Entertainment
Abu Dhabi does star turn again with IIFA 2023
Another sizzling weekend at Yas Island cements city’s reputation as amazing hosts
Published
1 year agoon
Abu Dhabi cemented its reputation as great hosts as the 23rd IIFA) Awards came to an end at the Etihad Arena, where the event was held for a second successive time after drawing praise from the creme de la creme of Bollywood.
The International Indian Film Academy Awards is a celebration of the key achievements from the tinsel town in the year gone by, but attempts are made to take the event to different corners of the world even though the popular industry does not have to. IIFA 2022 was a runaway success because of the excellent hosting arrangements by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi and the reputation was enhanced over the weekend.
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Sara Ali Khan looked ravishing in red. Mohammed Asif
The Sobha Realty and NEXA-sponsored IIFA saw star performances, a rain of celebrity glitterati, some veteran names honoured and achievements recognised over two nights of fun and glamour. Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, joined in as the other key, local collaborator.
The first evening focuses on music and fashion traditionally under the banner of IIFA Rocks. Cue exciting performances by Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhbir Singh, Palak Muchhal & Iulia Vantur, the touted girlfriend of Salman Khan, the show’s superstar representative icon for Bollywood. The evening programme was presented by Farah Khan and Rajkummar Rao.
The musical spectacular began with a dance performance by Palak Muchhal, who was followed by Farah Khan, who also danced her way on to the stage. Rao entered while playing the song Main Hoon Na, and the two recreated a scene from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, in which they both greeted the crowd and engaged in witty conversation about friendship.
Chauhan, Badshah, Jacqueline Fernandez, Rakul Preet Singh and Nora Fatehi gave enthralling performances later in the evening.
Awards were given out through the glitzy IIFA statuette across various categories, including in the technical aspects. One of the key highlights of IIFA Rocks was a special collection showcased by Bollywood’s favourite designer Manish Malhotra. The collection reflected ‘old world charm meets the new world’ that was breakthrough and imaginative and had Salman Khan and Nora Fatehi as the showstoppers for the evening.
And the award goes to:
- Best Picture Category | Drishyam 2
- Best Direction Category| R Madhavan for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
- Best Actor In A Leading Role (Female) | Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male) | Hrithik Roshan for Vikram Vedha
- Performance In A Supporting Role (Female) | Mouni Roy for Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva
- Performance In A Supporting Role (Male) | Anil Kapoor for Jug Jugg Jeeyo
- Music Direction | Pritam for Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva
- Playback Singer (Female) | Shreya Ghoshal for the song Rasiya from Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva
- Playback Singer (Male) | Arijit Singh for the song Kesariya from Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva
- Best Story (Original) | Parveez Sheikh and Jasmeet Reen for the film Darlings
- Best Story (Adapted) | Aamil Keeyan Khan and Abhishek Pathak for Drishyam 2
- Lyrics | Amitabh Bhattacharya for the song Kesariya from Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva
- Best Debut – Female, Khushali Kumar for Dhoka Around the Corner
- Best Debut – Male, Shantanu Maheshwari for Gangubai Kathiawadi and Babil Khan for Qala
Journalist for 25 years with leading publications in India and UAE such as The National, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Indian Express and former Sports Editor of eIndia.com. Now managing editor of Headline.ae, part of MEMc (https://www.memc.co)
Announcements
Global Village announces opening date for Season 29
Published
5 days agoon
September 3, 2024By
SudhashreeSeason 29 of Global Village will kick off on October 16, 2024, the outdoor destination announced. The season will run until May 11, 2025. The popular destination remains closed during the summer months. This year, Global Village is expanding its offerings, featuring more cultural representations, never-before-seen entertainment, and exciting infrastructure upgrades.
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Visitors to the family-friendly destination can experience a diverse range of performances, shopping, and dining experiences from cultures around the world.
Opening more than 25 years ago, the destination set a new record of over 10 million visitors in its 28th season, the longest season to date, hosting 27 pavilions representing over 90 cultures from around the globe, as well as 3,500 shopping outlets and 250 dining options.
The destination is expecting millions of visitors from around the globe to gather for the park’s attractions during the upcoming season.
Announcements
Gaming meets speed: Ferrari launches first-ever esports arena in Abu Dhabi
Published
1 week agoon
September 1, 2024By
SudhashreeFerrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-themed park, has once again redefined entertainment by launching the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to become the go-to destination for racing enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike.
The newly unveiled Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, thoughtfully designed to cater to a broad audience. Fourteen simulators are dedicated to adult racers, while six are specifically designed for younger guests, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors of all ages.
The arena also includes three specialised F1 simulators, offering participants the exhilarating experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car and racing on legendary F1 Grand Prix circuits, including the Yas Marina Circuit. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Ferrari World Esports Arena offers access to the Gran Turismo simulators as part of the theme park ticket until the end of the year. The exclusive F1 simulators are available for an additional fee, starting from Dh60 per race.
Announcements
Privacy and Comfort: Inside Sharjah’s newly announced women’s beach retreat
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 24, 2024By
SudhashreeA new beach, only for women, has been announced in Sharjah under the orders of the emirate’s ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. The 500-meter beach is located in the Lulu’iya area of Khorfakkan and will offer complete privacy for women. The beach will also have other amenities like a cafe, a medical clinic, and a prayer room.
Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan's Al Luluyah area#WamNews https://t.co/CrZULIUb3E pic.twitter.com/YmyKgyHxbj
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 22, 2024
Other than this beach, Sharjah has the Sharjah Ladies Club beach and in 2023, Sheikh Dr Sultan announced the development of women’s only beaches in Kalba and at Al Hamariya Beach. In May this year, the Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed launched the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which includes designating new beaches for only women.
In further orders, the Sharjah Ruler directed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Al Bardi 6 and Al Batha areas in Khorfakkan city.
Speaking on the Sharjah’s Direct Line radio programme, Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of RTA Sharjah said that the new bridge will help the movement of residents between the two areas.
He also said the RTA will implement modifications to the internal roads in the Hayawa area.