Entertainment

Greek envoy stresses on “Hamas’ dissolution,” cautions about war’s impact on India-Middle East-Europe Corridor

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2 years ago

November 1, 2023

Staff Reporter

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New Delhi [India], October 31 (ANI): As the Israel-Hamas war enters its 25th day, the Ambassador of Greece to India, Dimitrios Ioannou expressed Greece’s unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its actions, labelling it as a terrorist organisation and underscored that a solution to the Middle-East war is not possible without Hamas’ dissolution.

“Greece condemns in absolute terms Hamas and the killings, the crimes that have been committed and considers Hamas to be a terrorist organisation. There cannot be a solution to the Middle East conflict without the dissolution of the Hamas terrorist organisation. A solution should be advanced and implemented through political dialogue,” said the Greek envoy in an interview with ANI on Tuesday.

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas also brought to the forefront discussions about the future of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). The Greek envoy while weighing in on this matter, emphasised that the corridor is an “absolute necessity,” to India’s economic landscape, adding it could experience some delays but may proceed without significant hindrance.

Ambassador Ioannou, while speaking at an Observer Research Foundation event, also highlighted the significance of the India-Middle East Corridor as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for the Indian economy. He stressed that this corridor, which has been in the planning stages, is deemed a necessity.

“It seems to me a very peculiar thing why this idea about the economic corridor did not appear to some minds ten or five years before because it seems to me like an absolute necessity. India Middle East Corridor is an absolutely necessary alternative to China’s BRI for the Indian economy. It will be built one way or another,” said the Greek envoy at the ORF event.

The Ambassador also mentioned that it could experience some delays but may proceed without significant hindrance. “And I don’t know whether it will be delayed by the unhappy events now but I think that economic necessity is the strongest motivation in international relations. So it can be a delay of one or two years or it can be no delay at all because the fact is that this is still a project on paper and we don’t know how long it will take,” he added.

Greece firmly supports the concept of a two-state solution and emphasises the importance of safeguarding innocent civilian lives in the region. “First, we condemn the atrocities made by Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist organisation. We would not be able to have a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict without a solution on the end of Hamas. It is a factor to play in this situation…Second, we believe in the solution of two states…The lives of innocent civilians should be saved and protected…,” said Ambassador Ioannou in an interview with ANI.

In an interesting observation, Ambassador Ioannou revealed the immense popularity of Indian actress Nargis in Greece during the 1960s. The cultural connection, according to them, illustrates that India was not perceived as a distant country but was well-known in Greece. “The most popular actress in Greece in the in the 60s was Nargis. I remember that my mother was drawn from the cinemas to the movies to watch the movies of Nargis. I always sing the song from Mother India. So Greeks, in many ways, for many reasons, they were very much informed about India. India was not at all such a distant country as China,” he added.

Additionally, Ambassador Ioannou highlighted the substantial maritime cooperation between Greece and India. “Greece has the biggest maritime fleet in the world…If at this moment there is an Indian product delivered somewhere around the world to its final consumer, there is one chance in five that it was transported by a Greek ship. It’s the same the other way around where something is delivered at this, moment here in India coming from abroad. There is also a 1.5 chance that it was transported by the Greek fleet…That means that even without waiting for the economic corridor to be built and completed the Greek merchant fleet contributed to the development and the growth of the Indian economy. And it will continue doing so in the coming years…”Regarding Greece’s support for India in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Ambassador Ioannou reaffirmed Greece’s backing, emphasising the necessity of India’s participation in the UNSC due to its status as the most populous country, which holds considerable influence in international diplomacy. He said, “From the very first moment Greece has been supportive and we will support it because it is absolutely necessary that the most populous country be a part of the Security Council. India is a factor in international diplomacy…”He wrapped up by underscoring the promising development of India-Greece relations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece. “After the visit of PM Modi to Greece the relations of India and Greece have entered a very promising stage. They will be developing in the coming years…,” said the Greek envoy. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Announcements

Tickets now live for Dubai’s first homegrown musical spectacle

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1 week ago

June 14, 2025

Staff Reporter

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A cultural revolution is about to begin. Tickets are now available for Once Upon A Time in Dubai, the most ambitious, emotional, and spectacular musical ever produced in the region. Opening this December at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show is already being called a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — and for good reason.

More than just a stage production, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is the first original large-scale musical entirely created in the UAE, blending Broadway-worthy storytelling with the energy and dreams of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Behind this bold vision is Stéphane Boukris, entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer, who has brought together an international creative dream team — including Universal Music Group MENA as co-producer — to craft a deeply emotional journey of love, ambition, and transformation, set in today’s Dubai.

“This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,” says Boukris. “We are creating something people will never forget.”

A World-Class Team Behind the Curtain

The production brings together talents who have previously worked on global shows such as Céline Dion, Disney shows, and Arabs Got Talent (MBC). From lighting to choreography and technical design, every detail is crafted by artists and technicians at the highest international standards.

A Story That Speaks to a Generation

At the heart of the show is Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai to search for Sophia, the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from all walks of life, culminating in a celebration of courage, community, and reinvention.

