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Dubai announces first business free zone for sports and entertainment

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ISEZA is set to be the UAE’s first dedicated sports and entertainment business cluster within the Free Zone environment.

It will serve as an industry-focused business hub facilitating licensing for distinct sports and entertainment business activities, fostering a unique collaborative ecosystem to support and accelerate the industry’s growth.

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Dubai’s sports industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the Emirates’s economy. The UAE has also been a pioneer in Economic Zones development, with over 40 Free Zones focusing on various industries. ISEZA will serve as a dedicated hub to support the thriving sports and entertainment business sector in the UAE and the wider Middle East.

The Zone will provide a unified platform for licensing businesses across established sectors, such as sports management and marketing, event management, talent representation and media and broadcasting, while also supporting growth in emerging areas like e-sports, AI-driven sports tech, fan tokens. The Zone will be home to a diverse range of industry players including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners and investors, sports and talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers and creative industries professionals.

ISEZA will offer comprehensive corporate and legal support tailored to its members, working closely with key UAE authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, UAE National Olympic Community, and others.

Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset & Investment Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasised DWTC’s long-standing legacy in hosting major sporting events and live entertainment. He stated, “The launch of ISEZA within the DWTC Free Zone will foster a dynamic ecosystem, empowering sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to thrive. ISEZA members will benefit from our award-winning Free Zone’s prime location in the heart of the city’s business district, streamlined business setup, and access to valuable networking opportunities through our diverse events and exhibitions calendar. By attracting sports and entertainment-focused businesses, we are reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global business hub and contributing to the growth of the sports sector in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

The Zone will also attract international and regional sports organizations, such as sports federations, associations and leagues, both in established and emerging sports. With its exceptional global connectivity, world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and favourable tax regime, Dubai offers a strong competitive advantage for hosting global sports organizations.

ISEZA CEO, Mr. Damir Valeev, added “Our project is aligned with Dubai’s strategic vision of being a global destination for sports, entertainment and tourism. This initiative will have a major social impact creating a unique environment for hosting sports exhibitions, museums, academic programs and community projects in Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo areas. Driven by the UAE’s vision of business development with higher social impact, we believe it will further contribute to the promotion of active sports and healthy lifestyle in the UAE overall”.

Located in One Central, in Dubai’s dynamic business district, next to the Dubai Museum of the Future, ISEZA will shape the future of sports & entertainment industry growth in the years to come and will become a new center of gravity for the industry entrepreneurs, professionals, enthusiasts, and talents.

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UAE announces fuel prices for June 2025

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The UAE fuel price committee on Saturday announced petrol and diesel prices for the month of June 2025.The Fuel Prices Monitoring Committee has kept the prices unchanged from the month of May.

Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.58 a litre, compared to Dh2.58 a litre in May, while Special 95 will cost Dh2.47 a litre, compared to Dh2.47 a litre the previous month.

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E-Plus category petrol will be available for Dh2.39 a litre, compared to Dh2.39 a litre in May, while diesel will now cost Dh2.45 a litre, compared to Dh2.52 a litre the previous month.

The UAE deregulated fuel prices in 2015, aligning them with market fluctuations.

Fuel prices in the UAE are tied to movements in the global oil market, which has experienced significant volatility since the beginning of the year.

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It’s official: UAE confirms Eid Al Adha to begin on June 6

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The UAE has officially declared that Eid Al Adha will begin on Friday, June 6, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, which marks the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

As a result, Dhu Al Hijjah will commence on Wednesday, setting the timeline for two of Islam’s most significant events: Hajj, which begins on the 8th day of the month (June 4), and Eid Al Adha, which falls on the 10th day (June 6).

The Hajj pilgrimage—a spiritual obligation for all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime—will begin on Wednesday, June 4, with Arafat Day observed on Thursday, June 5. Eid Al Adha celebrations will run from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8.

This timeline indicates a likely four-day holiday for workers in the UAE, beginning on Thursday, June 5, and ending on Sunday, June 8, with normal work resuming on Monday, June 9. Both public and private sector employees are expected to benefit from this extended weekend.

Eid Al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. The occasion is marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and the ritual sacrifice of a goat or sheep, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.

