Announcements

Johan Nus of Arabs Got Talent fame to direct region’s first grand musical, Once Upon A Time in Dubai

Published

2 years ago

January 28, 2025

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Dubai’s much-anticipated first grand musical of its kind, Once Upon A Time in Dubai, will have celebrated director Johan Nus at the helm. Known for his dynamic and visionary direction across international productions including Arabs Got Talent, Nus is set to create an unforgettable theatrical experience that captures Dubai’s vibrant energy and ambition.

With a background that includes directing performances for X Factor and The Masked Singer, as well as acclaimed musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and Sweeney Todd, Nus brings a unique blend of creativity and global perspective to this ambitious project.

“Once Upon A Time in Dubai is not just a musical; it’s a bold celebration of culture, love, and ambition—values that define Dubai so well in my opinion. Directing this project is a dream come true, as it allows me to blend my passion for storytelling with the unmatched spirit of this incredible city. Audiences can expect a visual and emotional journey that will stay with them long after the curtains close.”

Set to premiere in December 2025, the musical is set to become a milestone project featuring 50 shows in Dubai for an anticipated 150,000 attendees before it embarks on a world tour and movie adaptation in subsequent years eventually.

Producer Stéphane Boukris, whose credentials include international successes like the Robin Hood musical, expressed his excitement about working with Nus: “Johan’s ability to connect with audiences through his direction is unparalleled. His vision aligns perfectly with what we want to achieve with Once Upon A Time in Dubai—a production that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with audiences around the globe. His expertise is critical in bringing this dream to life.”

The musical is a story of dreams, love, and determination, centered on Will, a young artist who moves to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of creating a spectacular show. With original compositions by renowned composer Nazim Khaled, the production promises a mix of chart-topping songs and emotionally evocative music.

Once Upon A Time in Dubai is poised to redefine theatrical entertainment in the region, showcasing Dubai as a hub for global culture and creativity.

Related Topics:#entertainment #musical #onceuponatimeindubai #ouatid

Suhani Singh

As a trainee reporter and creative lead, I focus on curating engaging content and managing the social media presence for the company. I aim to connect audiences with relevant, impactful news through multiple digital platforms.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

10 hours ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

1 week ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.

Announcements

UAE’s Jaywan card can now be used for online shopping on thousands of websites

Published

3 weeks ago

July 21, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Online shopping with the UAE’s Jaywan card just got a major upgrade.

Network International has announced that Jaywan cardholders can now use their cards to pay on thousands of online stores connected to its payment gateway, expanding the domestic payment scheme beyond in-store purchases.

The move is expected to make online payments faster and more convenient while supporting the UAE’s push towards a cashless economy.

What is Jaywan?

Launched by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, Jaywan is the country’s domestic payment card scheme.

It was introduced to provide a secure local payment option, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem.

Until now, Jaywan cards were mainly accepted for in-store purchases. With the latest expansion, cardholders can also use them for online shopping across thousands of merchants powered by Network International.

What this means for shoppers

For UAE residents, the update means more flexibility when shopping online.

Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking services or buying products online, you’ll be able to use your Jaywan card anywhere that supports Network International’s payment gateway.

The company says the integration offers secure, fast and seamless online payments, while merchants won’t face additional charges for Jaywan transactions processed through its platform.

A step towards a cashless UAE

The expansion is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to accelerate digital payments and reduce reliance on cash.

By making Jaywan available both in stores and online, payment providers are helping create a more connected digital payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

As more banks, merchants and payment providers adopt the scheme, residents can expect to see Jaywan accepted across even more everyday payment services in the future.