The cast features rising stars Amanda Maalouf (X Factor) and Joe Woolford (The Voice UK) — with many of the lead vocalists and performers previously featured on international talent platforms, bringing an exceptional level of stage presence and vocal power. The musical includes over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, including already-viral hits like “Habibi”, “Stranger in the World”, and “Think Big”.

A City-Wide Movement

With over 150,000 spectators expected across 55 performances, the show is much more than an event — it’s becoming a movement. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is already making waves across the city with:

● Strategic brand partnerships: McDonald’s, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the

Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, GEMS Education, and more

● Immersive activations: Soundtracks in Hala taxis, QR codes in malls, music in retail

stores, and dedicated social media campaigns

● Youth engagement: Auditions and showcases for students across GEMS schools,

opening the stage to the next generation of performers

The show will be performed in English, and supported by a multicultural creative team led by stage director Johan Nus.

Exclusive Ticket Sale

Tickets are available exclusively via Fever, the global ticketing platform. Pre-sale access has already launched with selected partners such as GEMS, Muse by Chalhoub, and Accor’s ALL loyalty members — with thousands of tickets snapped up in just days.

🎤 Behind the scenes videos, interviews with the cast, and a full media kit are available upon request. 📸 Press passes for opening week are now being issued — be among the first to witness the birth of a new cultural landmark.

Announcements

Dubai Musical Debuts with Amanda Maalouf’s Anthem

Published

2 months ago

April 23, 2025

Staff Reporter

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In a performance that blended emotion, elegance, and East-West harmony, Lebanese-French singer Amanda Maalouf on Wednesday gave a select UAE audience a stirring preview of the upcoming musical Once Upon A Time in Dubai, set to premiere in December 2025.

The exclusive showcase featured Maalouf performing “Habibi,” one of the show’s signature numbers, at an invite-only preview attended by media, partners, and cultural stakeholders. The song—a poignant blend of Arabic influences and Western theatrical arrangement—earned enthusiastic applause, offering a glimpse of what producers are calling “a new kind of musical for a new Dubai.”

“Dubai is more than a setting—it’s a character in this story,” said Stéphane Boukris, co-producer of the musical. “This project is about cultural unity, artistic innovation, and shining a spotlight on a new generation redefining identity in the Middle East. We’re proud to bring this bridge between France and the UAE to life.”

For Maalouf, whose performance marked the first public taste of the show, the moment was deeply personal. “Habibi is a song that speaks from the heart—it’s a journey through love, self-expression, and identity,” she told reporters after the performance. “Performing it here in Dubai, where East and West meet so beautifully, is a dream. This is just the beginning [of great things together].”

The team behind Once Upon A Time in Dubai says the musical is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural project designed to showcase Dubai as a city of stories, voices, and future-forward artistry.

The production is backed by Universal Music and features a cast and crew with international credentials, with more previews and announcements expected soon.

A collaboration between a visionary French team and Universal Music, the musical tells the story of a young generation rising in the heart of Dubai, navigating identity, ambition, and tradition in a rapidly changing world. With original compositions by renowned composer Nazim Khaled and set against the backdrop of the UAE’s global crossroads, the show promises to be a landmark moment for original musical theatre in the region. The story, told through original music and dance, will premiere later this year, with full production details expected to be announced over the coming months.

Entertainment

Philippine film legend Nora Aunor passes away at 71

Published

2 months ago

April 17, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Veteran actress, politician and beloved superstar Nora Aunor has passed away at the age of 71.

Her son, Ian De Leon, confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 16 April 2025. Sharing a photo of his late mother, he wrote:

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor ‘Nora Aunor’ who left us today at the age of 71. She was the heart of our family, a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.”

The late star’s wake will be held at The Chapels, Heritage Park in Taguig, according to her daughter and fellow actress Lotlot de Leon.

A National Treasure

In 2022, Nora Aunor was officially recognised as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts by the Philippine government, the highest honour given to individuals who have made a lasting impact on the country’s arts and culture. She was honoured alongside screenwriter Ricky Lee and the late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

Cause of Death

Neither the 71-year-old’s family nor authorities have confirmed a cause of death yet. However, according to the media outlet Inquirer.com, she was at a Pasig hospital for an undisclosed procedure.

Career Highlights

Nora Aunor rose to fame as a singer and actress, later becoming one of the most respected names in Philippine cinema. She is best known for her award-winning performance in the critically acclaimed film Himala.

Her most recent film appearance was in Mananambal, alongside actress Bianca Umali. On television, her final role was in the GMA Afternoon Prime series Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law.

A true icon, Nora Aunor leaves behind a rich legacy and a nation in mourning.

Tributes Pour In

“Every tear she shed onscreen felt like a collective heartbreak. Every line she delivered became etched in the memory of Philippine cinema… Nora, salamat sa sining. Salamat sa puso,” wrote Charo Santos-Concio said in her post.

“Despite her legendary status, she carried herself with such modesty — confident in her craft, yet never boastful,” Actress Lovi Poe said in her post.

“The FDCP mourns the passing of National Artist Nora Aunor — an icon, a legend, and a voice that captured the soul of a nation. Her performances were never just roles; they were reflections of truth, hope, and resilience,’ wrote The national film council of the Philippines.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, fans, and every Filipino soul mourning the loss of our beloved Superstar and National Artist,” said noted social activist Persida Rueda-Acosta.