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Mother Teresa International awards felicitates UAE and global achievers

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Left to right: Press conference guests Sacha Jafri, TH Ireland, Manju Ramanan, Shyam Bhatia, Ahmad Al Falasi and Usha Uthup
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The 113th birth anniversary of Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu MC, better known as Mother Teresa, was celebrated with great splendour at Conrad Hotel in Dubai by felicitating achievers in various sectors. The awards ceremony has been a regular feature in India since 2005 and has now taken an international flavour for the first time.

Recognised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta – canonised in September of 2016 – she was born on August 26, 1910, and gained fame as the initiator of the Missionaries of Charity. By 2012, this organisation had grown to include more than 4,500 sisters serving in 133 nations. Mother Teresa devoted herself to aiding the most destitute individuals and received several notable awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

The narrative of the awards unfolds from the inception of the All India Minority and Weaker Sections Council, a non-political body founded by the late Prafulla Chandra Sen, former Chief Minister of West Bengal, and Anthony Biswas, accompanied by several other esteemed figures.

In the aftermath of Saint Teresa’s passing in 1997, the council established the Mother Teresa International and Millennium Award Committee. This committee was entrusted with the responsibility of annually identifying and honoring eminent personalities who have displayed excellence in various domains including Education, Science, Culture, Sports, Social Work, Medicine, Industry, and Politics within the nation. Justice Shyamal Sen, former Governor of West Bengal and former Chief Justice of Calcutta, stands as the chief patron of these awards.

The glittering awards function in Dubai on Saturday acknowledged outstanding individuals from both the UAE and around the world. Shyam Bhatia, a well-known figure in Dubai’s business scene and a cricket enthusiast, took the lead as patron of the award show. Joining him were four remarkable panelists, including Dr TH Ireland, principal of St James’ School in Kolkata and the committee chairman.

Left to right: Sacha Jaffri (artist), TH Ireland (MT Awards panel chairman), Shyam Bhatia (patron and UAE businessman), Ahmed Al Falasi (UAE philanthropist) and Usha Uthup, veteran pop singer. Picture supplied

Among the illustrious panelists was the vibrant Usha Uthup, an accomplished artist whose career spans over five decades. With a close association with Mother Teresa, Uthup shared heartfelt stories of their interactions during both joyful and trying times. Her presence during Mother Teresa’s final moments showcased the depth of their bond. Another enchanting moment happened when she and Dubai-based Bollywood actor Kalpana Iyer took the stage together for a magical musical performance.

Philanthropist Ahmad Al Falasi, known as the Hope-maker of the UAE, was also part of the panel. His relentless efforts to bring medical aid to those in need around the world show his commitment to making the world better. His work in African medical facilities, including setting up dialysis centers, highlighted his dedication. Falasi’s readiness to help during the recent earthquake in Turkey showcased his humanitarian spirit.

ALSO READ: Celebrities send message of peace to crises-ridden Manipur

Sacha Jafri, a well-known artist based in Dubai, added an artistic touch to the evening. In just 20 minutes, he created a touching artwork right before the audience’s eyes. Sacha Jafri was also among the awardees honoured on the night. His collaboration with NASA to place his creation on the Lunar Surface is groundbreaking. This artwork, titled ‘We Rise Together with the Light of the Moon’, represents hope and unity for humanity. With an estimated auction value of an astonishing $105 million USD, Jafri’s work is poised to set a new record.

The event was graced by Dubai’s crème de la crème, and attendees were enthralled by the captivating dance performances of the mother-daughter actor/artiste duo, Indrani Dutta and Rajnandini Paul.

In the heart of Dubai, an evening of celebration, camaraderie, and inspiration unfolded, marking a remarkable chapter in the annals of awards and accolades.

Over a span of 22 years, the award ceremony has celebrated remarkable individuals such as Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the distinguished musician and singer late Manna Dey, Ajit Wadekar, former coach & captain of the Indian cricket team, alongside a multitude of other notable personas.

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Canada Super 60 set to dazzle with star-studded concert line-up at Vancouver’s BC Place

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The Canada Super 60 isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating North America’s newest entertainment spectacle. From October 8 to 13, Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will transform into a full-fledged cultural carnival, blending high-octane cricket with back-to-back music concerts.

