Entertainment

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival hosts first Arab mountaineer to Everest, Lhotse

Published

2 years ago

February 4, 2024

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Dubai [UAE], February 4 (ANI/WAM): In November 2021, Fahad Badar, an Arab mountaineer from Qatar, underwent surgery, having four fingers on his left hand amputated due to frostbite at 8,051 metres on Broadpeak.

Doctors didn’t expect him to resume mountaineering for at least a couple of years. However, in less than a year, in July 2022, Badar scaled K2, the world’s second-highest peak, famously known as the savage mountain for its arduous and unpredictable climbing conditions.

The passionate adventure traveller told his Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2024) audience on the event’s inaugural day to never give up their passions at an inspiring talk ‘To the Summit: Finding the Strength to Keep Moving Forward’, he led at the SEF 2024 Creative Stage, one of the four specialised zones the festival offers under the theme ‘Our Shared Canvas’.

“Mountaineering is my passion, and I was devastated when doctors said that I would take at least a couple of years to recover and adapt well to doing basic things with a hand with no fingers. People were quick to pronounce an end to my passion for climbing. Even I became afraid of my life. I wondered how I would tie my shoelace. But instead of worrying, I channelled my fears, and without telling anyone of my plans, I trained hard for my next climb and was able to scale K2 in 10 months. Fear can fuel success; we should learn how to channel our worries and fear positively,” said Badar while delivering his talk.

Badar is the first Arab mountaineer to summit two of the world’s highest mountains, Everest and Lhotse, in one trip. His life story is an inspiration to people in all walks of life. “Achievements can make one complacent and comfortable, but it is failure that fuels the desire to succeed and achieve new feats,” said Badar, encouraging people to work hard and chase their dreams.

When asked if he ever feels like giving up, Badar surprised the audience and said, “Almost every day. Giving up is easy. I have an urge to give up almost every day, but I also have a burning desire to keep my passion for mountaineering alive and continue scaling new heights, which keeps me going. We should learn how to deal with stress. We should be able to understand the reasons for our stress and worries and work around them to our advantage. I strongly believe that a few days of pain lead to years of glory.”Badar was part of a stellar lineup of speakers and panellists sharing invaluable advice and wisdom on the Creative Stage on the first day of the Sharjah Entrepreneurial Festival 2024.

The stage witnessed invigorating performances by Ebrahim Al Dubai, Aafarynesh, Elijah Semine, Ananya, and Big Hass. Kim A. Page, Founder of Right Kind of Loud, hosted a workshop on ‘Making Yourself Unforgettable — Networking and Connecting,’ emphasising the importance of networking and showcasing one’s work on public and digital platforms. The Sharjah Youth Council Discussion Circle hosted a panel discussion on ‘Starting a Business in Sharjah’ with speakers Dr. Alia Abdel Wahab Al Madani, Co-founder of Yeppley Project Specialist, Head of Oral, Maxillofacial, and Humaid Al Kindi, Head of the Institutional Excellence Department, Vice President of the Sharjah Youth Council.

Maha Al-Saati, a Saudi Arabian female film-maker, shared her views on ‘Making Films from What We Know,’ while Kareem Abou Gamrah, Co-founderCEO of Peace Cake, shared some good advice on ‘Future-proof Content Creation.’ The stage also hosted an important talk on ‘Mental Health in the World of Content Creation’ by renowned Emirati influencer Khalid Al Ameri. Lastly, the stage featured the Seffy Awards Emerging Founders Pitch. (ANI/WAM)

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Staff Reporter

Announcements

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

Published

3 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.

Entertainment

Canada Super 60 set to dazzle with star-studded concert line-up at Vancouver’s BC Place

Published

3 months ago

October 9, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Canada Super 60 isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating North America’s newest entertainment spectacle. From October 8 to 13, Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will transform into a full-fledged cultural carnival, blending high-octane cricket with back-to-back music concerts.

Get ready for six nights of non-stop entertainment, headlined by some of the biggest names in Punjabi, Desi, and global fusion music. From the infectious beats of Harrdy Sandhu and Jassie Gill to the international flair of Mickey Singh, each night promises a festival atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Concert Line-Up Highlights

Oct 8 – Harrdy Sandhu (9pm)
Oct 9 – Jassie Gill (9pm)
Oct 10 – Mickey Singh (9pm)
Oct 11 – Parmish Verma (9pm)
Oct 12 – Raf-Saperra (9pm)
Oct 13 – GirlsLikeYou x Indo Warehouse (6:15pm)

The entertainment bonanza runs alongside thrilling cricket matches featuring international stars and fan favourites. With Yuvraj Singh backing the league and legends like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina on the field, Canada Super 60 is shaping up to be the ultimate blend of glamour, game, and groove.

“This is not just cricket; this is a lifestyle experience,” said a spokesperson for Canada Super 60. “Our entertainment line-up reflects the league’s ambition to unite cultures through music, sport, and community.”

Fans can expect full-scale stadium productions, food and cultural showcases, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, turning BC Place into Canada’s most happening venue this October.

About Canada Super 60

Canada Super 60 is the newest format in global cricket, a 60-ball showdown that delivers fast-paced action and festival-style entertainment. Backed by international icons and powered by music, sport, and cultural unity, it’s redefining how fans experience cricket in North America.

Entertainment

UAE students risk repeating a year if absences exceed 15 days, new rules state

Published

5 months ago

September 2, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Public school students in the UAE could be required to repeat an academic year if their unexcused absences exceed 15 days, under new rules announced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated guidelines exclude absences related to illness, medical travel, official event participation, emergencies, or family bereavements. Students will now be allowed up to five unexcused absences per term, capped at 15 across the year. Any excess will trigger a review, with the student’s file referred to the relevant authorities and child protection services.

The ministry also clarified that absences on Fridays, or on days immediately before or after official holidays, will count as two days. A warning system has been introduced to notify parents on the first day of absence.

Special exemptions will apply to students of determination and those with chronic illnesses. Parents may also appeal within five working days of being notified, ensuring fairness in implementation.

The initiative is aimed at tackling absenteeism, which the ministry said has a direct impact on academic performance. Citing studies, it noted that missing 10 per cent of school days equates to a loss of half an academic year, while absences beyond 20 per cent amount to a full year’s loss in achievement.

Schools have been instructed to create individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, including counselling sessions, parent engagement, and incentive programmes.

The ministry added that it will be up to educational boards to decide whether these rules will also extend to private schools.