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Aussie Omar Dean unveiled as lead for Dubai’s first Grand Musical: Once Upon A Time in Dubai

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In a dazzling celebration of talent and ambition, Australian Omar Dean, the internationally acclaimed singer and finalist on The X Factor Australia and The Voice Middle East, was officially revealed today as the lead in Once Upon A Time in Dubai, Dubai’s first-ever grand musical. The announcement took place at Instagram Headquarters in Dubai, where the event also marked the launch of the production’s first single, “Stranger in the World,” accompanied by the premiere of its highly anticipated music video.

The journey to this moment has been a labor of love, reflecting Dubai’s relentless drive to lead in culture and creativity on the global stage. Frenchman Stephane Boukris, the producer of the musical, described the significance of casting Omar Dean in the lead role. “Omar brings a unique blend of passion, talent, and global appeal that perfectly aligns with the essence of this musical. His journey as an artist mirrors Dubai’s story—a place where dreams are realised and creativity knows no bounds. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him as the face and voice of this production.”

The event also offered a first look into the musical’s world with a live performance of “Stranger in the World,” featuring Omar’s powerful and soulful voice. His performance left no doubt about the depth of emotion and artistry he brings to the production. Speaking on the occasion, Omar Dean shared his excitement and gratitude, saying, “It’s an absolute honour to be chosen as the lead for Once Upon A Time in Dubai. This musical is more than just a production; it’s a celebration of everything Dubai represents—hope, ambition, and unity. I’m deeply humbled to play a part in bringing this extraordinary story to life and to share it with audiences around the globe.”

The premiere of the music video for “Stranger in the World” further heightened the anticipation for the musical, offering a visual and emotional glimpse into the epic narrative that awaits audiences.

Set to premiere in December 2025, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is more than a theatrical production, said Boukris, who also produced Robin Des Bois that became France’s number one musical in 2013 after it sold over a million tickets across Europe. “It is a cultural milestone that reflects the emirate’s spirit and ambition and there is no doubt, this musical is poised to captivate global audiences, blending exceptional storytelling, unforgettable music, and a celebration of Dubai’s role as a crossroads of cultures,” added the Frenchman who has more than ten years of expertise in entrepreneurship with a track record of successfully creating businesses in the digital sector.

With today’s unveiling of Dean, an Australian of Lebanese descent, as the lead and the release of “Stranger in the World,” the journey toward this groundbreaking production has officially begun. “Dubai is ready to share its story with the world, and Once Upon A Time in Dubai promises to be the stage where dreams come alive,” said Boukris. “This is the first time a musical of this magnitude has been planned in the region, and we’re certain this will go a long way in reshaping Dubai’s cultural landscape.”

Once Upon A Time in Dubai is expected to be performed in front of at least 150,000 spectators in Dubai before embarking on an international tour and an exciting screen adaptation, making it Dubai’s first truly global production of a scale and vision never before conceived in the region.

A Stellar Creative Team

The musical score is composed by Nazim Khaled, a leading European composer for singers like Kendji Girac, renowned for crafting hits that resonate globally and have garnered over 4 billion views globally. The music for Once Upon A Time in Dubai is a unique blend of chart-topping songs and evocative compositions that drive the narrative forward. Ahead of the musical’s release, fans can expect a debut single and a music video , offering a taste of the musical magic to come.

The director of the show is Johan Nus, well-known in the Middle-East for his work on Arabs Got Talent or The Masked Singer, and as executive producer, Gilles Papain, who has worked on shows like Celine in Las Vegas, Disney World of Colors in California, and Christian Louboutin’s show at the Crazy Horse in Paris.

An Unforgettable Story

Set in the heart of Dubai, the show tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. The narrative weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the vibrant culture of Dubai, promising an unforgettable journey for audiences.

About Stéphane Boukris:

 Stephen Boukris is an innovative French music producer and creative visionary with a deep passion for storytelling through music and entertainment. Based in Dubai, he is the mastermind behind “Once Upon A Time in Dubai,” the first-ever international musical produced entirely in the city.

 With extensive experience in the global music industry and a reputation for blending cultures, Stephen has collaborated with leading artists and brands, bringing groundbreaking productions to life. With a deep passion for storytelling through music, he has successfully produced the critically acclaimed “Robin Hood” musical, which sold over 1 million tickets.

About Universal Music Group

At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms, and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information, visit www.universalmusic.com.