In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, the holiday is a time of reflection, generosity, and togetherness—hallmarks of the Islamic faith. Each year, millions of Muslims journey to Makkah for Hajj, with many also visiting Madinah, two of the most sacred cities in Islam.

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History in the making: Once Upon a Time in Dubai, region’s first original global musical unveils cast, new single

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The excitement around Once Upon a Time in Dubai, the region’s first truly global musical, has reached new heights with the official release of its upbeat anthem Habibi, performed by rising Lebanese star Amanda Maalouf. Known for her powerful vocal range and stage charisma, the Dubai resident takes centre stage in this track as Zeina, one of the lead characters in the show.

Composed by the internationally acclaimed Nazim Khaled and released under Universal Music MENA, this uplifting anthem blends international pop with Arabic rhythms and celebrates the very ‘multicultural heartbeat of Dubai’, according to Stéphane Boukris, the French entreprenuer and creator behind the musical he describes as a ‘genre-bending spectacle’ – all set to bring together Broadway and West End flair, cinematic visuals and a diverse international cast to Dubai for the very first time.

“It is a vibrant, feel-good tribute to the spirit of Dubai,” said Boukris, who previously produced the hit musical Robin Hood that sold over one million tickets across Europe. “The song captures the warmth, ambition and energy that define this city. We wanted a track that resonates with both residents and the world.”

Released this week on all major streaming platforms, Habibi marks a major milestone for the musical set to premiere in December 2025.

The single is accompanied by a stunning video teaser, shot against Dubai’s iconic skyline and desert dunes, reflecting the show’s larger-than-life scale. The song offers a sneak peek into the show’s soundscape, which blends Eastern melodies and Western arrangements – a signature style of the musical.

“Creating Habibi was about capturing the sound of a new Dubai – bold, inclusive, and full of rhythm. It’s a song that blends east and west, tradition and innovation, much like the city itself,” said Khaled, the composer who’s worked with artists like Kendji Girac in the past and whose compositions have garnered billions of views globally.

Once Upon a Time in Dubai 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. Themes of love, ambition, and Dubai’s vibrant culture are woven into the narrative.

The creators of the show that include director Johan Nus, known in the region for his work on Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer and Gilles Papain as the executive producer with experience on major productions like Celine in Las Vegas and Disney World of Colors in California, also announced the full international cast, one that brings together a remarkable ensemble of international talents, each with a unique artistic journey.

Stellar ensemble of international talents

Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf stars as Zeina, a powerful voice navigating the tension between tradition and ambition. British talent Melissa Jeffrey, a tenacious dancer and singer who began full-time training at just 11 and later earned scholarships at London’s elite Urdang Academy, takes on the female lead role of Sophia. While Joe Woolford, also from the UK and a charismatic rapper whose rise to fame began on The Voice UK and culminated with his Eurovision appearance, plays the male lead Will.

Dubai-based performer Isiako (Khalid) infuses the stage with Mediterranean flair and a mix of reggaeton, soul, and pop as Portuguese vocalist Jessica Alves brings poise and energy to the role of Kim, drawing from her rich experience in Dubai’s live music scene. Dutch musical theatre star Shay Lachman takes on Gautam, adding depth with his classical training and international stage experience from productions across Europe and Asia.

Adding a soulful layer to the production is Canadian-Lebanese singer Enzo S, who plays Elias, the heart of the group. A semi-finalist from The Voice France Season 9, Enzo’s performance is shaped by more than 15 years of global stage experience and a strong academic foundation in jazz and gospel from Montreal’s Concordia University.

Speaking about the diverse ensemble, director Nus said, “We have gathered talent from across continents with each performer bringing their authentic voice and a bit of their culture to the stage. This show could only happen in Dubai.”

The musical is set to debut in December 2025 with a full-scale theatrical production that promises a rich blend of music, dance, and storytelling. “Each of these performers brings a unique voice, story, and spirit to the production,” added Boukris. “This is not just a show — it’s a love letter to Dubai through the eyes and voices of the world.”

Now, with the soundtrack’s first single Habibi available on all major platforms, the countdown to the premiere in December has officially begun.

The musical’s official Instagram handle @ouatidubai and website onceuponatimeindubai.com will continue to release behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and teaser content in the lead-up to opening night.

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