Entertainment

Michelle Yeoh, Francis Kere, Nile Rodgers awarded Crystal Award at World Economic Forum

Published

3 years ago

January 16, 2024

Staff Reporter

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Davos [Switzerland], January 16 (ANI): Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, Burkinabe-German architect Diebedo Francis Kere and American musician Nile Rodgers were awarded the Crystal Award 2024 at the ongoing World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland.

The winners were presented with the awards at the opening session of the WEF on Monday.

Diebedo Francis Kere was awarded the prize for his “exemplary leadership” in providing the Gando community the means towards a socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable future through projects that focus on education, health and the environment.

Kere, a native of Burkina had during his student days he established the Kere Foundation to support the development of his home village. In 2005, he opened the architectural office Kere Architecture.

His architectural practice has received national and international recognition, including the Pritzker Prize in 2022, the Praemium Imperiale in 2023, and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2004, awarded for his first building, the Gando Primary School in Burkina Faso, according to the World Economic Forum website.

“It’s a great day. I have seen heroes of myself here and I feel it so being here is for me…I was born in Bukinna Faso, in a little village called Gando. When I was a kid, we had no access to clean drink and water. We had no electricity and no healthcare facilities and no school. But my father wanted me to learn how to write and read, so he sent me to a school far away from the village,” Kere said in his acceptance speech in Davos.

He added, “I left my family, my friends and my community when I was seven. It sounds hard, but it was a huge chance for me to attend education, and that is the reason why I’m here today. I hard access and privilege. So at school I sat with more than 100 and 50 other kids”.

Michelle Yeoh, who made history by becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2023, was awarded the Crystal Award for raising awareness and mobilising support for sustainable development goals.

Yeoh was appointed as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2016. She is committed to raising awareness and mobilising support for the SDGs, sustainable fashion, and disaster preparedness.

“Thank you to the World Economic Forum for this unique and profound award. I am thrilled and honoured today to be recognised for my small part in the extraordinary work that I do with UNDP, with IPI, with ICM and UN Safety Ambassador,” Yeoh said in her address.

Stressing that gender discrimination is not just women’s problem but indeed a global issue, she further said that she is inspired by the work of organisations like the UNDP and their commitment to women empowerment goals”As you know, my day job is very different. I’m an actress who got my start taking on bad guys, kicking and punching and leaping in action films for a young girl from Ipoh, Malaysia whose dream of dancing was crushed with life-changing injury,” Yeoh said.

She added, “Gender discrimination is not a woman problem. It is a world problem in the face of these dark, immense issues. One voice, one shining light, one advocate may be the difference between a continued existence of silence and darkness or a future of change and hope for me personally”.

Nile Rodgers is known for giving the message of peace and equality through his ‘iconic music’ and for championing innovative youth voices.

According to the World Economic Forum website, Rodgers has been awarded for his “extraordinary efforts to make the world a more peaceful, equal, and inclusive place through his iconic music, his exemplary commitment in fighting systemic racism, inequality, and injustice, and by championing innovative youth voices to decision-making tables”.

“My parents socialised me to care about people and give to others though we ourselves were financially poor. So I am immeasurably honoured to receive this 2024 Crystal Award for my continuing efforts to help make a more peaceful, equitable, and inclusive environment through music and activism. I’m overjoyed that you recognise the incredible work of We Are Family Foundation,” Rodgers said in his speech in Davos.

He added, “Our Family Foundation has powerfully illustrated my belief that young people are the Thinkers and the Innovators who are critical to both the present and the future of our planet. We are honoured to work with 100 of youths around the world who are actively solving problems they are personally experiencing. Whether it’s climate change, the ethics of AI, social justice, or gross inequality”. (ANI)

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Entertainment

Emirates Dubai 7s 2026: Tickets on sale as festival returns with bigger family zone

Published

2 weeks ago

August 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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.

Entertainment

Dubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy

Published

8 months ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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.

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

Published

11 months ago

November 2, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September.

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community.

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come.

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE.

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.”

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.