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Deccan Gladiators captain Nicholas Pooran, Northen Warriors skipper Angelo Mathews eye record third trophy

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In anticipation of another explosive season of cricket’s fastest format, Abu Dhabi T10 2023 edition, announced the captains for the season at a press conference held in Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. West Indies heavy hitter Nicholas Pooran, who led Deccan Gladiators to a title win in the previous edition has been retained as a Captain by the defending Champions for the upcoming seventh edition, which will take place between November 28th and December 9th. Meanwhile, the runners-up of last season New York Strikers and Morrisville Samp Army will also continue with veteran allrounders Kieron Pollard and Moeen Ali as Captains, respectively.

The remaining teams made a change in leadership as Sikandar Raza handed over the reins for The Chennai Braves to Charith Asalanka, whilst Northern Warriors named Angelo Mathews as Captain, and Delhi Bulls named Rovman Powell as skipper for the season. Team Abu Dhabi picked Dwaine Pretorius to lead the side whilst Bangla Tigers made a surprise pick in Benny Howell as Captain.

All the Captains, in attendance at the Press Conference made their intentions clear for the season. Pooran, who was also the highest run-scorer of the last season with 345 runs in 10 matches at an average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 234.69, said that he wishes to win the record third title for Gladiators this season.

“It was a good season for me the last time around, and I was happy to contribute to the team’s success, not only as Captain but also as a batsman. Our target this year is to retain the trophy and we will continue to play the kind of cricket we like to play. It would be an honour for me to lead Gladiators to a record third title this time around. I am ready to take up any role the team wants me to,” Pooran said.

Presently, Gladiators and Northern Warriors are the only two teams to have won two titles. The Warriors have made a strong choice in Mathews as skipper, who has been one of the most successful Captains for Sri Lanka in international cricket.

“I am grateful to be considered to lead Northern Warriors, a franchise that has already achieved massive success in this league. Warriors have already won two trophies and I would love to bring the trophy back to the team so that we all can script history together. This is an exciting format, and the fans can expect big things from our side in the 7th season,” Mathews said.

Meanwhile, Strikers and Morrisville will look to use Pollard and Moeen’s familiarity with the format once again to boost their chances of getting their hands on the trophy. Pollard said he wants to finish the job this season.

“We came so close to winning the title last season, but the final was a lesson for us. We now know the temperament that is needed in big matches, and we will look to use that knowledge to our advantage. We have a solid squad, and we are ready to go all the way this time,” he said.

Moeen Ali said that such a quick format is a test of players’ skills. “While one may feel that T10 is all about big shots, and heavy hitting, it is also about recognising and adapting to situations quickly and efficiently when you are out there. In such a short time, anything can happen. We must be ready for Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C and if we do that, we will be in a good position to win the whole thing.”

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka top-order batter Asalanka will be leading the side in place for Raza, and he admitted he has big shoes to fill. “Sikandar Raza enjoys a massive fan following and support in this part of the world. I am excited to take over the reins as Captain for the Braves and will look forward to leading the team. We must take one game at a time, but our goal is to make the playoffs and set ourselves up for a chance to play in the all-important Final.”

Delhi’s choice of giving Captaincy to Powell is another interesting move as the West Indies batting allrounder led Northern Warriors last season and scored 196 runs in 7 matches at a whopping strike rate of 245. “I was in good form in the previous edition and also gained experience in leading a team in this format. Now, with a new squad and a new franchise, I am even more motivated to perform. We want to see Delhi Bulls get their hands on the trophy once again – and we must stick to our plans in in order to do so,” Powell said.

Team Abu Dhabi decided to put their stocks on bowlers during the draft, and backing their bowling unit, named South Africa speedster Pretorius as the Captain. In 10 games last season, Pretorius was the leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps to his name at an average of 13.08.

“This is a good chance for me to change the mindset that short formats are only for the batters. The bowlers also have an equally important role to play, especially fast bowlers who start the attack with the new ball. They have very little time to get used to the track and implement their plans and get crucial wickets in the first three overs, and that is what we will try to do in every game,” Pretorious said.

Bangla Tigers, meanwhile, have named veteran English domestic talent Benny Howell and are banking on his experience to make their way into the top four. “I am delighted to lead Bangla Tigers as Captain this year. It is an important year for us – as we want to make it to top four. We have an impeccable squad, but we will have to work together as a collective unit. If we can all perform to our abilities, we are hard to beat,” he signed off.

Abu Dhabi T10 2023 will be broadcast on CricLife3 available on Etisalat, Elife IPTV, Switch TV, and Starzplay in UAE-MENA. It will also be aired in Pakistan on channel A Sports and live streamed on TapMad. Indian fans can watch the season on Viacom Sports 18 2 (Hindi) and on Jio Cinema app. The tournament this season, will also air on Supreme TV in Sri Lanka, on BT Sport in the United Kingdom, on ESPN in the Caribbean, on Willow TV in North America, on T Sports in Bangladesh, and Fox Sports in Australia.