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World’s highest penthouse hits the market: A $51M masterpiece in Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa

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The world’s highest residence, an ultra-exclusive 21,000 sq. ft. duplex penthouse in the Burj Khalifa, is now on the market for $51 million. Listed exclusively by Invest Dubai Real Estate, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity represents the pinnacle of luxury living, boasting unmatched panoramic views, architectural grandeur, and an address that defines global prominence.

Living at the top. The highest residence, in the tallest tower in the world. Over 1,300 feet above the city, this one-of-a-kind full-floor duplex in the Burj Khalifa offers unrivalled 360-degree views of Dubai, the Arabian Gulf, and the vast desert beyond. Spanning 14,000 square feet on the main level and 7,000 square feet on the upper level, it is the largest residence in Downtown Dubai, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a private swimming pool, and the only private lift in the tower. 

It comes as a shell-and-core unit and provides a blank canvas for buyers to craft a bespoke masterpiece, with ample space for grand entertaining areas, ultra-luxurious bedrooms, and custom amenities tailored to their vision. 

As the exclusive listing agent, Invest Dubai Real Estate specialises in off-market properties and serves an elite clientele of global investors, royalty, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm has built a reputation for securing the rarest and most coveted properties, making this penthouse a prime offering for discerning buyers seeking an unparalleled lifestyle in the heart of Dubai.

“This penthouse is a testament to exceptional luxury and architectural excellence, offering an extraordinary living experience in one of the world’s most iconic buildings,” said Asad Khan, Founder and CEO of Invest Dubai Real Estate. “To own a residence in the Burj Khalifa is not merely about having a home; it’s about becoming part of history itself.” 

Dubai’s luxury real estate market continues to attract global investors, with demand for ultra-premium properties soaring due to wealth migration, tax advantages, and a booming high-net-worth population. 

This penthouse is more than just a residence—it offers a blend of privacy, security, and world-class amenities, including access to an exclusive lounge, fitness centre, Japanese gardens, spa, fine dining, and dedicated 24-hour concierge services, all within one of the most prestigious addresses in the world. 

While record-breaking properties exist worldwide, the Burj Khalifa penthouse stands apart due to its unmatched height and iconic location—an architectural wonder and a globally recognized landmark. 

All these factors combined make the Burj Khalifa penthouse a highly coveted property, and the $51 million price tag reflects the extraordinary combination of location, luxury, exclusivity, and investment potential.

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WORLD PADEL LEAGUE IN INDIA: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO TEAMS, RULES & BROADCAST

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The dawn of February 5 will mark a new chapter for padel in India as the World Padel League makes its much-anticipated debut at the Nesco Center in Mumbai. ‘The Greatest Show on Court!’, set to take place until February 8, will bring together 32 of the world’s top padel players on Indian soil. They will compete across four teams – Sohail Khan Ent. Panthers, SG Pipers Cheetahs, Game Changers Lions, and Vernost Jaguars – with each team featuring a strong lineup of eight players, including five men and three women, along with a coach/captain.

Padel in India has seen a significant rise in participation and expanding infrastructure across major cities, with people of various age categories actively engaging in the sport. With support from the Indian Padel Federation (IPF), the Meteora Developers World Padel League – owned by ID Info Business Services Ltd. and powered by Maisour – will further inspire sports enthusiasts and contribute to the sport’s growing popularity in India.

SOLID SQUADS

The line-ups for all four teams are boasts a combination of elite talent and global rankings that promise high-level competition.

  1. Sohail Khan Ent. Panthers
    Male: Carlos Daniel Gutierrez (World No. 19), Javier Barahona (World No. 29), Javier Leal (World No. 31), Javier Garcia (World No. 33), Rama Valenzuela (World No. 77)
    Female: Marta Ortega (World No. 7), Sofia Araujo (World No. 8), Marina Guinart (World No. 22)
  2. SG Pipers Cheetahs
    Male: Francisco Guerrero (World No. 21), Juanlu Esbri (World No. 25), Enrique Goenaga (World No. 42), Teodoro Zapata (World No. 35), Pol Hernandez (World No. 65)
    Female: Claudia Fernandez (World No. 3), Beatriz Gonzalez (World No. 6), Julieta Bidahorria (World No. 35)
  3. Game Changers Lions
    Male: Jon Sanz (World No. 9), Jairo Bautista (World No. 22), Gonzalo Rubio (World No. 38), Pablo Lijo (World No. 47), Daniel Santigosa (World No. 73)
    Female: Veronica Virseda (World No. 12), Aranzazu Osoro (World No. 18), Carla Mesa (World No. 32)
  4. Vernost Jaguars
    Male: Alejandro Arroyo (World No. 18), Lucas Campagnolo (World No. 26), Maximiliano Sanchez (World No. 23), Aris Patiniotis (World No. 51), David Gala Sanchez (World No. 76)
    Female: Alejandra Salazar (World No. 15), Tamara Icardo (World No. 17), María Virginia Riera (World No. 19)

