to the tournament at 18:00 MECCA to review all the day’s action, preview upcoming games, and air exclusive feature stories and interviews.The bulletins will be presented by a female team of a beIN SPORTS news presenter and guests, and will include reactions from participating nations, including Morocco.“This will be an historic FIFA Women’s World Cup with the tournament’s biggest ever line-up of competing national sides reflecting women’s soccer growing global status,” commented Duncan Walkinshaw, Director of Programs at beIN MENA.“We anticipate strong consumer demand across the region, with Arab fans expected to support the Moroccan side’s fortunes. We will also extend our offering to a ‘free TV channel’ in each MENA territory for the opening ceremony and match, the semi-finals, final and the closing ceremony.“We look forward to providing outstanding coverage of this exceptional tournament and wish all the competing sides the best of luck.”

April-06-2023 Sony LIV ???? Enjoy this fiery April watchlist on Sony LIV ????

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Netflix released the first look images of the upcoming Arabic psychological thriller, The Matchmaker, giving a first glimpse at the eerie and atmospheric story. Set against the striking backdrop of AlUla, which is steeped in history and brings an undercurrent of magic, The Matchmaker is one of the first psychological thrillers from Saudi Arabia.The Matchmaker follows Tarek (Hussam Alharthy), an IT worker who becomes powerfully infatuated with his office’s beautiful intern (Nour Alkhadra). He follows her to a desert resort beset by bizarre forces, where a matchmaker (Reem Alhabib) promises men to pair them with their perfect bride. But when Tarek wanders outside the bounds of the resort, he uncovers an ancient vengeance.The Matchmaker is produced by Telfaz11 and directed by Abdulmohsin Aldabaan. The movie is filmed entirely in AlUla, a UNESCO World  Heritage site in Saudi Arabia.

 In celebration of National Sport Day that takes place on February 14 this year, beIN SPORTS will leave viewers spoilt for choice when it comes to watching the world’s best athletes competing at the peak of their powers. From the long-awaited return of the UEFA Champions League to a pair of star-studded NBA games and elite-level men’s and women’s tennis at home and abroad, audiences can enjoy a packed day of professional sports alongside their own participation in sports activities throughout the day.UEFA Champions League: PSG v Bayern MunichIn arguably his biggest match since lifting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in December, Lionel Messi will line-up for PSG intent on helping his teammates such as Neymar and Achraf Hakimi take a step closer towards the club’s maiden – and much-anticipated – Champions League title. Bayern however will be no walk in the Parc des Princes, arriving in the French capital with a European pedigree few other clubs can boast. The six-time European Cup winners are rapid in possession and rabid without, so a fast-paced advert for the beautiful game is near certain. It’s not a match anybody will want to miss.You can watch the live studio coverage before the PSG versus Bayern match kicks-off at 22:00 MECCA in Arabic on beIN SPORTS Premium 1 and beIN 4K, and in English on beIN SPORTS ENGLISH 1, leading right up to the opening whistle at 23:00 MECCA.UEFA Champions League: AC Milan v Tottenham HotspurNeither Spurs nor the Rossoneri have found much momentum this season, with both struggling at times domestically. Yet history shows that form can all go out the window when the Champions League music plays. With Tottenham manager Antonio Conte returning to the city where he led Inter to the Scudetto in 2021, a hostile atmosphere surely awaits, and last year’s league champions Milan will be desperate to kick-start a season that is at risk of fading to nothing. Yet with Harry Kane fit and firing and the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur returning to Italy with a point to prove, a mouth-watering clash awaits.You can watch Milan versus Spurs with Arabic commentary on beIN SPORTS Premium 2 and with English commentary on beIN SPORTS ENGLISH 2 at 23:00 MECCA.EFL Championship: Burnley v WatfordHigh-flying Burnley look certain to return to the English Premier League just 12 months after relegation to the Championship. Vincent Kompany’s men sit top of the league after losing just twice in the opening 28 games. They host Watford at Turf Moor looking to extend their lead at the top, while Slaven Bilic’s Hornets – also relegated to the second tier of the English game last season – are themselves looking to secure a place in the playoff positions. Ismaila Sarr will, as ever, be the Watford star to keep an eye on; if anyone can hurt Kompany’s title challengers, it is the Senegal attacker. Yet Jack Cork and Co will have other ideas.You can watch Burnley versus Watford with Arabic commentary on beIN SPORTS Premium 3 and with English commentary on beIN SPORTS ENGLISH 3 at 23:00 MECCA.NBA: Denver Nuggets v Miami HeatSet for the Miami-Dade Arena, the Heat and Nuggets should produce an exciting NBA matchup given both teams have eye-catching performers that bring energy and excitement to the basketball court, such as the Heat’s free-throw king Jimmy Butler and Denver’s Serbian centre Nikola Jokic. With the Nuggets sitting top of the Western Conference, they will no doubt enter the game confident, but you can never rule out the effect of a vocal Floridian crowd.You can watch the Nuggets versus Heat with Arabic commentary on beIN SPORTS Premium 3 and with English commentary on beIN SPORTS ENGLISH 2 at 03:30 MECCA.NBA: Milwaukee Timberwolves v Dallas MavericksThe two games played earlier this season between the Timberwolves and Mavericks saw them share the spoils as they each captured a win. With the two franchises battling for a playoff spot, the third game is destined to be a thriller with Mavs’ superstar Luka Donicic enjoying a standout season that has him averaging 30+ points per game. On the other hand, Timberwolves’ shooting guard Anthony Edwards is doing what it takes to keep his team in the playoff positions and will be expected to continue in that vain. Who will have the final laugh between these two this season? Only one way to find out…You can watch the Timberwolves versus Mavericks with Arabic commentary on beIN SPORTS 7 at 04:30 MECCA. WTA 500 Qatar TotalEnergies OpenThe second day of Qatar’s WTA 500 event is sure to be busy with a packed line-up that includes, among others, six of the world’s top 10 players. Poland’s World No.1 Iga Swiatek won in Doha last year, marking the start of her incredible undefeated streak, while American duo Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff – World No4 and No6 respectively – return to the scene where they won doubles last year, each looking to add a singles title to their list of career achievements.You can watch the WTA 500 Qatar TotalEnergies Open with Arabic studio coverage on beIN SPORTS 5 starting from 13:30 MECCA and coverage with English commentary on beIN SPORTS ENGLISH 3 from 14:00 MECCA.ATP 500 ABN Amro OpenThe 50th anniversary of Rotterdam’s ATP 500 event has attracted an impressive field at a busy time of year, with last month’s Australian Open finalist and World No.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas joining World No.5 Andrey Rublev and last year’s champion Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada. Andy Murray was forced to withdraw after his exertions in Melbourne, so Tallon Griekspoor, the Netherlands’ second-ranked player, has been handed a wildcard and will be keen to go deep during this most special of occasions for the historic tournament. You can watch the ABN Amro Open with English commentary on beIN SPORTS 6 from 13:30 MECCA.