Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 29 (ANI): Celebrities had a happy year in 2023 in general, as there were hit films and weddings. However, this year, several stars announced their breakups or divorces. They left their fans wondering what went wrong in their relationships and speculating on the causes of the breakups. As the year comes to a close, take a look back at some of the couples who called it quits.
Joe Jonas-Sophie TurnerA popular celebrity couple, American singer-songwriter Joe Jonas and ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Sophie Turner, announced their divorce in September 2023 via Instagram post.
Sophie took to Instagram and wrote, “After four wonderful years of marriage, we have mutually decided to amicably end our marriage. There are many speculative narratives as to why but, truly this is a united decision and we sincerely hope that everyone can respect our wishes for privacy for us and our children.”Niharika Konidela-Chaitanya JonnalagaddaChiranjeevi’s niece and actor, Niharika Konidela, announced the news of her separation from her husband, Chaitanya Jonnalagadda, in July 2023.
Taking to Instagram, Niharika shared a post that read, “Chaitanya and I have decided to mutually part ways and ask for kindness and sensitivity as we move on. Thank you to my family and friends, who have been pillars of support. I request some privacy for us to navigate this new normal in private. Thank you for understanding.”Himanshi Khurana-Asim RiazOne of the loved couples from Bigg Boss 13, Himanshi Khurana and Asim Riaz, who were in a relationship, called it quits this month. Himanshi took to Instagram to share that the two called it quits over different religious beliefs.
Her post read, “Yes, me and Asim are not together anymore. All the time we have spent together has been great but our togetherness has come to an end Now. The journey of our relationship was great and we are moving forward in our lives. With due respect to our respective religions, we are sacrificing our love for our different religious beliefs. We have nothing against each other. We request that you respect our privacy.”Rajeev Sen-Charu AsopaRajeev and Charu are another couple who ended their marriage this year. Rajeev dropped a picture with Charu on his Instagram story He wrote, “There are no goodbyes. Just two people who couldn’t hold on to each other. Love will stay. We will always remain mom and dad to our daughter.”Kusha Kapila-Zorawar Singh AhluwaliaKusha Kapila and Zorawar Singh Ahluwalia. She announced her divorce in an Instagram post, stating that it was a mutual choice. Taking to Instagram, Kusha shared a post that read, “Zorawar and I have mutually decided to part ways. This hasn’t been an easy decision by any measure but we know it’s the right one at this point in our lives. The love and life we have shared continue to mean everything to us but sadly, what we currently seek for ourselves doesn’t align. We gave it our all until we couldn’t anymore.”Ariana Grande-Dalton GomezAriana Grande and her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, had secretly split in January and were planning to divorce after two years of marriage, Page Six revealed in July 2023.
“They came to the decision together,” a source told Page Six.
“They were having problems before January, but they want to remain best friends.”The couple began dating in early 2020 and married less than a year later. They married in a modest, at-home wedding ceremony at her Montecito, California, property in May 2021. (ANI)
Dubai’s Miracle Garden has reopened for its 15th season as temperatures begin to fall across the UAE. The popular attraction in Al Barsha South welcomed visitors on Thursday, 8 October, with the new season being launched under the theme “Fifteen Years, Blooming Together”.
Sheikh Theyab bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of Miracle Group, inaugurated the new season. The garden will remain open until 31 May 2027, with a programme of weekly themes and events planned around the UAE’s cultural and national calendar.
Visitors will see activities linked to occasions including Pink October, United Nations Day, UAE Flag Day and Diwali. The programme will also include live music, family entertainment and fitness activities held as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Events are also planned for Commemoration Day and Eid Al Etihad.
“For fifteen seasons, Dubai Miracle Garden has grown alongside Dubai and its people,” Sheikh Theyab said. “This season is dedicated to the community that made it possible, particularly the families and residents who return year after year.”
Mohammed Zaher Hammadih, group chief executive of Miracle Group, said the weekly programme was intended to encourage visitors to return throughout the season.
“As we mark our 15th season, Dubai Miracle Garden continues to bring people together through shared experiences,” he said. “Our weekly programme gives families a new reason to return, with cultural celebrations, live entertainment and activities to enjoy throughout the season.”
The garden features more than 150 varieties of flowers and is known for its large-scale floral displays, some of which have previously set Guinness World Records.
Since opening in 2013, it has attracted millions of visitors and become one of Dubai’s established family attractions.The garden is open daily from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 11pm at weekends.
Tickets start at Dh105 for adults and Dh84 for children. Children under three can enter free of charge.
Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.
The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.
The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.
Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.
Other ticket options
Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
Friday: Dh75
Under 15s: Free
People of Determination + carer: Dh375
Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.
Bigger family attractions
Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.
The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Six sports and top rugby action
Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.
Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.
The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.
The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.
Music all weekend
Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.
Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.
For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.
With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.
The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.
What is Dubai+?
Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:
Local and Emirati productions
Arab series and films
International entertainment
The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.
“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
Boosting Local Film and Content Production
The Council also reviewed plans to:
Enhance local production capabilities
Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth
Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.
Next Phase of Growth
Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.
Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.