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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. 

Announcements

Zahrawi Group celebrates successful opening of advanced distribution centre in Dubai

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– Zahrawi Group, a leading provider in healthcare solutions across the GCC, on Wednesday announced the successful official inauguration of its new state-of-the-art 38,000 square foot Distribution Centre, strategically located opposite Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the Group’s growth journey and its commitment to operational excellence.

The opening ceremony brought together Zahrawi Group’s leadership, including Chairman Isam M. Al-Muhaidib, alongside key partners, customers, representatives from governmental institutions, and Zahrawi’s senior management team. The guests were welcomed to a comprehensive tour of the facility, which showcased the advanced technologies and enhancements designed to optimise efficiency and scalability.

Guests also got the opportunity to explore the facility’s key features, including an advanced inventory management system, temperature-controlled storage, automated loading bays, and high-capacity order processing stations. Zahrawi Group’s leadership highlighted how these innovations improve operational accuracy, reduce turnaround times, and ensure the highest quality standards, positioning the facility as a benchmark in healthcare logistics across the region.

Abdulrahman Ramadan, Group CEO, highlighted the strategic significance of the new facility, emphasising how the Distribution Centre’s advanced technologies and increased capacity position Zahrawi Group to address the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. He underscored the company’s commitment to operational excellence and its focus on delivering exceptional value to its partners and customers, ultimately benefiting patients.

 “This facility significantly enhances our capacity to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. With cutting-edge technology and streamlined workflows, we are now better equipped than ever to ensure faster deliveries, greater accuracy, and the highest quality standards. This investment reinforces our position as a trusted partner in healthcare solutions across the GCC,” he said.

Isam M. Al-Muhaidib, Chairman of Zahrawi Group, reflected on the broader significance of this achievement. “This distribution centre is a reflection of our vision to innovate and elevate our operations to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector. It is not just an investment in infrastructure but also a testament to the trust and partnerships we’ve built over the years. This milestone strengthens our foundation and supports our mission to empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across the GCC,” he stated.

 Established in 1989, Zahrawi Group is a pioneer medical devices and life science distributor in the Gulf, with a presence in UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Specialising in surgical, medical, nuclear medicine, diagnostic, and analytical lab solutions, Zahrawi Group is known for driving progress in the healthcare sector by leveraging innovation and collaboration. The new distribution centre will help the company support healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across the GCC.

“Zahrawi Group remains dedicated to driving progress in the healthcare sector by leveraging innovation and collaboration. Our new distribution centre is a cornerstone of this commitment, enabling the company to support healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across the GCC. This achievement reinforces the Group’s mission to improve peoples’ lives by leading with excellence, integrity, and unwavering dedication to its stakeholders,” added Abdulrahman Ramadan, Group CEO.

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Mulk International and Ajeenkya DY Patil Group forge Dh100m partnership to launch the region’s first large-scale virtual hospital

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In a landmark collaboration, Mulk International from the UAE and India’s Ajeenkya DY Patil Group have acquired stakes in Mulk Med Healthcare  to become equal shareholders and launch what will be the region’s first large-scale virtual hospital of its kind with more than 20,000 doctors on board.  Both groups have further pledged an investment to the tune of AED 100 million to revolutionise healthcare in the MENA and Asia-Pacific regions. This strategic partnership is set to redefine healthcare delivery by leveraging virtual solutions to enhance access and provide comprehensive services to millions.

 Dr Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk, Founder & President of Mulk Med Healthcare  , emphasised the transformative vision of this collaboration: “Our partnership and shared vision with the DY Patil Group is a major landmark agreement which signifies a shared dedication to rapidly evolving innovation and inclusivity in healthcare.”

 The new Initiative introduces Mulk Med Virtual Hospitals ecosystem across the globe, one that has already been implemented in countries like Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea and is in advanced stages of implementation in other territories. The comprehensive healthcare platform is also aided by Mulk Med App and video conferencing system available in 170+  countries currently, offering multiple essential services including 24/7  telehealth with door step free delivery of discounted medicines, also facilitating lifesaving  smart ambulances, mobile clinics, and round-the-clock home care.