Cricket fans in UAE can buy the Abu Dhabi Season 7 Tickets online for just AED 10 via: https://events.q-tickets.com/uae/eventdetails/4013826602/abu-dhabi-t10-season-7.

Entertainment

Neha Kakkar set to Headline Inaugural Indian Musical Festival in Dubai

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The Indian Musical Festival (IMF), Dubai’s biggest music festival, is set to debut with an unforgettable performance by Bollywood’s Pop Queen, Neha Kakkar. Taking place at Etisalat Academy on December 28, 2024, this premier event will bring Neha Kakkar back to Dubai, three years since her last live show in the city, for a show-stopping experience filled with energy, music, and the true spirit of Bollywood. Known for her iconic voice, magnetic stage presence, and hits that have dominated the charts, Neha’s performance at IMF Dubai is anticipated to be the must-attend musical celebration of the year.

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Neha Kakkar, with her infectious charisma and talent, has become one of the most-watched female artists worldwide, amassing over 4 billion views on YouTube and a fanbase of more than 78.7m followers on Instagram. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian artist awarded the prestigious YouTube Diamond Award in 2021, underscoring her massive influence and popularity. Her recognition on platforms such as Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 and the Asia 100 Digital Stars lists further highlights her global impact, solidifying her status as an international music icon.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Aadhil Noushad, Managing Director, said, “We are thrilled to bring the Indian Musical Festival to Dubai, with Neha Kakkar headlining our maiden edition. It is our pleasure to unite the fans with the music and artists they love through unforgettable performances and energy. We look forward to making IMF Dubai a landmark festival that celebrates Indian music and culture on a grand scale.”

This maiden edition of IMF Dubai is expected to be a celebration like no other with more than 10,000 tickets on sale, making it one of the biggest music carnivals in the UAE. It is set to capture the heart of Bollywood through Neha Kakkar’s most beloved songs and deliver an electrifying night to fans and music lovers across the UAE. As the headline artist, Neha will take the audience on a journey through her biggest hits, blending powerful vocals with captivating stage production in an evening that promises non-stop entertainment and high-energy performances.

Tickets for IMF Dubai’s inaugural concert are now on sale, with a limited-time 15 per cent discount available on all categories during Phase 1 of ticketing. Given the high anticipation around this event, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of Dubai’s largest Bollywood musical celebration of 2024. This exclusive event not only brings fans closer to one of India’s most celebrated pop sensations but also offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrant Bollywood music scene in Dubai.

IMF Dubai, organised by Notout Entertainments LLC and Elounge India with ticketing partner Qtickets, represents a landmark commitment to premier Indian entertainment in Dubai. As IMF Dubai launches its flagship festival, it sets a new standard for Indian musical events in the region, with future editions already in the planning stages to make an even greater impact. IMF Dubai is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of culture, music, and a shared passion that connects people across borders.

For more information on tickets, event details, and more, please visit imfdubai.com/

To book your tickets now, visit tinyurl.com/4jpwarkw.

For more queries and the latest updates, visit tinyurl.com/jkr44nvs.

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GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL SPECTACLE “ONCE UPON A TIME IN DUBAI” TO PREMIERE IN DECEMBER 2025

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Dubai-based French music producer Stéphane Boukris and Universal Music MENA – a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment – today announced the launch of “Once Upon A Time in Dubai”, a pioneering musical that is set to captivate audiences starting in December 2025. Supported by key partners ALL, Accor’s award-winning loyalty programme and McDonald’s UAE, this first-of-its-kind production marks a historic moment in Dubai’s entertainment landscape – the first time a musical of this scale has been mounted in the region.

“This is more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of Dubai’s incredible energy and global status. We are bringing together a world-class team and creating something truly unique that blends music, storytelling, and the spirit of this extraordinary city. We can’t wait to share this experience with audiences here and around the world. Something never seen before – one that’s exclusively made in Dubai, by the people of Dubai, for the rest of the world,” said Boukris, the man behind Robin Hood musical that’s sold over 1 million tickets across Europe so far. “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.

Casting Announcement: Open Call for Talent

At a glittering event in Dubai, the production team also announced the launch of an open casting call for seven singers and 20 dancers of all nationalities to bring the musical’s dynamic characters to life.  “This is a rare opportunity for performers from all backgrounds to be part of something truly special. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for passion and diversity to help us bring this vibrant story to life. Dubai is a city of dreams for all of us, and this production is a reflection of that thought process. We’re excited to showcase the incredible energy and creativity that this region has to offer,” added Boukris. “This groundbreaking musical will not just be a show but a celebration of Dubai’s status as a global hub for culture and innovation.”