EXCITING MATCH-UPS

The World Padel League will kickstart with a thrilling opener as the Vernost Jaguars face Sohail Khan Ent. Panthers. In the second match of the opening day, SG Pipers Cheetahs will take on Game Changers Lions.

On the second day, Sohail Khan Ent. Panthers will meet SG Pipers Cheetahs in the first match of the day, followed by a clash between Vernost Jaguars and Game Changers Lions. The league stage concludes on February 7, with Game Changers Lions taking on Sohail Khan Ent. Panthers in the first match and the SG Pipers Cheetahs facing Vernost Jaguars in the second. The top two teams from the overall points table will compete in the finals on February 8.

FORMAT, SCORING and POINTS SYSTEM

The tournament will follow a single round-robin (all-play-all) format, with each team playing against every other team during the three league stage days, before the top two teams advance to the finals. Each match will comprise four sets: two men’s doubles, one women’s doubles, and one mixed doubles.

The scoring follows the same format as tennis: the first point is 15, the second point is 30, the third point is 40, and the fourth point wins the game. In the case of a deuce, a ‘Golden Point’ will be played to decide the winner.

During the group phase, if two teams are tied on points, the head-to-head record, based on the number of games won between the two teams, will determine the ranking. If three teams are level on points, the percentage of games won will be used to decide the order. In the case of a tie after the final match, a Super Shootout will be played to determine the winner.

The same doubles pair that played the fourth set will continue in the Super Shootout. It will be played first-to-10 points, with sudden death at 9-9.

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH

Each day will feature two matches (at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST). The final will be held on Saturday, February 8 with the game starting at 6:30 PM IST.

The World Padel League will be broadcast to a global audience, reaching to various countries. Sports enthusiasts can catch the action live on:

Styx sports: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal
Myco: GCC, Egypt, Pakistan
India: Sony Sports Ten 1; Fancode (OTT)
Padel TV: Scandinavia and UK

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World’s tallest wellbeing resort coming to Dubai by 2028

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Dubai is set to become home to the world’s tallest wellbeing resort, according to an announcement made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. This new development is part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

Named Therme Dubai, the resort will stand at 100 meters tall, and it will be located within Zabeel Park. The project is expected to be completed and open its doors by 2028.

The city is investing Dh2 billion in the creation of a new landmark that will include an interactive park and the world’s largest indoor botanical garden, designed to attract 1.7 million visitors each year. Covering 500,000 square feet, the resort will be divided into three distinct zones focused on “restoring, relaxing, and playing.”

“This groundbreaking project underscores our dedication to improving urban biodiversity, promoting environmental sustainability, and providing enriching experiences for both residents and visitors to Dubai,” stated the Crown Prince.

Dubai Municipality recently announced that 216,500 trees were planted across the city in 2024, marking a 17% increase compared to 2023. This equates to an average of 600 trees planted each day last year.

The news was shared on National Environment Day. Earlier, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed the country’s commitment to global climate action and emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing worldwide environmental challenges.

Sheikh Mohammed, the Ruler of Dubai, also shared a message on social media, highlighting the nation’s focus on sustainability and environmental preservation.

What is the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033?

Launched in May 2024, the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 aims to improve community well-being and position the emirate as the best place to live globally.

The strategy focuses on transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-, environment-, and family-friendly city, with the goal of ensuring residents can access key services within 20 minutes. It also includes plans for developing Dubai’s surrounding areas.

Additionally, the initiative will see the creation of new public amenities such as parks and beaches. The project includes plans for over 200 new parks, a 300% expansion of cycling tracks along the beaches, and a 60% increase in the length of beaches designated for night swimming. A new women-only beach will also be introduced.

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