Get ready for six nights of non-stop entertainment, headlined by some of the biggest names in Punjabi, Desi, and global fusion music. From the infectious beats of Harrdy Sandhu and Jassie Gill to the international flair of Mickey Singh, each night promises a festival atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Concert Line-Up Highlights

  • Oct 8 – Harrdy Sandhu (9pm)
  • Oct 9 – Jassie Gill (9pm)
  • Oct 10 – Mickey Singh (9pm)
  • Oct 11 – Parmish Verma (9pm)
  • Oct 12 – Raf-Saperra (9pm)
  • Oct 13 – GirlsLikeYou x Indo Warehouse (6:15pm)

The entertainment bonanza runs alongside thrilling cricket matches featuring international stars and fan favourites. With Yuvraj Singh backing the league and legends like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina on the field, Canada Super 60 is shaping up to be the ultimate blend of glamour, game, and groove.

“This is not just cricket; this is a lifestyle experience,” said a spokesperson for Canada Super 60. “Our entertainment line-up reflects the league’s ambition to unite cultures through music, sport, and community.”

Fans can expect full-scale stadium productions, food and cultural showcases, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, turning BC Place into Canada’s most happening venue this October.

About Canada Super 60

Canada Super 60 is the newest format in global cricket, a 60-ball showdown that delivers fast-paced action and festival-style entertainment. Backed by international icons and powered by music, sport, and cultural unity, it’s redefining how fans experience cricket in North America.

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UAE students risk repeating a year if absences exceed 15 days, new rules state

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Public school students in the UAE could be required to repeat an academic year if their unexcused absences exceed 15 days, under new rules announced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated guidelines exclude absences related to illness, medical travel, official event participation, emergencies, or family bereavements. Students will now be allowed up to five unexcused absences per term, capped at 15 across the year. Any excess will trigger a review, with the student’s file referred to the relevant authorities and child protection services.

The ministry also clarified that absences on Fridays, or on days immediately before or after official holidays, will count as two days. A warning system has been introduced to notify parents on the first day of absence.

Special exemptions will apply to students of determination and those with chronic illnesses. Parents may also appeal within five working days of being notified, ensuring fairness in implementation.

The initiative is aimed at tackling absenteeism, which the ministry said has a direct impact on academic performance. Citing studies, it noted that missing 10 per cent of school days equates to a loss of half an academic year, while absences beyond 20 per cent amount to a full year’s loss in achievement.

Schools have been instructed to create individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, including counselling sessions, parent engagement, and incentive programmes.

The ministry added that it will be up to educational boards to decide whether these rules will also extend to private schools.

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Tickets now live for Dubai’s first homegrown musical spectacle

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A cultural revolution is about to begin. Tickets are now available for Once Upon A Time in Dubai, the most ambitious, emotional, and spectacular musical ever produced in the region. Opening this December at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show is already being called a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — and for good reason.

More than just a stage production, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is the first original large-scale musical entirely created in the UAE, blending Broadway-worthy storytelling with the energy and dreams of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Behind this bold vision is Stéphane Boukris, entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer, who has brought together an international creative dream team — including Universal Music Group MENA as co-producer — to craft a deeply emotional journey of love, ambition, and transformation, set in today’s Dubai.

“This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,” says Boukris. “We are creating something people will never forget.”

A World-Class Team Behind the Curtain

The production brings together talents who have previously worked on global shows such as Céline Dion, Disney shows, and Arabs Got Talent (MBC). From lighting to choreography and technical design, every detail is crafted by artists and technicians at the highest international standards.

A Story That Speaks to a Generation

At the heart of the show is Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai to search for Sophia, the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from all walks of life, culminating in a celebration of courage, community, and reinvention.

The cast features rising stars Amanda Maalouf (X Factor) and Joe Woolford (The Voice UK) — with many of the lead vocalists and performers previously featured on international talent platforms, bringing an exceptional level of stage presence and vocal power. The musical includes over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, including already-viral hits like “Habibi”, “Stranger in the World”, and “Think Big”.

A City-Wide Movement

With over 150,000 spectators expected across 55 performances, the show is much more than an event — it’s becoming a movement. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is already making waves across the city with:

Strategic brand partnerships: McDonald’s, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the

Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, GEMS Education, and more

Immersive activations: Soundtracks in Hala taxis, QR codes in malls, music in retail

stores, and dedicated social media campaigns

Youth engagement: Auditions and showcases for students across GEMS schools,

opening the stage to the next generation of performers

The show will be performed in English, and supported by a multicultural creative team led by stage director Johan Nus.

Exclusive Ticket Sale

Tickets are available exclusively via Fever, the global ticketing platform. Pre-sale access has already launched with selected partners such as GEMS, Muse by Chalhoub, and Accor’s ALL loyalty members — with thousands of tickets snapped up in just days.

🎤 Behind the scenes videos, interviews with the cast, and a full media kit are available upon request. 📸 Press passes for opening week are now being issued — be among the first to witness the birth of a new cultural landmark.

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