 Transforming Healthcare Delivery in the region

According to Dr Ul Mulk, these innovations are designed to improve healthcare accessibility, providing unmatched convenience for both urban and remote patients. Patients will benefit from virtual 24/7 consultations from over 20,000 doctors on board globally along with more than 500 pharmacies and service providers. Additionally, non-insured patients and UAE visitors can avail huge discounts on laboratory, radiology, hospital admissions and surgeries besides doorstep medicines, wellness and aesthetics using the newly launched Mulk Medicare Privilege Health Card for most affordable services that also give users access to longevity & precision medicine centres and genomics labs.

 Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk International said: “Our global investments underscore Mulk Group’s long-standing commitment to driving impactful societal change.  We are dedicated to fostering partnerships with local communities and governments to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.”

The initiative is also set to redefine emergency response with lifesaving smart ambulances and will extend services to underserved communities through mobile clinics. For travellers, both in & out bound comprehensive tourist healthcare insurance will provide peace of mind with robust medical coverage, while cutting-edge ICU Pods, Mulk Vital signs devices and kiosks with advanced AI enhanced technology incorporated to continuously monitor patients with chronic diseases will optimise recovery, and enhance hospital efficiency.

Dr. Ajeenkya Patil, Chairman of DY Patil Group that owns one of the largest hospital chains in India with more than 8,000 hospital beds in wings with 7 Hospitals being rolled out pan India , highlighted the initiative’s significance: “We intent to facilitate medical tourism strong demand in India from Africa & other regions in our newly build world class Hospitals care in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Together, we aim to deliver a transformative, patient-centric healthcare ecosystem that prioritises accessibility, affordability, and quality.”

“Innovation is key to solving the world’s healthcare challenges and Mulk Med Healthcare is rightly poised to embark on the global expansion to bring affordability and top notch  equitable healthcare facilities to one and all. Mulk Medicare comprehensive hybrid model of  digital and onsite healthcare innovative solutions not only address immediate medical needs but also lay the foundation for a sustainable, scalable future in healthcare,” added Dr Shafi Ul Mulk.

Mulk Med Healthcare currently covers over a million insured patients from Dubai, Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi.

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Dubai Safari to introduce extended hours for night safaris

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Timings at the Dubai Safari Park will be extended this winter season, allowing visitors to experience the attraction at night. Evening visitors will be able to observe changes in the animals’ behaviour as the night deepens. The park’s lions will roar more, the usually elusive pygmy hippos will be more active and the predatory instincts of carnivores primed for nocturnal hunting will intensify.

The night safari timings of 6pm to 8pm will be applicable for a limited period—from December 13 to January 12. Tickets will be sold on the park’s website starting from December 11.

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The extended hours will include two night safaris led by wildlife guides. Visitors can “expect to catch” a glimpse of the night-time routines of over 90 species, “besides participating in interactive activities involving animals”, the park’s operator said. The safari will host live performances, including an African fire show and a neon display. Visitors will be able to observe and study the animals’ natural adaptations at night, which include enhanced night vision, echolocation, and a heightened sense of smell and hearing.

Ahmad Al Zarouni, director of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities at Dubai Municipality, said, “With the introduction of the unique night safari, we are excited to reveal a new perspective on the world of wildlife after dark. This experience offers a rare opportunity to explore hidden aspects of life in the wild and learn about our constant efforts to enhance animal welfare, by day and by night.”

The extended timings are being offered amid the country’s peak tourist season.

According to the Dubai Safari Park, “well-considered measures” are in place to ensure that the ecosystem and animals’ natural routines remain undisturbed during the night safaris. “Only nocturnally active species will be part of the safari experience, allowing guests to observe them in their most natural state.”

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