Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 25: India’s most prestigious award ceremony, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024, is on the horizon, promising another year of cinematic evolution. Prior to the highly anticipated evening, a star-studded Press Conference was held at Taj Lands End, where luminaries like Aditi Rao Hydari, Dia Mirza and Nushrratt Bharuccha graced the occasion.
Nushrratt Bharuccha took center stage, unveiling the first-ever special projection for an award ceremony. The video showcased the prestigious DPIFF 2024 trophy, building anticipation for the upcoming annual award ceremony. It took viewers on a sparkling tour of Mumbai, celebrating the collaborative spirit of cinema.
The conference was attended by notable personalities from the Film and Television Industry, representatives from the affiliated brand partners along with several media personalities. As the host for the evening, Meiyang Chang shed light on the purpose of Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024, outlining the unshakeable principles as well as the enthusiasm with which the ceremony is held each year. The conference delved into this year’s theme of DPIFF Awards 2024 ‘From Classics To Cutting-Edge: Indian Cinema’s Enduring Journey Through Time’
The evening also held an insightful Panel Discussion on ‘The Transformative Tale of Indian Cinema’ with profound delegates from the film industry including Dia Mirza, Manish Kalra – Chief Business Officer of ZEE5, Ashish Sehgal – Chief Growth Officer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, Samir Ratanjankar – Senior Vice President, Anil Mishra – MD of DPIFF & Consultative Committee Member, FCI, Minsitry of Consumer Affairs, JioMart and Mayank Shroff – Head of Programming & Distribution, Cinepolis India. Adding a delightful touch to the evening, the team of Khichdi 2 seamlessly integrated into the conference, treating the audience to a small skit that brought laughter and camaraderie to the fore. The letters from the Hon’ble Education Minister of India and Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India, in support of the organization’s efforts were also unveiled.
Powered By Partners Acer & Renault, Co-Powered by Partners Royal Stag Packaged Drinking Water, JioMart, Haier Appliances & Selected Homme, Telecast Partner ZEE TV, Streaming Partner ZEE5, Tourism Partners Uttar Pradesh Tourism & Punjab Tourism along with other Support Partners were also officially introduced at the Press Conference. The officials further unveiled the distinguished hosts for the upcoming DPIFF Awards Ceremony, Jaaved Jaaferi and Aparshakti Khurana who are all set to take the stage, bringing their charismatic presence to the forefront of the occasion.
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024 promises an exhilarating cinematic journey, delving into the vast spectrum of Indian cinema from timeless classics to cutting-edge works, showcasing the enduring evolution of this remarkable art form. The ceremony will feature a Tribute to the Nation performance by none other than the renowned Ustad Javed Ali, offering a mesmerizing and soulful musical experience. The occasion will also be graced by the electrifying performance of the legendary Sukhwinder Singh, whose presence promises an unforgettable musical spectacle.
DPIFF relentlessly works towards recognizing and celebrating individuals in the film industry who have exhibited unwavering dedication and exceptional potential through their tireless endeavours. The objective is to cultivate and support the worlds of both cinema and television by promoting education and fostering a cross-cultural understanding. DPIFF firmly upholds the belief that the art of filmmaking, encompassing TV series as well, stands as a potent instrument capable of bringing together diverse cultures and illuminating the common human experience.
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Dubai’s Miracle Garden has reopened for its 15th season as temperatures begin to fall across the UAE. The popular attraction in Al Barsha South welcomed visitors on Thursday, 8 October, with the new season being launched under the theme “Fifteen Years, Blooming Together”.
Sheikh Theyab bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of Miracle Group, inaugurated the new season. The garden will remain open until 31 May 2027, with a programme of weekly themes and events planned around the UAE’s cultural and national calendar.
Visitors will see activities linked to occasions including Pink October, United Nations Day, UAE Flag Day and Diwali. The programme will also include live music, family entertainment and fitness activities held as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Events are also planned for Commemoration Day and Eid Al Etihad.
“For fifteen seasons, Dubai Miracle Garden has grown alongside Dubai and its people,” Sheikh Theyab said. “This season is dedicated to the community that made it possible, particularly the families and residents who return year after year.”
Mohammed Zaher Hammadih, group chief executive of Miracle Group, said the weekly programme was intended to encourage visitors to return throughout the season.
“As we mark our 15th season, Dubai Miracle Garden continues to bring people together through shared experiences,” he said. “Our weekly programme gives families a new reason to return, with cultural celebrations, live entertainment and activities to enjoy throughout the season.”
The garden features more than 150 varieties of flowers and is known for its large-scale floral displays, some of which have previously set Guinness World Records.
Since opening in 2013, it has attracted millions of visitors and become one of Dubai’s established family attractions.The garden is open daily from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 11pm at weekends.
Tickets start at Dh105 for adults and Dh84 for children. Children under three can enter free of charge.
Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.
The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.
The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.
Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.
Other ticket options
Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
Friday: Dh75
Under 15s: Free
People of Determination + carer: Dh375
Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.
Bigger family attractions
Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.
The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Six sports and top rugby action
Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.
Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.
The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.
The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.
Music all weekend
Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.
Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.
For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.
With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.
The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.
What is Dubai+?
Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:
Local and Emirati productions
Arab series and films
International entertainment
The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.
“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
Boosting Local Film and Content Production
The Council also reviewed plans to:
Enhance local production capabilities
Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth
Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.
Next Phase of Growth
Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.
Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.