Present at the event, Mark Flower, Vice President Commercial Market Strategy, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Accor said:  “ This is a fantastic partnership between ALL, the award-winning booking platform and loyalty programme by Accor and Once Upon a Time and Universal Music through a truly immersive musical experience. This collaboration embodies our vision of augmented hospitality by bringing together travel, culture, and entertainment.”   He continued: “ For Once Upon a Time, it offers access and visibility to members of ALL and exposure at over 84 properties in the United Arab Emirates across Accor’s portfolio of participating brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Ennismore’s SLS, Sofitel, Swissotel, Mövenpick, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and more. For Members of ALL, it unlocks a world of Limitless Experiences through VIP tickets, meet-and-greets, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, creating unforgettable money-can’t-buy experiences. Together, we are fostering innovation and inspiring new ways of connecting people and cultures all around the world.”

Recording for the album is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024 with release of the first single scheduled by year’s end. 

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Dubai is ready to dazzle with Diwali 2024 celebrations

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Dubai is known for its multicultural spirit and vibrant festivities. Especially for the Indian community, it’s truly a home away from home as there are so many elements that bring the flavour and essence of India in Dubai. The celebrations of Diwali definitely top the list with the government going all out to ensure the city lights up with fun and festivities during this period!

This year, the Festival of Lights, a celebration organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a part of Dubai Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, promises a spectacular celebration with a plethora of events for residents and tourists alike.

Here’s What You Can Look Forward To:

1. Spectacular Fireworks Displays

Diwali wouldn’t be complete without fireworks, and this year, Dubai is set to outdo itself. The sky will light up at:

•  Al Seef on October 25 at 9:00 PM

•  Global Village on October 25-26 and November 1-2

These mesmerising displays will mark the beginning of the festivities and offer families and friends the perfect excuse to come together under the night sky.

2. Noor – Festival of Lights at Al Seef

This one is not to be missed. Noor – Festival of Lights, taking place at Al Seef from October 25-27 is a cultural extravaganza, produced by TeamWork Arts and it will feature:

•  Artistic expressions and stunning light displays

•  Theatre shows, poetry recitations, and puppet processions

•  Live musical performances and stand-up comedy acts

•  Indian delicacies and vibrant outdoor markets

Visitors can wander through Al Seef’s traditional souk and 1.8-kilometre promenade, beautifully decorated for the season.

3. Romesh Ranganathan’s Stand-Up Show

Comedy fans are in for a treat with the return of UK comedian Romesh Ranganathan to Dubai. Known for his witty observational humour, Romesh will perform a brand-new show at the Coca-Cola Arena on October 25, offering a night of laughter and entertainment.

4. The Unforgettables – A Tribute to Jagjit Singh

Music lovers can indulge in a soulful experience with The Unforgettables, a tribute to the late Indian music legend Jagjit Singh. Hosted at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on October 26, the concert features Tauseef Akhtar, a disciple of Singh, who will perform some of the maestro’s greatest hits.

5. Deepavali Utsav 2024

Scheduled for October 26 at the Etisalat Academy, this event offers an evening filled with traditional Indian games, folk dances from across India, and a lively funfair. Visitors can also savour a wide array of Indian delicacies from various food stalls, creating a rich festive atmosphere for families.

6. Meera: Echoes of Love

Combining dance, theatre, and music, this captivating performance on October 26 at Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park, will celebrate the strength of women and the timeless theme of love and devotion. Featuring 70 local artists, Meera: Echoes of Love promises to be an emotional and visually stunning event.

7. Shopping Extravaganza and Gold Offers

Diwali is synonymous with shopping, and Dubai’s retail scene is pulling out all the stops. From glittering gold offers to incredible retail promotions, shoppers are in for a treat with:

•  Up to 50% off on jewellery and free gold coins with purchases at select stores like Damas

•  The chance to win AED 150,000 in gift vouchers with Dubai Jewellery Group

•  Lulu Hypermarket offering discounts on Diwali essentials, ethnic wear, and home décor items, along with a special Diwali Mela featuring Tamil film stars and festive events from October 24 to November 2

Major malls, including City Centre Deira and BurJuman Mall, will also be running special promotions where shoppers can win prizes such as half a kilo of gold and glittering home makeovers.

8. Diwali Markets at Global Village

From October 28 to November 3, Global Village will host a vibrant Diwali market at the Indian Pavilion, featuring traditional Rangoli art, live performances, and plenty of shopping opportunities. The market will also spotlight India’s finest street food, making it a foodie’s paradise.

9. Foodie Delights

Diwali in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without indulging in authentic Indian flavours. Restaurants across the city will be serving up exclusive Diwali menus, including:

• Punjab Grill, a Michelin Guide Select restaurant, offering a festive menu from October 25 to November 7

• Chutney’s at Movenpick Hotel, Bur Dubai, hosting a Diwali set menu from October 31 to November 3, complete with a rangoli competition and live entertainment

• iZ at Grand Hyatt Dubai, serving a three-course Diwali set menu from October 31 to November 2

A Festival for Everyone

With its diverse programming, Dubai’s Diwali 2024 aims to cater to all ages and interests, making it a festival for everyone. Whether it’s the thrill of fireworks, the joy of discovering hidden gems at a Diwali market, or the sheer pleasure of indulging in traditional delicacies, Diwali in Dubai promises to be an unforgettable experience.

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