Connect with us

Announcements

Expect traffic delays and diversions on this major Dubai road

Published

on

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is cautioning motorists about potential traffic delays over the next few weeks along Dubai-Al Ain Road, under the fifth intersection with Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road. Due to bridge maintenance work, delays are expected in both directions, on weekdays from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, from August 9 to September 9.

Additionally, Dubai-Al Ain Road will be fully closed on weekends, from 1:00 am to 10:00 am, for a two-week period, beginning August 9.

The RTA has advised motorists to plan their trips accordingly and use these alternative routes:

-From Al Ain to Dubai: Take the free right exit onto Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road towards Hatta, and make a U-turn at the first roundabout to head towards Dubai.

-From Dubai to Al Ain: Take the free right exit onto Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road towards Jebel Ali Port, and make a U-turn at the first roundabout to proceed towards Al Ain.

Announcements

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Announcements

Gujarat Giants’ WPL stars draw inspiration from UAE’s Aayan Khan during ILT20 visit

Published

on

Bharti Fulmali, Prakashika Naik, and Kashvee Gautam, new recruits of the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League 2025, attended the ILT20 match between the Gulf Giants and Dubai Capitals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Their presence in UAE was part of Adani Sportsline’s efforts to promote women’s cricket in UAE.

Fulmali, who has been with the team since season two, scored 64 runs in three matches, including an impressive 42 runs off 36 balls. The Vidarbha batter revealed she’s a fan of Shimron Hetmyer, drawing parallels between their batting styles.

“I admire Shimron Hetmyer. He’s one of my favorite batters because he’s a hitter, just like me. We both bat in the middle order, and I’m eager to watch him play. My batting style and mindset are very similar to his,” she said. “As a finisher, you typically have only four or five overs to bat, so you need to hit from the first ball. During our pre-season camp, my coach mentioned promoting me in the batting order, so I’m preparing for those situations.”

Kashvee Gautam, who became the most expensive uncapped Indian player in the 2024 WPL auction when Gujarat Giants acquired her for Rs 2 crore, made history in 2020 by taking 10 wickets in an innings while playing for Chandigarh in the Women’s U-19 One Day Trophy. After missing the previous season due to injury, she’s ready to make her mark.

Gautam is particularly excited to play alongside West Indian cricketer Deandra Dottin, a T20 World Cup winner known for her explosive batting. “She’s a great athlete who can hit big sixes and take blinders. As an all-rounder, I relate to her role and look forward to sharing the dressing room with her,” she said.

Kashvee also praised leagues like ILT20 and WPL for nurturing young talent. “Both leagues have given opportunities to young players, and it’s great to see them evolving. They’re showcasing their talent alongside elite athletes. As a WPL player, I’m honored to share the dressing room with legends we’ve all watched and admired on TV.”

Prakashika Naik, picked by Gujarat Giants at the Tata WPL Auction 2025 for Rs 10 lakhs, shared her impression of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. “The ground and atmosphere here are excellent. While it’s challenging for leg-spinners, it’s a great venue. It’s inspiring to see Aayan Afzal Khan bowling and consistently taking wickets on these pitches. It is a great learning to see him bowl.”

Naik looks forward to learning from her new teammates, particularly Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield. “Australian players have a tough mindset, and I’m excited to work with them. Phoebe Litchfield is young but has a great approach. The way she bats and leads by example is impressive.”

Discussing the upcoming season, Gautam expressed confidence in her team: “Our squad is well-balanced with good all-rounders. That’s crucial in T20s – you need a long batting lineup and fast bowlers. I’m looking forward to winning many games with my team.”

Gujarat Giants will begin their WPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 14 in Vadodara. 

Continue Reading

Announcements

Tom Banton’s century powers MI Emirates to a dominant nine-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz

Published

on

MI Emirates rode on Tom Banton’s unbeaten 102 off just 55 balls to set up a mega nine-wicket win against Sharjah Warriorz here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday in the ongoing DP World ILT20 Season 3.

Making his maiden campaign for MI Emirates special, Tom Banton became the fourth century-maker in the history of the competition and only the second in this season after Shai Hope’s blistering century a week ago. While Hope’s century went in vain, Banton’s was a special one as it not only helped his team jump to the second position in the points table but this was also only the first century scored in the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the history of ILT20.

Banton’s blitz was well-supported by Kusal Perera who scored an unbeaten 56 off 42 balls, making light of the run chase, as they romped home to 177 in 17.4 overs. Banton brought about his ton with great authority, sending Dilshan Madushanka’s short ball over the deep square leg for a huge six. His incredible knock was studded with 10 boundaries and six biggies while Perera packed off six boundaries and sent one over it in his commanding unbeaten knock.

Though Warriorz scalped dangerman Muhammad Waseem for 12 runs in only the second over through Dilshan Madushanka, their bowlers did not pose any threat to Banton-Perera’s rock-solid partnership of 157 runs. To add to their woes, a drop catch in the 12th over proved costly for the Warriorz when Karim Janat could not hold on to a sitter before Perera brought on his 50.

Put in to bat first, Sharjah Warriorz set up a total of 176/9 in 20 overs. MI Emirates left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi was the cynosure of MI Emirates bowling attack, tormenting the Warriorz batting order with four wickets for 24 runs while Alzarri Joseph bagged two for 39 with Romario Sheperd and Waqar Salamkheil chipping in with a wicket each.

Caught behind, opener Jason Roy was the first to fall for Farooqi in only his first over at a score of 7/1 but Johnson Charles and Avishka Fernando steered Warriorz innings stitching together a valuable 50-run partnership in 27 balls. Riding on his sensational 81 off 27 balls in Warriorz’ previous outing that set up a record-breaking chase against Dubai Capitals, Avishka set their home stadium ablaze with three boundaries and four sixes that had the Sunday audience in Sharjah up on their feet. He used the powerplay with explosive batting despite a slow wicket.

It was Romario Shepherd who eventually put an end to Fernando’s quick-fire innings of 39 runs in just 17 balls, with a slower delivery that was slogged to the cover but not timing it well enough, went straight to Muhammad Waseem who juggled a bit before safely holding on to a big wicket that put Sharjah Warriorz at 57/2.

Johnson, in the meantime, consolidated the Warriorz innings but lost Rohan Mustafa for six runs putting Warriorz at a precarious 71/3. A 32-run stand between Johnson and Luke Wells brought some semblance to the home team’s innings until Wells fell for Alzarri Joseph with 18 runs to his name. At the other end, Johnson was struggling with momentum and had to settle with singles and doubles but with Karim Janat steading the innings after coming in at No.6, Johnson upped his ante and reached the half-century mark in the 14th over. He fell to Farooqi in the 15th over after scoring 59 runs off 42 balls and surviving a drop catch by Nicolas Pooran early in the innings.

At 140/5, Warriorz huffed and puffed their way to 176/9 losing wickets regularly in the following over with no significant contribution coming from the tailenders after Janat departed for 18 runs. 

Player of the Match, Tom Banton said, “In my first eight or nine balls, I was on zero. It’s funny how cricket works sometimes. It was a really good wicket. I struggled for 25 balls. I have a better understanding of my game than a few years ago. Nicky, Polly, Robin and everyone has been really good.”

Sharjah Warriors Captain, Tim Southee said, “It wasn’t a bad score. We were reasonably happy with the score at the halfway stage. Avishka has been unbelievable in his first two games. Nice to see John at the other end but not taking wickets makes it hard. We weren’t able to take wickets and it does hurt to drop catches.”

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2024 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

Exit mobile version
https://headline.ae/